Did You Know?

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, fulfilling an earlier Old Testament prophecy.

His birth is recorded in Luke 2:4-7 and Matthew 2:1, connecting to the earlier prophecy in Micah 5:2 about a ruler coming from Bethlehem. Bethlehem, meaning 'house of bread' in Hebrew, was also notably David's hometown.

According to Luke, Jesus was born and laid in a manger because there was no room in the inn.

This account is recorded in Luke 2:7, describing a humble beginning despite Jesus' later theological significance. This detail has become a central image in traditional Christmas narratives and nativity depictions.

An angel announced Jesus' birth to shepherds watching their flocks by night.

This announcement, recorded in Luke 2:8-14, includes the declaration of 'good tidings of great joy' and a multitude of the heavenly host praising God. The shepherds then went to see the newborn child themselves (Luke 2:15-16).

Wise men, sometimes called Magi, followed a star to find and worship the young Jesus.

Their visit, along with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, is recorded in Matthew 2:1-11. The Bible does not specify the exact number of wise men, though tradition, based on the three gifts mentioned, often assumes there were three.

King Herod, fearing a rival king, ordered the killing of male infants in Bethlehem after Jesus' birth.

This event, known as the Massacre of the Innocents, is recorded in Matthew 2:16. Jesus' family fled to Egypt beforehand, having been warned in a dream (Matthew 2:13-14).

Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day, as was customary Jewish practice.

This event, along with his formal naming, is recorded in Luke 2:21, following the instructions originally given regarding circumcision in Genesis 17:12. This detail emphasizes Jesus' full participation in Jewish religious customs from infancy.

As a young boy, Jesus was found in the Temple discussing matters with religious teachers.

This episode, occurring when Jesus was twelve years old, is recorded in Luke 2:41-49, describing his parents' anxious search before finding him engaged in learned discussion. Jesus responds to his parents by asking, 'wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?' (Luke 2:49).

John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River, marking the beginning of Jesus' public ministry.

During this baptism, described in Matthew 3:13-17, a voice from heaven declares, 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,' while the Spirit descends like a dove. This event is considered a key moment affirming Jesus' identity and mission.

After his baptism, Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness and was tempted by the devil.

This period of testing is recorded in Matthew 4:1-11, including three specific temptations related to physical need, presumption, and worldly power. Jesus responded to each temptation by quoting Scripture from the Book of Deuteronomy.

Jesus called his first disciples while they were working as fishermen along the Sea of Galilee.

This calling, including Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, is recorded in Matthew 4:18-20, with Jesus inviting them to become 'fishers of men.' Several of Jesus' twelve apostles were originally fishermen by trade.