Introduction: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.” Micah 5:2
I. The Location
- This is debated among scholars and churches i.e., orthodox Greeks, Catholics
- Why it is important i.e., two Bethlehem’s, The tribe Jesus was from, the location of the fields and Migdal Edar (the tower of the flock)
- This tower had two stories the bottom is where the lambs were birthed
- The top is where the chief shepherd kept watch from a high vantage point against anything that would harm the sheep.
- Migdal Edar is where Jacobs’s wife Rachel died and is buried. (Genesis 35)
II. The Lambs
-These Lambs were taken care of with great concern for their intended purpose.
-They were birthed by the shepherd reaching into the womb and pulling them out
-They were immediately wrapped in swaddling for a period so that they do not become injured lest they become disqualified for sacrifice.
III. The Shepherds
- Extra biblical Jewish writings indicate that the shepherds were priestly shepherds that took care of the sheep which would be sacrificed at the temple.
- It took those who had been trained as priests to know how to take care of and prepare these lambs.
- Just as the Magi or wise man who were also known as “King Makers” came to honor and recognize the King
- These King makers were trained to recognize the Messiah
- Also the shepherds who were also priests according to Jewish law were the ones chosen by God to go and honor and recognize the Lamb.
- They were trained to recognize a proper lamb and was sent by God via the angels’ proclamation to go and find this Lamb of God that was to be slain as well.
Conclusion:
- (Rev_5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.)
- The birth of Jesus is telling of the death of Jesus.
