By Jack Hammans

But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.

Matthew 2:6

But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel. – Matthew 2:6

The city of Bethlehem today has a population of approximately 20,000. In ancient times it was a small village of perhaps 500. Although it was well known as the hometown of King David, it was a backwater town of no political or commercial significance. In Micah’s prediction that the Jewish chief priests and students of the Law quoted to Herod, the prophet is contrasting the smallness of Bethlehem to the greatness of the Messiah who would come out of there. It is one of God’s favorite things to use small, out-of-the-way places, obscure and uninfluential people, and simple commonplace objects to magnify His glory by contrast. 

Jesus the Messiah was born to be the ruler of Israel, a descendant of that nation’s most illustrious king, David, yet One far greater than David. We worship Him not merely as the King of Jews but as the Lord of the whole world. In our American system of government, there are three separate branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. But in Jesus’ government, there is no separation of powers. He is all at once the chief executive, perfect lawgiver, and supreme judge. Unlike human politicians, he can be depended on to keep every one of his promises and to achieve perfect justice for all.

The prophet Micah predicted that the Messiah would “shepherd” God’s people. My favorite of all the “I Am’s” of Jesus in the Gospel of John is “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11-18). Jesus shepherds the members of his flock, the Church, by guiding us in the right path of life, protecting us from our enemies (the world, the flesh, and the devil), and providing nourishment for our souls. Beyond all that, He laid down his life for us—freely, voluntarily. Neither the Jewish Sanhedrin, Pontius Pilate, nor the Roman Soldiers could take His life from Him. He laid it down of His own accord, to take it up again in His resurrection. 

Jesus the Messiah, our Savior, is the servant who rules and the ruler who serves. Come, let us adore him!

Lord Jesus, we ask that you enlarge our vision of your greatness this Advent and Christmas season. Expand our understanding of your rulership over all things. Increase our gratitude for your gentle, unfailing care for us as our Good Shepherd. And reawaken in us the wonder of who you are and what you did by laying down your life for us on the cross. 

Amen.