Today's Verse: Matthew 2:4-6

Saturday, December 13, 1958

When King Herod had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means the least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"
— Matthew 2:4-6

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"The first will be last and the last will be first." That's one of Jesus' favorite sayings. Isn't it interesting that God said it long before Jesus was born. Isn't it interesting that those who knew the Scriptures, but didn't know Jesus, said it too! Isn't it interesting that Herod and Jesus lived it thirty years before Jesus would teach it? Isn't it interesting that the Jesus gave us the Lord's Supper to remember that while Jesus died and shed his blood, on the first day of the week, Sunday, he rose. When it matters most, Jesus and his people will finish first!

My Prayer...

You, O Lord, are marvelous. You are God Almighty, the holy and majestic Creator. Yet you became the least so I can share in your glory. Please help me, O God, never to look down on someone else because they look like the least. I know, Father, that as I serve and love them, I'm serving and loving you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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18 Related Resources by Heartlight

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Illustration of Matthew 2:4-6
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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 2:4-6 — When King Herod had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means the least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, December 13, 1958

A Year with Jesus
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God's Holy Fire
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'To Whom Are We Listening?' (1 Jn. 4:6)
"But we come from God and belong to God. Anyone who knows God understands us and listens. The person who has nothing to do with God will, of course, not listen....."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Paul's Boldness, Agrippa's Refusal'
"But Paul replied [to Festus' charge that he had lost his mind because he believed in the resurrection of Jesus], "I am not insane, Most Excellent..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Strengthened with Power' (Co. 1:11-14)
"Dear Father, in whom there is no darkness at all, Strengthen me with all power, according to your great might, so that I can both endure and be..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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