Little Towns Are Important

 N.T.#480 "Little Towns Are Important"

Feb. 6, 2025

Luke 2

LET IT GLOW

We like living in a small town. Growing up, its population was just a few hundred. Yet, everyone knew everyone. Now it has grown to a couple thousand and I hardly know anyone. (We have had a few doctors graduate from here, though.) Bethlehem was small in the New Testament days. However, an important event took place there. Do you know what happened there?

Probably most of us are familiar with the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. 

Shall we take a look at what you already know about the events?

• Why did Mary and Joseph have to go to Bethlehem? It was the year of the census required by the Roman government.(verses 1-3)
• Couldn't they just sign up in Nazareth? No, for Joseph was a descendant of David, who was born in Bethlehem.(verse 4)
• Were Mary and Joseph married by this time? Yes. Verse 5 calls Mary Joseph's wife.
• How far was the trip? Around 90 miles, Swindoll says.
• Why was Jesus born in a manger? There was no room for them in the inn. (verse 7)
• Who were the first ones to hear about the Savior's birth? The shepherd in the field watching their sheep. (verse 8)
• Was it day or nightime? It was at night.
• Who made the announcement? An angel of the Lord did. (verse 9)

Did you know the answers? Do you have all the answers to your questions in life? God does.

LET IT GROW

Bethlehem means house of bread.

It sat  2,350 feet above sea level, surrounded by fertile farmland and grass-covered hillsides. Locals cultivated fig trees, olive groves, and vineyards, while vast flocks of sheep and goats grazed the surrounded valleys. Five to seven miles of rugged terrain separated Bethlehem from Jerusalem. (Swindoll)

Prophecy told where the Savior/Messiah would be born in Micah 5:2:

But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, 

Too little to be among the clans of Judah,

From you One will go forth from Me to be ruler in Israel.

His goings forth are from long ago,

From the days of eternity.  (NAS)

About 740 years before Christ was born a baby in Bethlehem, Micah foretold this miraculous event. What is sad now is that the Jews do no rule over Bethlehem, but the Muslims do. 

Years ago when we visited there, we had to go through an armed gate and get clearance to enter the town. We bought handmade souvenirs made by Christians there. It was their main support. Christians had a hard time finding a job in Bethlehem because of those ruling over it. 

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for being faithful to carry out the plan for Your life, to be the Savior we need.

Such love that You took our punishment for our sins on the cross, when You had no sin.

How great and awesome is our God!