Jesus’ birth is closely associated with different cultures. When he was born in the stable, shepherds were generally considered to have little or no value in the culture. It is to them that the angels came. Then came the wise men, “from the east.” Likely they came from the ancient Arabian kingdom of Sheba where Yemen is today. There was indeed a wide assortment of culture and class surrounding Jesus’ birth—all deliberately chosen by God himself.
Jesus lived his life interacting with various cultures and when he was crucified, he died for them all. The criteria for salvation was not because a person was from a certain national origin, or had a certain skin color or cultural background. The criterion was repentance and faith in Jesus as Lord—nothing added or subtracted. All who believed in him would be saved and become members of God’s family, no exceptions. We are no longer first of all citizens of a certain country, or members of a certain group or culture. We are citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven and that is our first allegiance.
What are your thoughts in response to the devotional above as we begin this first week of our course?
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