The Story of the Birth of Jesus – ISK – Day Nine – Jesus

This entry is part 10 of 13 in the series The Story of the Birth of Jesus

a simple Inductive Bible study for kids (and families) to learn the story of Jesus' birth - day nine - Jesus in the manger

For as big an event as the birth of the Savior of the world was, there is not a ton of detail in the Scriptures about the actual event.  We do not know the exact day or month it happened. We do not know how long the birth took.  We don’t see the inner thoughts or struggles of all the characters.  

But because we are studying the Bible, we do know some details. 

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A couple of weeks ago we began our Inductive Study of the Story of the Birth of Jesus. We have looked at the characters who dot the Christmas story, as well as the setting. And the day is finally here! We are going to look at the event – the birth of Jesus! I am so excited!

If you are looking for the Story of the Birth of Jesus posts, you can find them all in one location, here.

Let’s dig in!

The Simple Account of Jesus’ Birth

Let’s see what we remember from our previous study:

Who are Jesus’ earthly parents? (Mary and Joseph) Where do they typically live? (Nazareth) And where were they when it was time for Jesus to be born? (Bethlehem) Where did they get the idea for His name? (from the angel)

Let’s read Matthew 1:25-2:2 and note what we learn about Jesus. Let’s make a list.

  • Mary gave birth to Jesus (1:25)
  • Joseph called His name Jesus (1:25)
  • born in Bethlehem of Judea (2:1)
  • born “King of the Jews” (2:2)
  • the magi saw “His star in the east” (2:2)
  • magi came to worship Him (2:2)

Matthew’s account doesn’t offer any of those details we were looking for either. No date, no month, not much at all. But Matthew does offer a new facet to the story, what is it? (a star!) Yes! What do we know about that star? (it was in the east, they saw it) What did their observation of the star cause them to do? (travel to Jerusalem to find “the King of the Jews”)

What did they specifically say about this star and this King? Let’s read Matt. 2:2 again

“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and have come to worship Him.”

Matthew 2:2

So these men saw a star in the east which made them believe a baby had been born who was King of the Jews. They believed this so strongly that they left their homes to travel to do what? (worship Him)

What does it mean to worship God? How do you think they are going to do this?

Luke’s Account of the Birth of Jesus

We have read the lead-up to the birth of Jesus from Luke a number of times, but let’s read it again to settle ourselves into the story and then add another verse. Read Luke 2:1-7. Let’s focus in on what we learn from verse 7 about the birth of Jesus:

  • Mary gave birth to her first-born son
  • she wrapped Him in cloths
  • she laid Him in a manger
  • there was no room for them in the inn

Do we have any of those birthdate details we talked about? Month? Day? Anything? (No!) The Son of God, the Holy One of Israel, the Promised Messiah, the King of the Jews was born and there are two verses in all of Scripture that describe the day.

This birth was, by all accounts, mundane – simple. It just happened as all births do. The only thing different about it was that it wasn’t inside a home, or even an inn. Where did she lay Jesus after she wrapped Him in cloths? (a manger)

What is a manger?

A manger is not a building. But it does indicate what kind of place Mary and Joseph were when she gave birth to Jesus. It is a feeding trough for animals. It kind of looks like a box with a wide opening at the mouth. Draw a simple manger.

a simple Inductive Bible study for kids (and families) to learn the story of Jesus' birth - day nine - Jesus in the manger

What does this “cradle” for Jesus indicate about the place where Jesus was born? (it was a place where animals were kept) We have seen the pictures of the nativity scenes before. Do they depict this accurately? Are there animals nearby? Is there any indication about what kind of “building” they were in? Is there anything you would change about these scenes? (these are discussion questions)

Why a manger?

Read Luke 2:7 again. What is the reason Mary wrapped Jesus in cloths and laid Him in a manger? (there was no room for them in the inn)

Remember when we talked about the city of David being a place of promise. Do you remember God made some promises about Bethlehem? (out of you (Bethelehem) shall come forth a Ruler, Who will shepherd My people Israel)

If God had planned this birth and promised it many years before it happened, why was the Promised One born in such a low place? Why didn’t God prepare a royal birth place for Him? (these are discussion questions)

A Song, A Hymn

I cannot hear the story of the birth of Jesus without having a song in my heart. I recommend you take the time to sing with your family one of these special hymns of Jesus’ birth:

Away in a Manger

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus! look down from the sky,
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And take us to heaven to live with thee there.

O, Come All Ye Faithful

O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of Angels;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

O Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing all that hear in heaven God’s holy word.
Give to our Father glory in the Highest;
O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

All Hail! Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning,
O Jesus! for evermore be Thy name adored.
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

A Preview

Tomorrow we will we will see the announcement of Jesus’ birth. I am so excited to talk about it with you. Stay tuned!


Series Navigation<< The Story of the Birth of Jesus – ISK – Day Eight – BethlehemThe Story of the Birth of Jesus – ISK – Day Ten – Angels >>

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