the Bethlehem Lamb

Micah 5:2

2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

In the Bible, the prominent theme of the lamb permeates the pages from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Throughout the Old Testament, the concept of the lamb holds significant symbolic meaning, representing purity, innocence, sacrifice, atonement and redemption. Lambs were frequently chosen as sacrificial offerings to seek forgiveness for sins as a sin offering to God. One instance would be during the time of the Passover feast in ancient Jerusalem where the lamb played a significant role in the Temple rituals. Families would bring a spotless lamb to the priests for sacrifice as a symbol of atonement for sin. The lamb had to meet specific criteria to be deemed acceptable for sacrifice and was carefully inspected. In other words, the lamb would have to be spotless (without blemish) and innocent (without sin). In Hebrew, the term "taleh" translates to "lamb" in English. More importantly, “taleh” comes from the Hebrew word “tal” which means covering. This act symbolized the covering of sins (or atonement) which reflected themes of redemption and spiritual restoration in Hebrew culture and religious practices.

Interestingly enough, during the time of the second Temple, a place was designated where the sacrificial lambs were to be raised and kept which was in close proximity to the Temple of Jerusalem. This place was not only chosen for its significance in the religious rituals of ancient Jewish tradition, but also for its close proximity to Jerusalem. This town was Bethlehem! And being only about five miles south of Jerusalem , Bethlehem provided a convenient and practical solution for sourcing sacrificial animals for the temple rituals. The short distance allowed for the lambs to be transported to Jerusalem with ease, ensuring the fulfillment of religious obligations without complications. Additionally, lambs were raised in Bethlehem for temple sacrifices due to their significance in the religious rituals of ancient Jewish tradition. Bethlehem, known for its fertile land and pastures, was ideal for raising healthy and unblemished lambs suitable for such sacred ceremonies. The practice of raising lambs for temple sacrifices in Bethlehem was a deeply ingrained part of the religious customs and beliefs of the Jewish people during that time.

The significance of Jesus being born in Bethlehem lies in the fulfillment of ancient prophecies concerning the Messiah's origins. The town of Bethlehem holds historical and spiritual importance as the birthplace of King David, from whose lineage the Messiah was foretold to come. By being born in Bethlehem, Jesus fulfilled Micah's prophecy (Micah 5:2), reinforcing His identity as the long-awaited Savior. More importantly, Jesus became the “Taleh Elohim” , the “Lamb of God”. Jesus was literally born in the same place, Bethlehem, as were the sacrificial lambs for the temple in Jerusalem. This recurring imagery of the lamb illustrates God's design for humanity's redemption and His unwavering love displayed throughout Scripture. God's faithfulness to His promises throughout history demonstrate His precise orchestration of events to bring about the redemption of humanity through the birth of His Son.

And noteworthy here, who were the first to see Jesus when He was born ? The shepherds of Bethlehem who were the same shepherds that also attended the births of the sacrificial lambs for the temple in Jerusalem! As recorded in the Gospel of Luke, an angel appeared to them in the fields, announcing the birth of the Savior in Bethlehem. The shepherds were filled with awe and wonder at this heavenly message and went to find the baby Jesus. As is written in Luke 2:15, When the Angels had left them and gone into Heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about”. Their visit symbolizes the inclusivity of Jesus' message, that He came for all people regardless of their social status or background.

The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem is often seen as the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system in the Old Testament, where lambs were offered for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus, known as the Lamb of God, came to earth to offer Himself as a sacrifice for all humanity. His birth in humble surroundings signaled his role as the sacrificial lamb, destined to bring salvation and reconciliation between God and mankind. This act of selfless sacrifice is a central tenet of the Christian faith, demonstrating God's immense love and grace towards His creation.

Prayerful Thought: He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He did not open his mouth. Isaiah 53::7

And Remember…….

“ Jesus paid a debt he didn’t owe, because we owed a debt we couldn’t pay!”

“May the peace and grace of the Lord always be with you” - Dr Lee