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#1203. Born in Bethlehem (18/12/24)

Community Church Putney Sermons

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  1. #1203. Born in Bethlehem (18/12/24)

  2. Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional as we continue our Christmas series, Emmanuel, where we are reflecting on the promises regarding God coming to us in Jesus.

  3. Today, from Matthew 2:1-6, we reflect on how the details of Jesus’ birth, and the details of our lives, are in God’s hands.

    Matthew 2:1–6

  4. To watch this devotional, select the link below

  5. https://youtu.be/G7505nsh0QU

  6. ‘After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem  and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”  When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.  When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born.  “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”’ (Matthew 2:1-6)

    Matthew 2:1–6

  7. There were many Old Testament prophecies that were fulfilled in the circumstance of Jesus’ birth. Ten examples are:

  8. 1. Born of a Virgin - Prophecy: Isaiah 7:14 – "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Emmanuel." Fulfilment: Matthew 1:22-23; Luke 1:26-35.

    Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:22–23 Luke 1:26–35

  9. 2. Born in Bethlehem - Prophecy: Micah 5:2 – "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah... out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel." Fulfilment: Matthew 2:1; Luke 2:4-7.

    Micah 5:2 Matthew 2:1 Luke 2:4–7

  10. 3. Descendant of Abraham - Prophecy: Genesis 22:18 – "Through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed." Fulfilment: Matthew 1:1; Galatians 3:16.

    Genesis 22:18 Matthew 1:1 Galatians 3:16

  11. 4. From the Tribe of Judah - Prophecy: Genesis 49:10 – "The scepter will not depart from Judah... until he to whom it belongs shall come." Fulfilment: Matthew 1:2-3; Luke 3:33.

    Genesis 49:10 Matthew 1:2–3 Luke 3:33

  12. 5. From the Line of David - Prophecy: Jeremiah 23:5 – "I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely." Fulfilment: Matthew 1:1, 6; Luke 1:32-33.

    Jeremiah 23:5 Matthew 1:1 Luke 1:32–33

  13. 6. Worshipped by Kings and Gentiles - Prophecy: Psalm 72:10-11 – "May the kings of Sheba and Seba present him gifts. May all kings bow down to him." Fulfilment: Matthew 2:1-2, 11 (the Magi’s visit).

    Psalms 72:10–11 Matthew 2:1–2

  14. 7. Gifts Presented to Him - Prophecy: Isaiah 60:6 – "And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the Lord." Fulfilment: Matthew 2:11.

    Isaiah 60:6 Matthew 2:11

  15. 8. Escape to Egypt - Prophecy: Hosea 11:1 – "Out of Egypt I called my son."

    Hosea 11:1

  16. Fulfilment: Matthew 2:14-15.

    Matthew 2:14–15

  17. 9. Massacre of Innocents in Bethlehem - Prophecy: Jeremiah 31:15 – "A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children." Fulfilment: Matthew 2:16-18.

    Jeremiah 31:15 Matthew 2:16–18

  18. 10. Born to Be the Son of God - Prophecy: Psalm 2:7 – "You are my son; today I have become your father." Fulfilment: Luke 1:32-35.

    Psalms 2:7 Luke 1:32–35

  19. The place of His birth had been prophesied by Micah (see Micah 5:2) and was fulfilled as we see in our reading from Matthew 2.

    Micah 5:2

  20. However, it’s important to remember that Mary and Joseph were not living in Bethlehem. The journey from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea is approximately 70-90 miles (112-145 kilometres), depending on the specific route taken. On foot or by donkey:

  21. Travelling with a pregnant woman, as in Mary’s case, the journey likely took 7 to 10 days. Through the unlikely way that Jesus is born in Bethlehem, God wants to show us that Jesus is the promised Messiah. This is how Luke describes the unlikely fulfilment of this prophecy:

  22. ‘In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.  (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  And everyone went to their own town to register.  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.  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.’ (Luke 2:1-7)

    Luke 2:1–7

  23. Today, I want us to see that God keeps His promises. Mary, Joseph, and Jesus in the womb, were in God’s hands whilst, it must have seemed, that they were having to endure a very difficult journey and many dangers. Today, in the birth of Jesus, trust that God is at work in the world and your life.

  24. Let’s pray together

  25. “Father, I thank you that your Word is full of accounts where you are at work and in control even when it seems that people are in control. Help me to trust you afresh. As the circumstances of Jesus’ birth were under your control, so lead me into your good plans. Amen.”