“The Feeding Trough” by Pastor Tim Burt
Luke 2:6–7 (NIV) — “While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
Just think about this: Jesus — the Son of God — was wrapped in strips of cloth and laid in a manger… an animal feeding trough. I hope you recognize the significance of that!
A feeding trough is designed to hold food. And Jesus, placed in that trough, would become the One who eternally feeds us — not with natural food, but with His Word, to the degree we seek Him.
As Jesus walked out His earthly ministry, His teachings became spiritual nourishment. Those hungry for God received revelation, insight, and understanding of God’s plan for mankind. His words fed their souls with a joy and peace they had never known before.
We see this clearly in John 6:35 (NIV):
“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me will never go hungry, and he who believes in Me will never be thirsty.’”
And again in John 6:31–35 (NKJV):
“Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’
Then Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’
Then they said to Him, ‘Lord, give us this bread always.’
And Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.’”
And as God would design it, Jesus was born in Bethlehem — a name that means “House of Bread.”
Jesus told us we would live not merely by natural bread, but by His Word:
“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’” — Luke 4:4 (NKJV)
So as you think about Christmas, remember Jesus in the manger — the feeding trough. Let it remind you that He came into this world to feed us truth.
He came to free us from fear and the insecurity of wondering whether we were destined for His wrath.
He came to give us a new and everlasting assurance of His love — that He would always be with us.
He came to give us insight, instruction, and wisdom for living.
He came so we could live uprightly, victoriously, and blessed, overcoming the trials and tribulations of this sin-tainted world.
Joseph and Mary show us this. With faith in God’s promises and by His grace, they walked out each moment step-by-step and day-by-day. Their lives were marked by the reassurance of His love — accompanied by signs and wonders — as they lived by faith.
And that faith was fueled by His Word — Jesus, the Word made flesh, who was first laid in a manger… the feeding trough.
Matthew 4:4 (NIV) — “Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
