Updated: Dec 19, 2018
Hymn
Scripture Reading
John 6:35
Narrative Reading
Luke 2:1-20
Devotional Reading
The name Beth-lehem, in Hebrew, means “House of Bread”. We often pass by the name of Jesus’ birthplace without giving much thought to its name. The details that God ordained in the birth of Christ are so intricately woven throughout the narrative, that even the typically sleepy, little town of Bethlehem has a gospel story to tell.
Jesus calls himself the bread of life (John 6:35), offering sustenance for life. At this time in history, the temple was where God met with His covenant people. At Jesus’ birth, that all changed. Now God himself took on flesh and dwelt among His people, “tabernacling” with them (John 1:14). Inside the temple would lay the bread of presence, which symbolized the nourishment God provided for His people. Jesus’ birth in the town called “house of bread” points us to the reality of the true bread of presence. It is now the bread that is his body which was broken for us that sustains His people forever.
Questions
What does the name, Beth-lehem mean in Hebrew?
What did the bread of presence that resided in the temple represent?
What title is given to Jesus in John 6:35?