Out of Thee – Mary & Joseph, City of David

Know the Setting

“There went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed” (Luke 2:1), and each person went “into his own city” (Luke 2:3).

Joseph went to “the city of David, which is called Bethlehem” (Luke 2:4), “because he was of the house and lineage of David” (Luke 2:4), with Mary, “being great with child” (Luke 2:5).

Centuries earlier, the prophet Micah had named this small town.

Who Speaks

• Luke narrates the journey.
• Micah the prophet (Micah 5:2)
• In Matthew, the chief priests and scribes quote Micah to Herod (Matthew 2:5–6).

Look Closer

• Micah calls Bethlehem “little among the thousands of Judah” (Micah 5:2). When the chief priests quote it in Matthew, they say Bethlehem “art not the least among the princes of Juda” (Matthew 2:6). Reflection: small in size, it was not least in purpose.
• Micah says the coming ruler's “goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2).
• Luke does not mention a donkey or describe the road. Our pictures show a donkey as an artistic choice.