At Christmas: First and Second Coming of Jesus Christ?
Isaac Megbolugbe
December 20, 2024
Introduction
As Christmas approaches, we reflect on the significance of Jesus Christ’s birth, life, and ministry. Micah 5:1-6 is a profound prophecy that bundles the first and second coming of the Messiah into one cohesive message. This passage is a beautiful representation of Jesus’ role as the Good Shepherd, who guides, protects, and cares for His flock. In this article, we will explore the prophecies in Micah 5:1-6, their fulfillment in Jesus Christ, and the implications for our lives today.
A GREAT AND PEACEFUL KING
“He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach the ends of the earth.” Micah 5:4
The Coming of Jesus Christ
The First Coming: The Humble Birth of the Messiah: Micah 5:2 specifically mentions that the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem Ephrathah, which is a small town in Judah. This prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, as recorded in Matthew 2:1-6 and Luke 2:1-20 ¹. The fact that Jesus was born in a humble town, rather than a grand city like Jerusalem, emphasizes His humility and willingness to identify with the lowly.
The Gap Time: Jesus’ Ministry as the Good Shepherd: During His ministry on earth, Jesus demonstrated His role as the Good Shepherd by teaching, guiding, and caring for His followers. He described Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:11-18). Jesus’ ministry was characterized by compassion, wisdom, and power, as He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and forgave sins.
The Second Coming: The Triumphant Return of the Messiah: Micah 5:4-5 describes the Messiah’s second coming as a time of great triumph and victory. Jesus will stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the Lord, and His greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. This prophecy is fulfilled in Revelation 19:11-16, where Jesus returns as the King of kings and Lord of lords, leading His armies to victory over evil.
Jesus Christ’ Manifestation as the Good Shepherd
Throughout Micah 5:1-6, Jesus is portrayed as the Good Shepherd who cares for His flock. This theme is echoed in Psalm 23, where David describes God as his Shepherd who guides him, protects him, and provides for him. Jesus’ manifestation as the Good Shepherd is a testament to His love, compassion, and commitment to His followers. In conclusion, Micah 5:1-6 is a powerful prophecy that showcases Jesus’ role as the Good Shepherd. From His humble birth in Bethlehem to His triumphant return as the King of kings, Jesus is the ultimate Shepherd who guides, protects, and cares for His flock. As we reflect on this prophecy, may we be reminded of Jesus’ love and commitment to us, and may we eagerly anticipate His return in glory.
Jesus’ Leadership and Protection: During His second coming, Jesus will lead and protect His people, ensuring their safety and security. Micah 5:4 states that He will “stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord.” This verse emphasizes Jesus’ strength and power as the Good Shepherd, who will protect His flock from harm.
Jesus’ Global Impact: Micah 5:4 also states that Jesus’ greatness will “reach to the ends of the earth.” This verse highlights Jesus’ global impact and influence, as He establishes His kingdom on earth. During His second coming, Jesus will reign supreme over all nations, and His kingdom will be characterized by peace, justice, and righteousness.
Jesus’ Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies: Micah 5:1-6 is just one of many Old Testament prophecies that Jesus fulfilled during His first coming. Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, His ministry as the Good Shepherd, and His crucifixion and resurrection all fulfilled specific prophecies in the Old Testament. Jesus’ fulfillment of these prophecies demonstrates His divinity and confirms His identity as the Messiah.
Conclusion: In conclusion, Micah 5:1-6 is a powerful prophecy that showcases Jesus’ role as the Good Shepherd. From His humble birth in Bethlehem to His triumphant return as the King of kings, Jesus is the ultimate Shepherd who guides, protects, and cares for His flock. As we reflect on this prophecy, may we be reminded of Jesus’ love and commitment to us, and may we eagerly anticipate His return in glory.
