Receiving the greatest gift.
We tell the events of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem every year, we are so accustomed to it, we tend to forget how remarkable they are. We learn from Luke’s Gospel that Ceasar Augustus passes a tax bill that means Mary and Joseph needed to travel to Bethlem from Nazareth to take part in the census. This is a 150km journey, while Mary was 9 months pregnant. If that little donkey who has been so beloved and cherished over the years slipped or stumbled and Mary fell, Jesus would have been born somewhere between Nazareth and Bethlehem. But it wasn’t so because God had prepared the journey from time immortal. Micah prophesied this 700 years before it happened, against all odds.
Scripture
Micah 5:2-4 ESV But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. (3) Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel. (4) And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth.
Matthew 2:1-6 ESV Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, (2) saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (3) When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; (4) and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. (5) They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: (6) “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Bible Study Questions
Why does Micah say that Bethlehem was too little to be among the clans of Judah? (Micah 5:2; Nehemiah 3; Joshua 15)
Verse 2 says “whose coming forth is from old, from ancient days. What does Micah mean by this? (Micah 5:2, Psalm 90:2; Proverbs 8:23-25)
How was this prophesy fulfilled, 700 years after Micah prophesied it? (Matthew 2:1-12)
What is Micah referring to when he says “the rest of your brothers shall return to the people of Israel”? (Micah 5:3, 2:12)
What do these scriptures tell us about God? (Romans 5:8; Jeremiah 29:11; Philippians 2:8)
At the time the prophecy was fulfilled, we see the wise men consulting Herod, who in turn consults his chief priests and scribes about the birthplace of the Messiah. You’d expect the chief priests and scribes to be excited about the news of their long-awaited Messiah. How do they respond instead? (Matthew 2:4-5)
How should we respond? (1 John 4:19; 1 Peter 3:2-4; Acts 5:29)
Prayer
Father, living God and King of the universe. Thank you that you sent your son to Bethlehem to be born a man and that you planned the journey from time immortal. You did this to redeem your lost and broken people and we are humbled by your mercy and grace. Help us to remember this day your love for us, your love for humble beginnings and the way you teach us that we should not conform to the norms of this world. Help us to truly understand what Jesus did on that cross and what it means for us. Let that knowledge and truth change us and make us seek you out so that we might find favour in your sight.
Worship
Baby Jesus born in a stable
A humble Savior's birth
You left Your throne in heaven above
To live here on earth
Baby Jesus lyin' in a manger
Cryin' for the world
The angels told the shepherds
Of the good news for us all
Hallelujah the King is here
Given for all men
For today the holy Son of God
Is born in Bethlehem
Come thou sinners and you saints
All peasants and all kings
And bow before the earth's Redeemer
Let all voices sing
Baby Jesus do You know
You'll die for all our sins
Don't be afraid for in three days
You will rise again
You will rise again
For today the holy Son of God
Is born in Bethlehem
Born in Bethlehem
Service
The life of Jesus Christ was so counter-culture during his lifetime. But from these scriptures, we see it is the way God operates, from the beginning of Christ’s life. Today, the way provided by Jesus is still completely counter-cultural, if not more so now than it was back then. More people are interested in material things than to hear the word of God and obey His commands, we prefer doing things our way. Can you think of a way to use the story of Micah’s prophecy and the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ to try and change the heart of someone you know? Start by praying about it and see if God puts you in a situation to have a meaningful conversation.