Why was Jesus laid in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes, when he was born?
The shepherds who tended the flocks were from the Levitical priesthood, a group chosen explicitly for their sacred duties.
The lambs under their care were destined for sacrifices at the Temple, an essential practice in the Jewish faith.
To ensure their acceptability for such a profound purpose, the lambs were required to be without blemish, symbolizing purity and perfection.
This meticulous selection process underscored the importance of offering the highest-quality sacrifices to God, emphasizing both the ceremonial and spiritual significance of these animals in the religious practices of the time.
A rabbi elaborated on the ancient practice related to sacrificial lambs, noting that only those without blemish were deemed acceptable for offerings.
To ensure their safety and sanctity, these pristine lambs were carefully wrapped in swaddling clothes, a practice that symbolizes their purity and special status.
Once secured, they were placed in mangers, a traditional resting spot, highlighting their significance and the reverence afforded to them in the sacrificial rites.
This is the reason an angel of the Lord declared, “You will find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger,” which serves as a miraculous sign for you.
Jesus, the Lamb of God, came to serve as a sacrifice for the world’s sins. This act would not only fulfill ancient prophecies but also serve as a profound sign to the Levitical shepherds, who were tasked with tending the flocks destined for sacrificial offerings.
Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savor.
A baby was born where Passover lambs were traditionally born, wrapped tightly in swaddling cloths, much like the innocent lambs prepared for sacrifice. This event marked the arrival of the Lamb of God, who would ultimately lay down His life to atone for humanity’s sins, embodying hope and redemption for the world.
Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
Luke 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
Luke 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Luke 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.
Luke 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, let us now go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
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