A Bethlehem King

Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-12

Luke 2:4. — And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee.

Micah 5:2 —  “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, (Ephrathah means “” –Bethlehem means “house of ” 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.”

Irony of Micah’s prophecy and Jesus’ birth:

• The Savior is born and helpless.
• The religious and political leaders want to ignore Jesus or even him and all the baby boys of Bethlehem.
• The only people excited to see Jesus are outcast shepherds in the fields and foreigners.

Matthew 2:3 – “And king Herod hearing this, was , and all Jerusalem with him.”

As an adult, did Jesus’ brothers believe in him and support him as the Messiah / Savior? . (John 7:5)

King Herod, the Jerusalem King

1. Wanted .
2. Wanted prestige.
3. Wanted wealth.
4. Wanted to his power, prestige, and wealth.
5. Used to keep things his way.

King Jesus, the Bethlehem King

1. Gave up power.
2. Gave up wealth.
3. Born without prestige.
4. spiritual gifts, ability, leadership.
5. Used -change rather than violence.

Micah 5:4 “He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.”

• Will you accept the BETHLEHEM king Jesus into your life and heart as your ruler?
• Do you want Him, and Him alone to be your Savior and Leader?
• Will you commit all that you are to this Bethlehem King?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

In the past what has helped you to experience “love” around Christmastime?

Who has been the most loving person to you around Christmastime, and what did they do?

How do you typically try to express love to others at Christmas? Why?

How did God express love to us at the first Christmas — the birth of Jesus? What was loving about it?

Would you rather have a ruling leader who forced people to comply or who offered a change of heart to anyone who wanted it, but some refused to receive it?

How is Jesus’ way of ruling “loving”?