Little Town of Bethlehem

Background from the OT: Genesis, Ruth, 1 Sam, Micah
Background from the NT: Luke, 1 Corinthians

A. The Twelfth Son of Jacob (Gen 35: 16-20)

1. Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin and was buried in Bethlehem

2. The tribe of Benjamin eventually begat Kin Saul

B. Boaz & Ruth (Ruth 4:4-6, 11-12)

1. The shortsighted wisdom of the unnamed kinsman

2. The lineage of David

C. The anointing of David (1 Sam 16:11-13)

1. Samuel's wisdom versus God's in the selection of David

2. A simple shepherd boy, keeping watch over his flock in the fields of Bethlehem, becomes the greatest King of Israel

D. The prophecy of Micah (5:2)

1. though little among the thousands

2. God's way of choosing the least to be greatest

E. The birth of Christ (Luke 2:4-7)

1. the message was given to simple shepherds in the fields of Bethlehem

2. Micah's prophecy fulfilled

F. Confounding the wise (1 Cor 1:27-29 )

1. God uses the foolish to confound the wise, the weak to confound the mighty

2. Why? "That no flesh should glory in his presence."