And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.” –Matthew 2:4-6
Commentary on Matthew 2:4-6
In this passage, we see a significant moment where King Herod, upon hearing about the birth of the “King of the Jews,” gathers the chief priests and scribes to inquire about the birthplace of Christ. Their response, quoting the prophet Micah, highlights Bethlehem in Judea as the prophesied location. Thus sets the plan in motion by our Father for our salvation – and to fulfill the scriptures and His Divine plan for humanity begins to unfold.
Reflective Questions:
- Why did Herod, a king, feel threatened by the birth of a child in a small town like Bethlehem?
- How did the knowledge of the scriptures guide the chief priests and scribes in identifying the birthplace of Christ?
- What significance does Bethlehem hold, being the birthplace of both King David and Jesus Christ?
Supportive Scriptures:
- Micah 5:2: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
- John 7:42: “Does not Scripture say that the Messiah will come from David’s descendants and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?”
- Luke 2:4-7: “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.”
Moral Takeaway
Again, to reiterate further – this huge and important passage emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy and the importance of understanding and believing in God’s Word. Despite being a small and seemingly insignificant town, Bethlehem was chosen to host the birth of the Savior. This teaches us that God often works through the humble and the overlooked, reminding us of the power of faith and the importance of scripture in guiding our lives. The intricate plan of our Father in heaven, is one that we as faith and Christ followers inherently are offered and it is a gift from above. Whether we accept Him and His doctrine – is entirely “our choice” – but with the Word clearly stating the significance when Jesus says in John 14:6 “…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
What It Means Today
Knowing Christ was born and is our Savior changes everything. His birth fulfills ancient prophecies, affirming the reliability and truth of God’s Holy and infallible Word. It assures us that God’s plans are sovereign and purposeful, often unfolding in ways that defy human expectations. Today, this truth calls us to trust in God’s timing and His divine plans, even when they seem improbable. To walk the path of righteousness, and to adhere stringently to His Word and follow His voice in all ways and all the days of our lives – and we shall reap all of the Promises in His Word.
Thoughts to Ponder Today About Christ and the Word
- Reflect on the humility of Christ’s birthplace and how He chose to enter the world.
- Consider how the prophecies of the Old Testament point to the life and mission of Jesus.
- Think about the ways in which God’s plans have unfolded in unexpected ways in your own life.
- Contemplate the significance of Bethlehem as a symbol of hope and fulfillment of God’s promises.
Faithful Prayer
“Dear LORD- thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who came to this world in humble circumstances to save us all. Help us to see Your hand in the small and overlooked moments of our lives, just as Bethlehem was a small town with a grand destiny. Strengthen our faith in Your Word and Your promises. Let us always remember that Your plans are perfect, and Your timing is impeccable. May we live in the light of Christ’s love and share it with those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Blessing
May the peace and love of Christ fill your heart today. May you find comfort and strength in the promises of God’s word. May you be reminded of the humble beginnings of our Savior and the extraordinary life He lived for our sake. Go forth with the assurance that God’s plans for you are filled with hope, purpose, and divine love.
God Bless You All~
