Saturday 20th December
Read Matthew 2:3-6
“When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 ‘In Bethlehem in Judea,’ they replied, ‘for this is what the prophet has written:
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.”’” (NIVUK)
The summary provided by the Jerusalem leaders of the passage in Micah 5 is not an entirely accurate citation but certainly captures the consensus view on where the Messiah would rise. It is interesting that this is described less as Herod ‘calling school in’ to answer a question that has troubled him, but as a united response to a threat to the status quo they were previously unaware of. Herod, and Jerusalem, were disturbed by the news that a new king had arisen (v3).
It is significant to consider the addition to Micah 5 they place at the end of their quotation. They refer back to 2 Samuel and cite a passage which, in context, is startling in its implications.
“All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, ‘We are your own flesh and blood. 2 In the past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the Lord said to you, “You shall shepherd my people Israel, and you shall become their ruler.”’ (2 Samuel 5:1-2) (NIVUK).
A passage that signifies the unifying rule of the one true King would be difficult to find. This king from David’s line is not simply ruler over Judah, but will unite Israel. Matthew is making clear, from the very beginning of his gospel, that Jesus will face opposition from the rulers of this world. But some will seek to honour as King.
