Today's Verse: Matthew 2:4-6

Thursday, December 13, 2018

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...

"But many who are first will be last, and the last first" (Mark 10:31). That's one of Jesus' most emphatic sayings. Isn't it interesting that God said it long before Jesus was born? Even though Bethlehem was considered one of the least of the cities in Judea, God chose for it to be the birthplace of his Son, Israel's Messiah, and our Savior! 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 this truth thirty years before Jesus would teach it? Isn't it interesting that 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 because they are willing to be servants and put themselves last to bless others (Mark 9:35).

My Prayer...

You, O Lord, are marvelous. You are God Almighty, the holy and majestic Creator of all that is in our universe. Yet, dear God, you became the least in Jesus so we can share in your glory. Please help us, O God, never to look down on someone else because they look like the least, but instead serve them in Jesus' name. We know, dear Father, that as we serve and love them, we are serving and loving you. In Jesus' name, and to be like him in glorifying you, we pray. Amen.

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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.' "

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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.

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