How Does Micah 5:1-6 Describe Jesus’ Role
Micah 5:1-6 describes Jesus’ role as the Good Shepherd in the following ways: (1) Birth in Bethlehem: Micah 5:2 specifically mentions that the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem Ephrathah, which is a small town in Judah. This prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1-6, Luke 2:1-20). (2) Shepherding His flock: Micah 5:4 states that the Messiah will “stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord.” This verse emphasizes Jesus’ role as the Good Shepherd, who guides, protects, and cares for His flock. (3) Global impact: Micah 5:4 also states that the Messiah’s greatness will “reach to the ends of the earth.” This verse highlights Jesus’ global impact and influence, as He establishes His kingdom on earth. (4) Protection and care*: Micah 5:5-6 describes the Messiah’s protection and care for His people, ensuring their safety and security. This verse emphasizes Jesus’ role as the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:11-18). (5) Strength and power*: Micah 5:4 states that the Messiah will shepherd His flock “in the strength of the Lord.” This verse emphasizes Jesus’ strength and power as the Good Shepherd, who is able to protect and care for His flock. (6) Majesty and glory: Micah 5:4 also states that the Messiah will shepherd His flock “in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.” This verse emphasizes Jesus’ majesty and glory as the Good Shepherd, who is worthy of worship and adoration.
What Are the Specific Prophecies in Micah 5:1-6
Here are the specific prophecies in Micah 5:1-6 that were fulfilled by Jesus:
Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus’ Birth and Life: (1) Birth in Bethlehem: Micah 5:2 specifically mentions that the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem Ephrathah. This prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1-6, Luke 2:1-20). (2) Humiliation and rejection: Micah 5:1 mentions that the Messiah will be struck on the cheek and humiliated. This prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus was beaten, mocked, and crucified (Matthew 26:67, 27:29-30). (3) Ministry in Galilee: Micah 5:5 mentions that the Messiah will come from Assyria (a region that includes modern-day Galilee). This prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus began His ministry in Galilee (Matthew 4:12-17).
Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus’ Second Coming: (1) Triumphant return: Micah 5:4 mentions that the Messiah will “stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord.” This prophecy will be fulfilled when Jesus returns in triumph and glory (Revelation 19:11-16). (2) Global impact: Micah 5:4 mentions that the Messiah’s greatness will “reach to the ends of the earth.” This prophecy will be fulfilled when Jesus establishes His kingdom on earth and reigns supreme over all nations (Revelation 11:15-17). (3) Protection and care: Micah 5:5-6 mentions that the Messiah will protect and care for His people, ensuring their safety and security. This prophecy will be fulfilled when Jesus returns and establishes His kingdom on earth, where He will reign as the Good Shepherd (Revelation 7:13-17).
His Role as the Good Shepherd
Jesus’ second coming is deeply connected to His role as the Good Shepherd. Here are some ways in which Jesus’ second coming relates to His role as the Good Shepherd:
Gathering and Protecting His Flock: (1) Gathering His flock: During His second coming, Jesus will gather His flock from all corners of the earth (Matthew 24:31, Mark 13:27). As the Good Shepherd, Jesus will reunite with His sheep and lead them to eternal pastures. (2) Protecting His flock: Jesus will also protect His flock from the wrath of God and the attacks of Satan (Revelation 6:16-17, 7:9-17). As the Good Shepherd, Jesus will defend His sheep and keep them safe from harm.
Leading His Flock to Eternal Pastures: (1) Leading to eternal life: Jesus will lead His flock to eternal life, where they will enjoy the presence of God forever (John 10:28, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). (2) Providing eternal nourishment_: As the Good Shepherd, Jesus will provide eternal nourishment for His flock, satisfying their deepest longings and needs (Psalm 23:1-4, Revelation 7:16-17).
