A Savior Is Born

A Savior Is Born

Q: Which minor prophet prophesied Jesus would be born in Bethlehem?

• a. Micah
• b. Obadiah
• c. Malachi

The Old Testament contains many prophecies about Jesus’ birth. One prophecy tells exactly where Jesus would be born—Bethlehem, a small village just south of Jerusalem. This prophecy came true since Matthew and Luke both name Bethlehem as the place the Savior was born. Matthew 2:5-6 even refers to the Old Testament prophecy: “This is what the prophet wrote: ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel’” (Matthew 2:5-6).

God gave information to the Old Testament prophets (and even before) about the coming Savior. All of the prophecies came true. Here are a few of them:

• Jesus would be from the line of David. Isaiah 7:13-14; Jeremiah 23:1-7
• (Fulfilled: Matthew 1:1-6; Luke 1:27; Revelation 5:5)
• Jesus would be born in the town of Bethlehem. Micah 5:2-4
• (Fulfilled: Matthew 2:1; Luke 2:4-6)
• Kings would bring him gifts. Psalm 72
• (Fulfilled: Matthew 2:1-11)

These prophecies show that God had a plan in place from the very beginning to provide a Savior to take away the sins of the world. These clues would help people recognize the Messiah when he came. Yet many still didn’t accept Jesus.

For You

Sometimes prophecy is overlooked because it seems difficult to understand. Take time to read the verses that give the prophecies about Jesus, and then read the verses that show they were fulfilled. Why are these prophecies important?

Answer: a

You, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf.   Micah 5:2

(The Whole Story: Micah 5:2-5)