Over 300 years before Jesus was born, the Greek Empire ruled much of the world and spread its culture everywhere. After the Greeks, the Roman Empire took over, with strong leaders who controlled most of the known world.
Around 60 years before Jesus was born, the Romans made Herod the ruler of Judea. He became known as Herod the Great and built many things, including a big renovation of the temple in Jerusalem. As Herod got older, the Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus decided to count everyone in the empire, so he ordered a census. Everyone had to go back to their hometown to be counted. That’s why Joseph and Mary, who was pregnant with Jesus, traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
Jesus was born in Bethlehem, just as the prophets had said. But King Herod was afraid of losing his throne, so he ordered that all the baby boys in Bethlehem under two years old be killed. Fortunately, Jesus’ family was instructed by God and escaped to safety. After Herod died, the Roman Empire divided his kingdom among his sons.
During this time, the Jewish people were hoping for a Messiah, a great leader from King David’s family, to save them from Roman rule. They expected a powerful king to come and lead them. But Jesus came in a humble way, born in a simple manger, not a palace. He didn’t come to fight the Romans; He came to save everyone from sin and death. Jesus’ kingdom is not an earthly one, but a heavenly kingdom that will last forever.
