A Shepherd and a King

For the past couple of years, Kristi and I have read the birth account of Christ together in honor of Christmas (found in the first two chapters of Matthew & Luke). Sometimes we also read some of the Old Testament prophecies that point to His coming. This year we read Isaiah 9 and Ezekiel 34. Isaiah 9 speaks of a King whom God promises to send to rule His people and Ezekiel 34 speaks of a Shepherd whom God promises to feed His people. I was struck during our reading that both kings and shepherds came to see Jesus after He was born.

Shepherds came to visit the Great Shepherd (John 10:11; Hebrews 13:20) and kings journeyed from afar to worship the King of Kings (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 19:16).

When the kings/wisemen from the East came to Jerusalem seeking to find the promised King, King Herod was alarmed and gathered Jewish scholars together to determine where this King was to be born:

They told him, “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)

Jesus Christ is this promised King. As King, He rules His people with perfect justice, wisdom, righteousness and peace. He is a mighty warrior who victoriously leads into battle. He fearlessly conquers all His enemies. "And of His kingdom there will be no end" (Luke 1:33).

Jesus Christ is this promised Shepherd. As our Shepherd, He guides His people into all truth. He cares for, tends and protects His flock. If any of His sheep stray, He will go after them and bring them back. He gives them rest in a good and safe pasture. "And you are my sheep, human sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Lord God” (Ezekiel 34:31).

Merry Christmas!!!