What Jesus Did! 'David's Village' — Luke 2:4-5

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David's ancient home [for the census]. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.
— Luke 2:4-5 NLT

Key Thought

Bethlehem may not have been much of a village in Jesus' day, but it was King David's village. More importantly, Luke helps us establish a link in Jesus' heritage to King David. Jesus, however, is not just any successor of David; he is THE successor. Jesus is the one who reigns on David's throne forever! Even before Jesus arrived on the scene, his identity and his role had been revealed for us: [1] He would be King! The issue for you and me is whether we allow him to be King of our lives.

[1] Luke 1:32.

Today's Prayer

Almighty God and loving Father, I want Jesus to rule over my heart. I want him to be Lord of my passions. I want him to redeem the weak, broken, and unholy parts of my character. I want him to be Master of my future. Father, I don't want these flawed parts of my character to weigh me down in my pursuit of Christ-likeness. I know that my spiritual maturity will never be fully realized until I truly let Jesus rule my life. Please shape me and mold me, Lord Jesus, so that just as you obeyed your Father's will, I can learn to do the same. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Samuel 7:8-13
  • 1 Kings 9:5
  • 2 Chronicles 13:5

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 2:4-5 NLT — And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David's ancient home [for the census].

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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