Bethlehem’s shepherd ruler

MATTHEW 2:5b-6 | RACHEL KENNEDY

‘for this is what the prophet has written:

“‘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.”’

Bethlehem - A familiar location to many particularly at this advent period. It is perhaps best known as the town of David.

Matthew’s initial audience would have been the Jews, so he seeks to show that Jesus is a promised descendent of David. 

We will see that today’s passage emphasises that Jesus perfectly fulfils Old Testament prophecy.

Verse 6 quoting Micah 5, shows us that God always had a special purpose for Bethlehem in His salvation plan. God takes what humanly speaking seems insignificant and uses it for His divine purpose. 

The fact that Joseph & Mary were even in Bethlehem at the right time exhibits God’s utter control, even over world events. What a privilege is ours, that we can pray to God knowing He is able! Bethlehem’s literal meaning is “House of Bread”, and we are reminded of Jesus’s words when he said: “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35).

Jesus is prophesied to be a ruler who will shepherd the people of Israel. A shepherd’s role is to lead, guide, protect and care for their sheep. Jesus came to lead and guide his followers. He spoke specifically on the subject in Matthew 18, the parable of the lost sheep and in John 10 when he said “I am the good shepherd”. Jesus shows himself to be the one true shepherd who ultimately lived the perfect life in our place and died for our sins. 

Thank you Father that you have complete control. You have left us in no doubt about who our Saviour is. Help us to remember these truths each day as our faith is often weak. May we know your strength and presence as we seek to live for you. Amen.