I don’t recall what prompted me to begin reading the book of Micah, but when I first discovered this ancient prophet’s comments about the Bethlehem Prophecy in Micah almost forty years ago, it essentially rocked my world. I was raised in a Jewish home and never really understood the concept of the Messiah, since that wasn’t emphasized in the synagogues our family attended. So I assumed Jesus came up with His own unique religion.
But in Micah 5:2, I read:
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to me the one to be ruler in Israel whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.”
This passage helped me see the connection between Judaism and Christianity. Jesus wasn’t attempting to start a new religion; He was claiming to be Israel’s divine Messiah—the one promised throughout the Old Testament. Not only was Jesus born in Bethlehem, but He also fulfilled the prophecy that Micah outlines in verse 4:
“He shall stand and shepherd his flock…And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth.”
After years of reflection, I discovered that the international scope of this promise is reinforced in other prophecies (see Gen 22:18, Ps 2:8, 22:27, Is 2:2, 9:6-7, 52:10-15, Jer 16:19, Dan 2:35, Zec 9:10). Messianic prophecies about Jesus point to someone becoming “great to the ends of the earth,” which is exactly what Jesus accomplished.
The Christians of the first century saw early hints of this promise as Gentiles began to worship Jesus. Now, some two thousand years later, it’s clearer than ever that Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in Christ refers to Jesus. Who else from Bethlehem has reached such staggering global influence?
The Prophecy’s Modern Relevance
Micah not only wrote about Jesus but also hinted at us. For those of us living far from Israel, the prophecy’s mention of reaching the “ends of the earth” resonates personally. Today, we see its fulfillment across continents, offering compelling evidence for the truth of Christianity.
Justin Martyr, writing around 150 AD, appealed to Micah’s Bethlehem prophecy as evidence of Christ’s legitimacy:
“For with what reason should we believe that a crucified man is the first-born of the unbegotten God…unless we had found testimonies concerning Him published before He came…So many things therefore…are enough to produce conviction and belief in those who embrace the truth…”
Justin’s life and martyrdom underscore the historical reality of Jesus as the Messiah.
Reflection for Christmas
As you celebrate Christmas, take time to reflect on Micah’s prophecy. Over 700 years before His birth, the promised Messiah was foretold to come from Bethlehem and become “great to the ends of the earth.” This prophecy points not only to Jesus as the promised Messiah but also reminds us of our role in spreading His light in our own homes and communities.
Christmas: Legend or History?
This special Christmas edition of The Humble Skeptic podcast features Shane interviewing festival attendees about whether Christmas is rooted in mythology, history, or a little of both. In the second half, he reads from Justin Martyr’s First Apology, providing insight into the compelling nature of early Christian proclamation. Listen here.
