Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea. This fact is supported by biblical scripture in several places. For instance, Matthew 2:1 describes the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem during the reign of King Herod, highlighting the significance of the location in fulfillment of prophecy and the visit of the wise men . Additionally, Micah 5:2, as cited in the New Testament, emphasizes Bethlehem’s role, stating, “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” . This prophecy underlines the importance of Bethlehem as the birthplace of Jesus, who is central to the Christian faith.
Three main takeaways from Jesus’s birth in Bethlehem include:
- Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus’s birth in Bethlehem fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah’s birthplace, showcasing the continuity and faithfulness of God’s word across centuries.
- Divine Humility: Bethlehem, being a small and seemingly insignificant town, symbolizes God’s humility in Jesus’s incarnation. The choice of Bethlehem as the birthplace of the King of Kings highlights God’s preference for the lowly and humble.
- Sovereignty of God: The circumstances leading to Jesus’s birth in Bethlehem—such as the census decreed by Caesar Augustus—demonstrate God’s sovereignty over human history. God orchestrates events on a grand scale to accomplish His divine purposes, including the specifics of the birth of Jesus.
