Halfway through Christmas, our reading is Matthew 2:6
“‘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'"
(For the whole passage, go here Matthew 2:1-12)
This is a direct quote from the prophet Micah, whose book was written some 700 years before Christ was born. It is very specific about where the Messiah is to be born.
Why did God pick Bethlehem?
We can't read His mind or His motives of course, but a few theories exist.
God's love for David may play a part. What better place than the city of this man after God's own heart to have his promised descendant born?
Also, Bethlehem was a small humble place. It gives us a picture that Christ is for all, not just the rich and powerful.
Bethlehem means "house of bread". One reason Christ came is to give us -- to be for us-- the living bread.
At any rate, Jesus birth in Bethlehem fulfilled prophecy.
Have a great New Year's Eve and
Merry Christmas!!
“‘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'"
(For the whole passage, go here Matthew 2:1-12)
This is a direct quote from the prophet Micah, whose book was written some 700 years before Christ was born. It is very specific about where the Messiah is to be born.
Why did God pick Bethlehem?
We can't read His mind or His motives of course, but a few theories exist.
God's love for David may play a part. What better place than the city of this man after God's own heart to have his promised descendant born?
Also, Bethlehem was a small humble place. It gives us a picture that Christ is for all, not just the rich and powerful.
Bethlehem means "house of bread". One reason Christ came is to give us -- to be for us-- the living bread.
At any rate, Jesus birth in Bethlehem fulfilled prophecy.
Have a great New Year's Eve and
Merry Christmas!!
No comments:
Post a Comment