"Why Was Jesus Born in Bethlehem?" A Short Article

[mdgspencer]

see Why was Jesus born in Bethlehem? | The New Theological Movement

When Jesus was born, Bethlehem was a tiny village of probably only about 300 people. The Old Testament book of Micah speaks of its littleness (Micah 5:1). But why did God choose such a place?

At the end this article provides the profoundest reasons, such the explanation of St. Thomas Aquinas, “at the same time, too, he put to silence the vain boasting of men who take pride in being born in great cities, where also they desire especially to receive honor. Christ, on the contrary, willed to be born in a mean city, and to suffer reproach in a great city.”

 

[Autumn-Smoke]

Thanks for posting!

Although not mentioned in the article, It’s also interesting to note that lambs destined to be sacrificed in the Temple were born and raised in the fields around Bethlehem—the place where Jesus was born–The Lamb of God who takes away our sins.

 

[Hereiam]

I agree, it is neat and plays well into Catholic theology…however, there is some scholars that even further back the derivative of the name is from an Assyrian deity, “Lakhmu” with the possibility of the name meaning “the house of Lakhmu,”

 

[Crocus]

Jesus (the Word) was born in Bethlehem.
St Jerome gathered the scriptures in Bethlehem to work out the Canon of the Word.

 

[Dan_Defender]

Yes and that’s why the angel announced the birth first to the shepherds… because they lived and tended the lambs near the cave of Bethlehem

 

[NJada]

Good article!
Might be a good question for Protestants concerning the Eucharist: Why was Jesus born in a manger in the House of Bread?

Maybe they will answer: To simply symbolize that He has the words of eternal life, since “it is written, Not in bread alone doth man live, but in every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God.” (Mt 4:4).

But God’s word could have been spoken by His prophets who can also teach by means of symbols: rather, why did the same Word become flesh?