Why Bethlehem?

Reverend Phillip Brooks was a famous Episcopalian preacher and author during the 1800s. A Harvard graduate and pastor, he was known for his powerful, eloquent sermons and deep spirituality. He later became the sixth bishop of Massachusetts. His big break came when he was invited to give the funeral address at President Abraham Lincoln’s memorial. Interestingly, no one remembers, quotes or refers to the eulogy. It is lost to the annals of history.

However, later that same year, 1865, Reverend Phillips Brooks made a trip to Israel. While there, he took a walk one night through the streets of a small insignificant town and wrote a song about it. That song would become an instant classic and one that became legacy-defining for Brooks. The song, “O Little town of Bethlehem,” still warms the hearts of so many.

Have you ever wondered why God chose Bethlehem as the birthplace of His Son?

The prophet Micah gives us insight into Bethlehem when he wrote, “But you, Bethlehem, David’s country, the runt of the litter—From you will come the leader who will shepherd-rule Israel. He’ll be no upstart, no pretender. His family tree is ancient and distinguished.” (Micah 5:2 Message paraphrase)

Bethlehem had no significance. It was not the premier hot spot of the world. If I were God, I think I would have had My Son born in Rome, the political center of the day. Word of His birth would have spread quickly, and people would have taken notice. Perhaps I would have chosen Athens, this was the intellectual center of the day. This was the home to philosophy, sages and intellectuals with deep intellectual insight that debated the meaning of life. Perhaps I would have chosen Jerusalem, the religious center of the day. With the grandeur of the temple, Jerusalem embodied the history and heritage of all spiritual matters.

Yet seven hundred years before Jesus’ birth, Micah tells us the Messiah would not be born in Rome, Athens, or Jerusalem, but in Bethlehem—a Podunk country community five miles outside of Jerusalem. The runt of the litter.

Bethlehem was home to misfits. It was home to shepherds who were ostracized by the religious elite. Shepherds were considered the lowest form of society. They were often known as thieves and criminals. Their testimonies were not even admissible in a court of law. Because of all the shepherds, Bethlehem was also home to the flocks of sheep owned by the priest that were used for sacrifices in the temple. This made shepherds ceremonially unclean and unable to participate in any temple worship. Even today, Bethlehem has sort of an outcast feel to it. There is nothing prestigious or interesting about Bethlehem. However, Bethlehem beautifully represents God and His heart towards people.

First, Bethlehem reflects our Lord's personality. Jesus makes only one autobiographical statement in the Bible. It’s found in Matthew 11:29, where he says, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart.

This was the posture of his heart! Therefore, it makes perfect sense why he would not be born into intellectual superiority, grandeur and glory or religious tradition and ceremony.

Meekness and humility makes Jesus relatable to everyone. Most of us are not born into famous, noble or powerful families. Nor are we in Athens with esteemed intellectuals. We are not even in Jerusalem, for we cannot claim to be ceremonially pure. We were all sinners, who were far from God. In essence, WE ARE Bethlehem! We are the misfits and outcasts. Thus, Jesus can be born in us!

Second, Bethlehem reveals our Lord’s Priority. Jesus said, “I came not to call the righteous, but the sinners.” (Matthew 9:13) In other words, Jesus is saying His priority is the people who are hurting, outcast and broken. I’ve come for the people who have real needs and to those that society has turned its back on and marginalized.

The very word "Bethlehem" is translated from the Hebrew which means, “house of bread.” Jesus would later self-identify with the bold declaration, “I am the bread of life.” As our bread, Jesus makes it clear that He is our only source of nourishment and satisfaction spiritually. Satisfaction does not come in empty religious ritual and activity. (Jerusalem) Satisfaction and joy does not come in our intellectual assent. (Athens) Our ultimate fulfillment is not found in amassing titles, opulence and wealth. (Rome)

Our only satisfaction, fulfillment, and joy come from Jesus Christ! Will you follow him to Bethlehem? To the place where no one will see you, or write articles about you or take selfies with you and applaud you? Jesus came to the obscure little village--the hurting, insignificant person…He came for you and me!

Finally, Bethlehem reminds us of our Lord's abilities. Had Jesus not come to this little town, it would never be known. It would still be insignificant to this day. Yet, He changed it. He made it a place highly esteemed in the hearts of all who love Him.

As I read the Gospels, I see Jesus doing the same thing with so many people he encounters. He takes those of little significance, and He transforms them. I think of Peter, just another simple Galilean fisherman. He encounters Jesus and becomes a giant of faith. I think of Matthew, a tax collector who was considered a traitor and hated by his fellow brothers. He encounters Jesus and it changes his life forever. I think of Mary Magdalene who was full of demons and a woman of ill repute. She encounters Jesus, and her life is transformed. She becomes the first person to encounter the miracle of an empty tomb, and some have called her the “first evangelist” as she runs to tell Peter and John. Over and over and over in the New Testament we see both men and women encounter Jesus, and their lives are never the same.

I think of my life...who I was and what I was prior to Jesus. It truly brings me to tears to see the transformation that has occurred in my life.

There are so many others whose lives have been changed for eternity because of an encounter with Jesus. These are men and women who simply said, “We’re not people of Jerusalem, Rome, Athens or Hollywood. We are people of Bethlehem. We know Jesus came for people like us, so leave Your mark on us!”

This is why Paul said, (another person who was radically transformed by Jesus) “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.” (1 Corinthians 1:27)

God specifically chose Bethlehem, because in doing so he proves his priority—He has come for the broken and hurting. He proves his personality; he is gentle and humble and gives grace to those who walk in humility. He proves his ability to change anybody and make them significant forever.

If you feel unworthy, insignificant and not put together today—be of good cheer, for you are a perfect candidate for a Bethlehem miracle.