Journey to Bethlehem: An Advent Challenge

Day 20: Read Matthew 2:3-6

Wise Men Come to Visit Jesus

Matthew 2:3-6 reveals King Herod's reaction to the wise mens' news about the King of the Jews being born. King Herod was troubled when he heard this and the people in Jerusalem were troubled too. Herod then called a meeting of all the leading priests and teachers of the law so that he could ask them where the Christ would be born. The priests and teachers of law answered him, "In the town of Bethlehem in Judea. The prophet wrote about this in the Scriptures: 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are important among the tribes of Judah. A ruler will come from you who will be like a shepherd for my people Israel.'" This verse from the prophet can be found in Micah 5:2.

King Herod was troubled when he heard the news about Jesus because it threatened his rule over the people. He would not be able to compete with the King of the Jews, who God Himself had appointed.  This news threatened his power and his livelihood, which would have been very troubling at this time. During this time, kings came into power when their predecessor had died or when their predecessor appointed them king on their deathbed. To no longer be called king was to no longer be alive. I believe that the people in Jerusalem were also troubled by this news because a new king meant new rules and a change in their lives. The hardships they faced under King Herod's rule might be intensified. I don't believe the people in Jerusalem were associating the news of a king with the birth of a Savior. It is also possible that the majority of the people were not familiar enough with the Scriptures to know the words of the prophet.

The priests and the teachers of the law were familiar with the Scriptures, which is the reason why King Herod asked them to tell him where the baby would be born. These men knew what the Scriptures said and were able to answer the king with a direct quote from Scripture. To them the prophet had made clear that the baby would be born in Bethlehem. This baby would be a ruler for God's people and be to them like a shepherd is to his sheep. A shepherd guides the sheep, protects the sheep, and essentially rules over the sheep, which translates into King Herod is out of a job. Understanding this passage is important because it gives insight into King Herod's future actions. In the season of Jesus' birth there was both glory and darkness that came from uncertainty. Everyone wasn't rejoicing and this is a part of the Christmas story that most people overlook.

Journey to Bethlehem: An Advent Challenge

Day 13: Read Micah 5:2-5

The Ruler to Be Born in Bethlehem

Micah 5:2-5 is an important prophecy for Christians, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are too small to be among the army groups from Judah, from you will come one who will rule Israel for me. He comes from very old times, from days long ago." The writer goes on to say that the Lord will give up his people until the one who is having a baby gives birth and then the rest of his relatives will return to the people of Israel. When this happens the ruler of Israel will stand and take care of his people with the Lord's strength. He will have the power of the name of the Lord his God. The Israelites will live in safety because his greatness will reach all over the earth. He will bring peace.

Israel and Judah had seperated. The people once united were at odds with each other and this made them open to temptation from the neighboring countries. The people would go through long periods of time where they didn't obey God and it was during these times that the people faced war, as well as captivity at the hands of their enemies. The prophecy recorded in Micah 5:2-5 would have come as a tremendous blessing to the people of Judah and Israel because it promised safety in the form of a Savior who would rule over them. 

Once again, we see that God likes using a small, insignificant object or person to be the source of His blessing for His people. In the prophecy we see that God has chosen Bethlehem, a town so small that it isn't allowed to be part of Judah's army, to be the birth place of the Savior, the one who will rule Israel for Him. The prophecy begins to illustrate that the Savior will be God by indicating that He is from old times, He will have the Lord's strength, and finally that He will have the power of the name of the Lord his God. Micah 5:2-5 also states that God intends to leave His people until the birth of the Savior. I believe that God gives up His people so that they will be ready when His son is born and will recognize Him as their Savior. When Jesus is born the people of Israel are so ready for their Savior that wise men are studying the stars looking for signs of His arrival. The birth of the Savior is the start of this prophecy, but the prophecy ends when He comes again. It is then that the Israelites will have safety and live in peace.