Articles
A Ruler Who Will Shepherd My People
The story of the wise men visiting Jesus is familiar and has been embedded in art and music. While tradition often highlights details like their number or names, Matthew's Gospel quickly directs our attention to the true focal point: Jesus Himself.
When wise men from the East arrived in Jerusalem, they asked, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him" (Matthew 2:2). King Herod, troubled, consulted the chief priests and scribes, who immediately knew the answer, citing the prophet Micah: "In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 'And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel'" (Matthew 2:5-6).
This prophecy from Micah 5:2, written some 700 years before Christ's birth, speaks volumes. Micah’s message to his own generation was one of impending judgment for their rampant sin and idolatry. Yet, woven into this sobering warning was a glimmer of hope for the "latter days"—a time when God's kingdom would be established, and the Lord Himself would reign. This future Ruler would come from Bethlehem, a seemingly insignificant village.
This prophecy tells us three profound truths about Jesus. First, He is the Messiah. Jesus was born in the exact place foretold, Bethlehem, confirming His identity as the promised Messiah. Second, He is of the right lineage. Micah’s prophecy, mentioning Bethlehem Ephrathah and Judah, ties directly to the lineage of King David. Matthew’s genealogy further emphasizes Jesus' descent from David, fulfilling God's promise of an eternal kingdom through David's offspring. Third, He is “from of old, from ancient days. Micah 5:2 also declares this Ruler's origin as "from of old, from ancient days." This means the baby born in Bethlehem was more than human; He was Immanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23).
Given who Jesus is—the promised Ruler, born in the right place, of the right lineage, as God with us—what should our response be? First, we should submit to His rule by acknowledging Him as the Lord Jesus Christ, turning from sin and embracing His teachings. Second, we should follow His lead. Unlike the corrupt leaders Micah condemned, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. He calls us to hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:27). Third, we should worship Him. Just as the wise men sought to worship Him, we too are called to offer Him our adoration and praise.
The Ruler is here! Let's honor Him, just as the wise men did, by submitting to His rule, following His lead, and worshipping Him. Let’s surrender our thoughts and actions to His loving rule.
