Series: Biblical Cities- Bethlehem [#3]
BETHLEHEM- THE CITY OF DAVID
Micah 5:2
Introduction:
We are in a series about some of the most mentioned Cities in the Bible. Since it is Christmas Season, we started with Bethlehem. We will continue with our study of Bethlehem. When we think about Bethlehem, we only think about the birthplace of Jesus. Bethlehem is mentioned 53 times in the Bible.
Micah 5:2
Today, we are going to look at Bethlehem, the City of David.
1 Samuel 16:1, 13
1. David was anointed King in Bethlehem.
King David was the Great (39 times) Grandfather of Jesus. King David was also born in Bethlehem. That was why Mary & Joseph had to go to Bethlehem to be registered for the tax.
Jesus came into the World as a King. The Wise Men asked, “Where is He that is born, the King of the Jews?” On the day that Jesus entered into Jerusalem on a donkey, the people cried out, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord.”
Although, most of the Jews rejected Jesus as their King; He was chosen by God. The people’s expectations of the Messiah, (the King) was to free them from the oppression of Rome, perform miracles, feed the poor, heal the sick, and raise the dead; but Jesus came to give them an inner peace- To be the King of their hearts. He did not come to set up an Earthly Kingdom the 1st time, (that will happen later).
He was crowned with thorns, not a golden crown. His scarlet robe was placed upon Him in mockery. He was given a reed to hold in His right hand as a scepter. They spat upon Him, mocked Him, and beat Him. Jesus was born in Bethlehem to be the only King who could rule in the hearts of people and bring eternal salvation to us.
David was anointed as king of the Jews in Bethlehem. The anointing of a King is associated with Bethlehem.
2 Samuel 23:14-17
Such were the exploits of the three mighty warriors.
2. David was refreshed in Bethlehem.
The Philistines had taken over Bethlehem, and David was held up in a cave. David desired some refreshing water from the well in Bethlehem. 1000 years later, the Water of Life would come to Bethlehem as a baby. Refreshing Water is associated with Bethlehem.
Micah 5:2
3. The Messiah is prophesied as coming from Bethlehem.
Here we have the prophecy of the birthplace of the Messiah. Jesus, the Son of God, is eternal; yet He came in the flesh to live among us. There could be no mistake as to where the Messiah would be born. The Chief Priests and Scribes knew- They told King Herod. Herod told the Wise Men. The angels told the Shepherds. The Messiah was associated with Bethlehem 700 years before His birth.
Conclusion:
“Bethlehem” means ‘house of bread’. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
God chose Bethlehem out of all the towns on the Earth as the place where the Messiah would be born.
* Through Rachel, Bethlehem is associated with death.
* Through Ruth, Bethlehem is associated with redemption.
* Through David, Bethlehem is associated with the anointing of a king.
* Through David, Bethlehem is associated with refreshing water.
* Through Micah, Bethlehem is associated with the Messiah.
