Do you remember an ache that you felt before coming to faith? Even after the triumph of rebirth, you may at times feel depleted. We need Jesus—for forgiveness and salvation, and for the spiritual nourishment that sustains us day to day. The promise of Christ’s coming encouraged the Israelites before His birth. And today, we celebrate His gift of life, even as we await His return.
Illustration by João Fazenda
BACKGROUND
The book of Micah alternates between words of judgment and encouragement. Prophecies describing punishment relate to the people’s unfaithfulness toward God and the coming of the Assyrian army. Passages communicating hope foretell Christ’s birth and a future holy kingdom.
READ
Micah 5:1-2; John 6:27-35
REFLECT
God often chooses to bring about something great through something insignificant.
Micah 5:1-2 is a microcosm of contrasting visions. Can you identify them, both those of punishment and those of hope?
The wording of verse 2—“too little to be among the clans of Judah”—prophesies that Jesus’ birth will take place in a minor town. Bethlehem’s lack of earthly importance reflects Christ’s true nature as the Ruler whose kingdom is “not of this world” (John 18:36). How has your idea of status changed as you’ve walked with Him? Have you seen God do something great through you in spite of (or because of) your humility, or perhaps even your weakness?
In Hebrew, Bethlehem means “house of bread,” referring to grain production in the area. Ephrathah, another name for Bethlehem, means “fruitful.” How might these words about sustenance and health be part of the prophecy concerning Christ’s birth?
Through Micah, God referred to Jesus as “One [who] will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel” (Mic. 5:2). While on earth, our Lord established the church as His kingdom but refused earthly political roles, meaning His kingship is in place and will be made complete at an appointed time in the future. How do Micah’s words hint at Jesus’ eternal nature as Alpha and Omega?
CONTINUING THE STORY
With His arrival in the New Testament, Jesus fulfills the prophecy that God’s appointed Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
Jesus urges His listeners not to “work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures” (John 6:27). What do you think is the food that endures, and what is the “work” we do to obtain it (v. 29)? How might verse 27 be an encouragement to you this Christmas season to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?
The manna in the wilderness (v. 31), while miraculous, was a physical solution to a worldly problem. It did not provide redemption or eternal life. How is Jesus a different kind of solution, one who solves our greatest need (vv. 32-35)?
Jesus said, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger” (v. 35). Micah 5:2 prophesied the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem—Hebrew for “House of Bread.” What does this tell you about God’s faithfulness? Now, think about the “bread out of heaven” (John 6:31) being laid in a feeding trough (Luke 2:7). How has Jesus been “the bread of life” for you?
REFLECT
In Christ, our sins are forgiven, our souls healed, and our spirits rescued.
When we do the “work” of belief, cultivating our faith daily, worshipping, praising, studying, and walking with Jesus, we are “eating” the bread of life. Make it your goal to grow stronger in spirit each day as you await His glorious return.
