Mary and Joseph made the trip back to Bethlehem (Luke 2-1-4) because he (Joseph) was out of the house and lineage of David for the census. I was doing a little reading earlier today and learned that Bethlehem in Hebrew means “House of Bread”. How cool that Jesus would later call Himself “The Bread of Life” be born in a town called “House of Bread”. Remember, God provided bread in the form of manna to the people of Israel while in the desert, sustaining them in the wilderness. Jesus fed the multitude with five loaves of bread and two fish. These were both provisions…one while traveling and the other to keep them from having to travel. Both times, God was taking care of those that He was feeding. Different circumstances, but He still provided. Both miracles in their own sense, but nonetheless meeting a NEED.
When Jesus was born, He was laid into a feeding trough. Of all the things for Him to be laid in…our Father in heaven was setting the stage for our greatest need to be met. The provisions needed for our hungry souls was this child that lay in the feeding trough of sheep. How many times have we been referred to as sheep and Jesus as The Good Shepherd? Jesus was our manna…the five loaves…The Everlasting Bread of Life. Through Him, every hunger that we possibly could have is met. Completely. There is satisfaction in Him!
I love how intricate and detailed God’s plans are for us. The Good Shepherd was feeding His sheep from the moment He was laid in that manger. Later on we know, He told the disciples to eat of the bread at the Last Supper, because it was His body…our sustenance…partaking in Him…nourishing our faith…strengthening our hearts and minds in the knowledge and wisdom of our Lord.
