As we approach the feast of Epiphany — Twelfth Night (January 6) — which concludes the Christmas season, Keltonburg Preacher offers thoughts on Jesus, ‘a born leader’. Something to think about as we return to work, studies and everyday responsibilities.

Excerpts follow, emphases in the original:

When the men from the east came to find the newborn King, they stopped following the star and went to Jerusalem to see if anyone could help them find the King they sought to worship. After king Herod found out about their journey and mission he required the chief priests and scribes to look into the claims that the men were making of this expected Anointed One. The scribes’ answer to Herod came from Hosea 5:2 and it read “And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule [shepherd] my people Israel.” (Matthew 2:6 KJV).

The Greek word “Hegeomai” that is translated “Governor” literally means to lead, to go before, to be a leader, to have authority over, regal power. This leader would be more influential than Moses and more confident than Joshua. He would be more courageous than Gideon and stronger than Samson. He would guide a greater flock than David and have more wisdom than Solomon. King Jesus was born to lead (Hebrews 2:10).

This Governor that was born to lead did exactly that. His goal was to lead humanity to life eternal with our Creator (John 3:16,17; 10:10 & 14:6) but that goal had a finish line that had to be crossed (John 19:30). He was born to lead, but He had to die to save. He was the Shepherd who was willing to give His life for the sheep that had no one to follow (John 10:15-18) and still today, even in the midst of a changing world, the meaning of His death remains a constant. Romans 5:10 says, “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” He lived to die and He died to live.

… He asks that we all come to Him, learn from Him, trust in Him and rest in Him and follow Him. (Matthew 11:27-30; Luke 9:23).

Jesus was born to lead no doubt, but the question remains as to whether we’re willing to follow Him. He has led us to the water but He will not make us drink (John 7:37; Revelation 21:6). He has led the way to eternal life but He will not make us walk in it (Matthew 16:24,25). And before I go think about this one – He was led to His death but He led death away! (Ephesians 4:8; Hebrews 2:14,15; 1st Corinthians 15:21-26; Acts 2:22-28) …