1. The Shepherd Who Rules

When we hear the name Jesus, different pictures come to mind. Some see a gentle teacher with kind words. Others imagine a powerful king with unquestioned authority. Still others struggle to understand what kind of ruler He truly is. The Gospel of Matthew brings these images together and gives us a fuller picture. Again and again, Matthew shows us that Jesus is both Shepherd and King. He rules with authority, yet He stays close. He leads with power, yet He cares with tenderness. To follow Jesus is to follow a ruler who walks among His people.

From the beginning, Matthew tells us that Jesus fulfills God’s promise of “a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel” (Matthew 2:6; Micah 5:2). A shepherd is not distant. He guards his flock, leads them to food and water, and stays with them through the night. Caring for the sheep is not optional. It is his calling.

When Jesus looked at the crowds, Matthew tells us He was moved with compassion, “because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). He spoke of a shepherd who would leave ninety-nine sheep to search for one that was lost (Matthew 18:12–14). Yet this same Shepherd is also Judge, separating sheep from goats with perfect justice (Matthew 25:32). And on the night of His arrest, Jesus called Himself the Shepherd who would be struck, knowing His suffering would scatter the flock (Matthew 26:31).

Jesus does not rule like the rulers of history, nor is He shaped by popular opinion. He says, “Take my yoke upon you… for I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29–30). At the same time, He declares, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). His authority is clear, yet it is always joined with love. “If you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15).

Trust grows where care is consistent. As Hebrews reminds us, discipline may be painful for a time, but it yields “a harvest of righteousness and peace” (Hebrews 12:11). Jesus shepherds us with patience, trains us with love, and rules us with wisdom.

He is the Shepherd who knows His sheep—and the King who is worthy to be followed.

• Kevin Goddu