“No occupation in the world is more disreputable than that of
the shepherd.” Such was the surprising judgment of the Pharisaic
Rabbi of Jesus’ day. Shepherds were listed in the rabbi’s
official lists of thieving and cheating occupations, were
assumed to be dishonest, and were generally despised by the
religious leaders. A shepherd could not. be a judge, nor was he
allowed to be a witness in a court of law. Pious people were
forbidden to buy wool, milk, or kids from them, since such would
undoubtedly be stolen merchandise. One rabbi even asked with
amazement how, since shepherds were so despicable, one could
explain the fact that God is called “my shepherd” in Psalm 23.
But Jesus identified with the lowly shepherd (poimen -- poi
MANE). The first visitors to his humble nativity were shepherds.
More than once the hero of his parables was a simple shepherd.
But most of all Jesus portrayed himself as a shepherd -- the
good shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. Jesus was
ready and willing to cast his lot w