Series: Biblical Cities- Bethlehem [#1]
BETHLEHEM- THE GRAVESITE OF RACHEL
Micah 5:2
Introduction:
We are going to begin a series about some of the most mentioned Cities in the Bible. Since it is Christmas Season, we will start with Bethlehem. When we think about Bethlehem, we only think about the birthplace of Jesus. Bethlehem is mentioned 53 times in the Bible. There are actually 2 Bethlehem’s mentioned in the Bible- North Bethlehem in Galilee and South Bethlehem in Judea.
North Bethlehem is mentioned 1 time in Joshua 19:15. South Bethlehem is mentioned 52 times and is the birthplace of Jesus. Bethlehem is 75 miles from where Joseph and Mary lived.
Micah 5:2
Bethlehem-Judea wasn’t a large town; but it was at the center of many historical events. It was a little town, yet so important. Many things took place there over 1700 years of history to prepare the world for Jesus’ birth.
Genesis 35:16-19
1. Rachel is buried in Bethlehem.
This is the 1st time that we see Bethlehem. Rachel was the wife of Jacob, (Israel). Rachel was Jacob’s 1st choice for a wife; but his Father-In-Law tricked him; and he married Leah, her older sister 1st. He had to wait 7 years to marry Rachel.
* Rachel is a picture of the Jews.
Rachel is the Bride of Israel. Jesus came into the world at Bethlehem, as a child of Israel. He came to His own people, Israel, to redeem them from the curse of the Law; but they rejected Him.
Israel had to wait 7 years for Rachel; and after the 7 years of Tribulation, Jesus will be crowned King of Kings, and will be accepted by His people Israel as He ushers them into the promised Millennium Kingdom.
* Leah is a picture of the Church.
The Church is the Bride of Christ- Like Leah, not His 1st choice. It was Leah that gave Israel his first-born sons. The only way to become part of the Family of God is to be born again.
Conclusion:
Rachel died in childbirth in Bethlehem. Jesus, Who was born in Bethlehem 1700 years later, died in order to give birth to the Church. In this Scripture, death is associated with Bethlehem; and Jesus was wrapped in “swaddling clothes”, (grave clothes) and laid in the manger.
