Today's Verse: Matthew 2:4-6

Friday, December 13, 1946

When King Herod had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means the least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"
— Matthew 2:4-6

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"The first will be last and the last will be first." That's one of Jesus' favorite sayings. Isn't it interesting that God said it long before Jesus was born. Isn't it interesting that those who knew the Scriptures, but didn't know Jesus, said it too! Isn't it interesting that Herod and Jesus lived it thirty years before Jesus would teach it? Isn't it interesting that the Jesus gave us the Lord's Supper to remember that while Jesus died and shed his blood, on the first day of the week, Sunday, he rose. When it matters most, Jesus and his people will finish first!

My Prayer...

You, O Lord, are marvelous. You are God Almighty, the holy and majestic Creator. Yet you became the least so I can share in your glory. Please help me, O God, never to look down on someone else because they look like the least. I know, Father, that as I serve and love them, I'm serving and loving you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

18 Related Resources by Heartlight

Out of Judea
Illustration of Matthew 2:4-6
Inspirational illustration of Matthew 2:4-6 -- ...for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.
God's Word in the Wrong Hands
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard [about the newborn king of the Jews from the wise men], as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a..."
Matthew 2:6
Devo: Today's Verse
"[As the prophet Micah has written:] "But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler..."
Move Beyond the God Talk
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Partner in the Kingdom, People can speak in "God talk" and live in anti-God ways. Unfortunately, Christmas is a time when a lot of that happens...."
See All 18 Related Resources about Matthew 2:4-6

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 2:4-6 — When King Herod had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means the least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, December 13, 1946

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'I Came to Help You!'
"Dear Beloved Sibling, Yes, I know some of you who read this have trouble thinking of Me as your older brother. Through the Father's grace, that is..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Time to Pray' (Ep. 6:18-19)
"Dear Father, May I fill my time with prayer and entreaties to you. Help me to keep alert for prayer. And to keep on, and keep on, and keep on. I..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Interrupted by the Praise' (2 Ch. 5:13-14)
"The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'This Is the Truth!' (Acts 24:14-16)
"[In responding to the accusations made against him, Paul denied they were true, and then went on to say:] "But I admit that I follow the Way, which....."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse