The Real Bethlehem: What Jesus’ Birthplace Reveals About the Son of God

Posted on Dec 22, 2022 Topic : Inspirational/Devotional, Men's Christian Living, Prophecy, Women's Christian Living
Posted by : Chris Katulka

The Christmas carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem” illustrates the long-awaited arrival of God’s “everlasting light” into humanity’s humble conditions. But in my opinion, Bethlehem gets a bad rap: It’s painted as an insignificant pitstop on the way to Jerusalem. The motto on Bethlehem’s welcome sign could read, “Nothing To See Here!”

The surroundings of the King of Kings at His arrival were unpresuming, but Bethlehem shouldn’t be blamed. If Jesus’ birth certificate read “Bethlehem” as his place of birth, it shouldn’t demean Him. Instead, it should define Him in epic and majestic ways!

Jesus Our King

King David was the most consequential king in Old Testament history—he was a man after God’s own heart. David had humble beginnings himself as a shepherd boy from Bethlehem.

God promised David a Son who would “establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Samuel 7:13), a prophecy of Jesus’ reign. Christ’s birth in the “city of David”—Bethlehem—crowns Him the Descendant of Israel’s most memorialized king, King David (Matthew 1:1; Romans 1:1-4).

Jesus Our Lamb

Micah writes that Israel’s ruler would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), specifically the “tower of the flock” (Micah 4:8). According to rabbinical texts, Bethlehem’s “tower of the flock” is an exclusive pasture where select shepherds tended to special flocks destined for Temple sacrifice.

When Jesus was born, He was surrounded by flocks selected to be offered for Israel’s sins. This setting would illustrate the mission of Christ as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

Jesus Our God

Bethlehem reveals Emmanuel, God with us. Micah prophesied of the One born in Bethlehem: “His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity” (Micah 5:2). The prophet saw that the One who would be born in Bethlehem was more than a newborn King, but one whose existence is eternal, giving us a glimpse into the incarnation (John 1:1).

So next time you hear about the little town of Bethlehem, remember that while it may be small, it screams Jesus our King, Jesus our Lamb, Jesus our God!

Merry Christmas!