Jesus Christ is the promised hope. The most significant person ever, Jesus Christ, came come from the most insignificant place, Bethlehem.
About six miles south of Jerusalem in the hill country of Judea is Bethlehem, the city where Jesus was born. Bethlehem means “the house of bread.” It was first called Ephrath (“fruitful). It was the burial place of Rachel (Gen 35:16) the home to Ruth and Boaz- “May you have standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem” (Ruth 4:11). In Bethlehem David was anointed king over Israel by the prophet Samuel (1 Sam 16:1-13). Bethlehem became known as the “city of David” (Luke 2:4, 11).
Micah prophesied that from Bethlehem shall come forth “one who is to be ruler in Israel” (Mic 5:2). It connected the promised Messiah with the house and line of David. In the New Testament, King Herod attempted to squelch this threat to his rule (Matt. 2:1-4). Matthew quotes Micah 5:2, “For from [Bethlehem] shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel” (2:6) alluding to 2 Samuel 5:2, which describes David’s rightful kinship over that of Saul. By implication, Jesus is set over Herod as the true king.
The Gospel of Luke explains that Joseph and Mary journeyed to Bethlehem to register for a census decreed by Caesar Augustus (Luke 2:1-5). Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1; Luke 2:4) and returned later to Nazareth where he was raised (Matt 2:23; Luke 2:39). After Jesus’ birth, Matthew tells us that “wise men from the east” came to Jerusalem to worship the one born as the king of the Jews (Matt 2:2-11).
The prediction of the location of the Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) is a clear pointer to the significance of the Messiah’s entry into this world. How will we respond to the news of Jesus’ birth? To busy? Is this just for kids? Does his authority alarm you? Don’t overlook the obvious. Jesus is the promised Davidic king AND the promised hope of blessing to all the nations.
Let’s miss the opportunity to learn about Jesus. Take the time. Jesus is the hope to all the nation.