Establishing His Kingdom: (1) Establishing His kingdom: During His second coming, Jesus will establish His kingdom on earth, where He will reign as the Good Shepherd (Revelation 11:15-17, 20:1-6). (2) Ruling with justice and righteousness_: As the Good Shepherd, Jesus will rule His kingdom with justice and righteousness, ensuring that His flock is protected and provided for (Psalm 72:1-14, Isaiah 11:1-10). In summary, Jesus’ second coming is deeply connected to His role as the Good Shepherd. He will gather and protect His flock, lead them to eternal pastures, and establish His kingdom on earth, where He will reign as the Good Shepherd.
Micah 5:1-6: About Jesus’ Character and Nature
Micah 5:1-6 reveals several aspects of Jesus’ character and nature, including:
Humility: Born in Bethlehem: Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, a small and insignificant town, demonstrates His humility and willingness to identify with the lowly (Micah 5:2).
Strength and Power: Shepherding in the strength of the Lord: Jesus’ ability to shepherd His flock in the strength of the Lord highlights His divine power and strength (Micah 5:4).
Majesty and Glory: Majesty of the name of the Lord: Jesus’ association with the majesty of the name of the Lord emphasizes His divine glory and majesty (Micah 5:4).
Compassion and Care: Shepherding His flock: Jesus’ role as a shepherd emphasizes His compassion, care, and concern for His people (Micah 5:4).
Global Impact: Greatness reaching to the ends of the earth: Jesus’ greatness reaching to the ends of the earth highlights His global impact and influence (Micah 5:4).
Justice and Righteousness: Ruling with justice and righteousness_ Jesus’ future reign on earth will be characterized by justice and righteousness, emphasizing His commitment to fairness and morality (Micah 5:5-6). These aspects of Jesus’ character and nature are essential to understanding His mission, ministry, and message.
How Can We Apply the Principles of Micah 5:1-6
Here are some ways to apply the principles of Micah 5:1-6 to our daily lives and relationships with others:
Humility: (1) Emulate Jesus’ humility: Recognize that true greatness comes from humility and a willingness to serve others (Micah 5:2). (2) Put others before yourself: Prioritize the needs of others and seek to serve them, just as Jesus did (Philippians 2:3-4).
Compassion and Care: Show compassion to those in need: Demonstrate Jesus’ compassion and care by helping those who are struggling or marginalized (Micah 5:4). (2) Listen actively and empathetically: Listen to others with empathy and understanding, just as Jesus listened to those who came to Him (Matthew 9:36-38).
Justice and Righteousness: (1) Stand up for justice and righteousness: Advocate for justice and righteousness in your community and world, just as Jesus did (Micah 5:5-6). (2) Treat others with fairness and respect: Treat others with fairness, respect, and dignity, regardless of their background or circumstances (Matthew 25:31-46).
Global Impact: (1) Pray for global missions and evangelism: Pray for the spread of the Gospel and the growth of God’s kingdom around the world (Micah 5:4). (2) Support global missions and ministries: Support organizations and ministries that are working to spread the Gospel and serve others around the world (Matthew 28:18-20).
Personal Relationship with Jesus: (1) Cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus: Develop a deep and personal relationship with Jesus, who is the Good Shepherd and the source of all wisdom, guidance, and strength (Micah 5:4). (2.) Seek Jesus’ guidance and wisdom: Seek Jesus’ guidance and wisdom in all aspects of your life, trusting in His goodness and sovereignty (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Concluding Remarks
In conclusion, Micah 5:1-6 is a powerful prophecy that showcases Jesus’ role as the Good Shepherd. From His humble birth in Bethlehem to His triumphant return as the King of kings, Jesus is the ultimate Shepherd who guides, protects, and cares for His flock. As we celebrate Christmas and reflect on Jesus’ life and ministry, may we be reminded of His love and commitment to us. May we also eagerly anticipate His return in glory, when He will establish His kingdom on earth and reign as the Good Shepherd.
Isaac Megbolugbe, Director of GIVA Ministries International, 2024 Marquis Organization’s Class of Top Executives in the United States of America and a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. He is resident in the United States of America.
