In the Infancy Narrative, which group is the first to receive the announcement of Jesus' birth?

• A. The Shepherds
• B. The Magi
• C. The Priests of the Temple
• D. The Fishermen

Answer: (A)

The first group to hear the announcement in Luke’s Infancy Narrative are the shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem. This setting highlights a key idea: God’s good news comes to ordinary, lowly people, not just religious or political elites. The angel tells the shepherds about the birth of the Savior, and their response—hurrying to see the child and then spreading the news—models the pattern of hearing, believing, and sharing the gospel. The other figures belong to related stories told in different gospel traditions or appear later in the narrative (for example, the Magi come after in Matthew, while temple priests and fishermen aren’t the first listeners in the infancy accounts). So, the shepherds are the first recipients of the birth announcement.