Luke 2:1-38; Matthew 2:1-12

Think About It

The gospels say extraordinarily little about Jesus’ early years. Isaiah 53:1-3 is a prophecy about Jesus. What are some of the things that it says about Jesus’ life?

There was a lot of excitement and anticipation around the birth of Jesus. Amongst other things, people were having dreams and visions, and Magi were traveling long distances to worship Him. How do you think you would have felt if you were Mary or Joseph and it was your responsibility to raise this child?

Digging Deeper

The first people to worship the newly born Jesus, the Son of God, were some local shepherds. Shepherds were far removed from the high classes of society. They were also known for their extravagant stories, which might be why nobody bothered to look for the baby-King based on their testimony. And this is how God chose to introduce His Son Jesus on earth! Not with a big parade, fireworks, or a rock concert. He did not come into the world with political power or military might. It has always been God's way to use weakness to show how foolish our idea of greatness really is.

In Matthew 2:11 we note that by the time the Magi arrived in Bethlehem Jesus was no longer in a manger. They found a child, not a baby. We can conclude, therefore, that Jesus spent His first few years in Bethlehem.

Watch the following video: Herodian Fortress (Bethlehem) https://vimeo.com/148730989 (5:06).

Bethlehem was a small town only about a 2-hour walk from Jerusalem. Herod the Great, the ruler of that province, had a palace there built into a hill, the remains of which can still be seen today. Herod was paranoid of anyone whom he thought may want to take his throne. We also know that he was even willing to kill his own family to defend his power. It is not surprising that he would react in this way to the Magi's declaration that a king had been born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:13). If the Magi were right, then this new king was a true descendant of King David, and the rightful heir to Herod's throne. Because of this, Herod felt threatened and killed many young baby boys. As a result of Herod’s evil acts, Jesus’ family would have to flee to Egypt.

Herod was king by might; Jesus was king by right! How are you allowing Jesus’ rightful kingship to transform your life?

Jesus’ way was the ‘way of humility’. How is humility evident in your life? In your relationships with your family, friends, co-workers, people you are discipling and even the strangers that come across your path? What is God’s truth saying to you today about the ‘way of humility’?