Where Was Jesus Born?
Asking where Jesus was born might seem trivial to some, but it actually carries a great deal of significance. It has less to do with the actual answers and more with the purpose behind it and the little details that define it. The place where Jesus was born gives us a look into His nature and the mission that followed. Why would God choose this setting in this location for Jesus to enter the world?
What City Was Jesus Born In?
Hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth, there were prophets predicting the Savior would be born in an insignificant place, but the prophet Micah actually named the town. “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf” (Micah 5:2).
Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judah just as Micah predicted. He left His home in heaven and all of the power and glory that comes with it so He could be born as a baby in an obscure village. But why?
What Was the Birthplace of Jesus?
Although Jesus “is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne” (Hebrews 12:2), his birthplace in Bethlehem was the complete opposite. Jesus’ earthly parents (Joseph and Mary) had to return to Joseph’s hometown because the Roman emperor required everyone in the Roman Empire to participate in a census. The Bible describes how the soon-to-be parents had to stay in a stable meant for livestock because “there was no lodging available for them” (Luke 2:7). After Mary gave birth to Jesus, “she wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger.”
Jesus Christ is royalty unlike any other. The Bible says, “At just the right time Christ will be revealed from Heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords” (1 Timothy 6:15). Why did God choose for His Son to be born in a barn of a village when He could have placed Him in a palace of a capital city?
If Jesus was born in a royal mansion, would you feel like He could understand the struggles and suffering of everyday people? It’s doubtful. Instead, His birth was the opposite considering Mary used a feeding trough as His first crib.
What Place Does Jesus Have In Your Life?
Jesus was sent by God the Father to save everyone—people of all types and places. It doesn’t matter how famous or ordinary you are. It doesn’t matter how wealthy or poor you are.
He knows what you’re going through as well. He felt what it’s like to be poor and hungry. He experienced the difficulties and disappointments of life. Jesus dealt with the loss of loved ones. Jesus loves you exactly the way you are and wants to help you.
Have you asked Jesus into your heart? Will you share your life with Him?
Step 1 – God’s Purpose: Peace and Life
The Bible says:
"We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Romans 5:1
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16
"I [Jesus] have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
John 10:10
Step 2 – The Problem: Our Separation from God
The Bible says:
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23
The Bible says:
"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death."
Proverbs 14:12
"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear."
Isaiah 59:2
Step 3 – God’s Bridge: The Cross
The Bible says:
"For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus."
1 Timothy 2:5
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God."
1 Peter 3:18
Step 4 – Our Response: Receive Christ
The Bible says:
"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."
John 1:12
"If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Romans 10:9
Here is how you can accept Christ into your life:
- Admit your need. (I am a sinner)
- Be willing to turn from your sins. (Repent)
- Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave. (Be saved by faith)
- Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive him as Lord and Savior)
We suggest a prayer like this one:
"Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that You raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do Your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen."
Did you pray this prayer?
