Today's Verse: Matthew 2:4-6

Sunday, December 13, 2026

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 Sunday, December 13, 2026

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Proverbs 18:12
"It is an old and common saying, that "coming events cast their shadows before them;" the wise man teaches us that a haughty heart is the prophetic..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Billy Graham:
"God does not discipline us to subdue us, but to condition us for a life of usefulness and blessedness."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Generosity toward Israel' (Ro. 15:25-29)
"Dear Father, God of Israel, Give us generous hearts toward the Jewish people throughout the world. "They are Israelites, and to them belong the..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Shaken, Stirred, and Emboldened!' (Acts 4:31)
"After [the disciples'] prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with..."

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