Significant Shepherds

Show Notes

SCRIPTURE:

Genesis 49:8-12 / 1 Samuel 17:12 / Micah 5:2

SHOW NOTES:

Welcome to this Advent season. Over the next five weeks, we will look more closely at a tiny town in Israel, chosen by the Lord to play an essential part in His sovereign plan. Today, we ask this question, “Why Bethlehem?” The passages we will discuss today go back almost 2,000 years before the first Christmas took place. This town was small and insignificant, yet it was God’s choice.

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, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.

— Micah 5:2

Listen to the Full Episode;

Find it on the Discover God’s Truth website, on Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

Show Notes

Matthew 1:18-24 / Luke 1: 26-38, 2:1-5

SHOW NOTES:

Bethlehem’s story continues, and we read, “The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary” (Luke 1:26-27). The angel tells Mary God has chosen her, and she will give birth to a son. “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High” (Luke 1:31-32). Also, the angel visits Joseph and commands him to take Mary as his wife. “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

Joseph and his expectant wife begin the difficult journey to the little town of Bethlehem to register as Caesar Augustus commanded. He was required to go to Bethlehem because Joseph was of David’s house and lineage. Mary and Joseph play significant roles in God’s plan for humanity’s redemption. Yet they will face rejection, ridicule, scorn, and isolation. They cling to the angel’s words, “For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37).

Listen to the Entire Advent Series: Bethlehem’s Story

Part 1 — Why Bethlehem

Part 2 — Mary & Joseph

Listen to the Full Episode:

Find it on the Discover God’s Truth website, on Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

Show Notes

Scripture: Luke 2:6-7 / Matthew 2:1-12 / Philippians 2:5-11

SHOW NOTES:

Today’s lesson will contrast the earthly king (Herod) and the Rightful King (Jesus).

The ruling king in Jerusalem, Herod the Great, knew how to build palaces, and he had many of them. Herod is the king of luxury. He was a wicked ruler. Herod is a king of war.

“When Herod saw that the magi had tricked him, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem … from two years old and under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the magi.”

-Matthew 2:16

There was no room in Bethlehem for Mary and Joseph, so they found shelter in one of the limestone caves around Bethlehem’s countryside. Here, they had privacy as Mary gave birth to her firstborn son. Jesus is born the King of Poverty. The prophet Isaiah offers this message of hope and joy.

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.”

-Isaiah 9:6-7

Jesus came to be the King of Peace. The Lord invites us to pause and reflect. He wants us to celebrate! Bethlehem’s Story includes a great celebration in the most humble setting.

Listen to the Entire Advent Series: Bethlehem’s Story

Part 1 — Why Bethlehem

Part 2 — Mary & Joseph

Part 3 — The Rightful King

Listen to the Full Episode:

Find it on the Discover God’s Truth website, on Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

Show Notes

SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:21-38

SHOW NOTES:

Bethlehem’s Story includes Mary and Joseph as the angel revealed God’s plan for their lives. This couple walked in obedience and journeyed from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Jesus was born in an animal stable, angels announced his birth, and the shepherds came to see him lying in a manger. Weeks later, this young couple and their infant son arrive at the temple in Jerusalem, where they meet two righteous people who have waited expectantly for God to fulfill His promises.

And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon … righteous and devout … For my eyes have seen Your salvation … a Light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.

-Luke 2:25-32

Two people in the temple, Simeon and a prophetess named Anna, gave testimony about the significance of Jesus’ life. They were focused on serving others and worshiping the Lord. What a great model for each of us to observe and follow!

Listen to the Entire Advent Series: Bethlehem’s Story

Part 1 — Why Bethlehem

Part 2 — Mary & Joseph

Part 3 — The Rightful King

Part 4 — Significant Shepherds

Part 5 — A Light of Revelation

Listen to the Full Episode:

Find it on the Discover God’s Truth website, on Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.