Why is it significant that Jesus was born in Bethlehem?

All scripturally informed Jews knew certain facts about the Messiah who would one day come to earth. They knew He would come from the royal line of David and reign from the throne in Jerusalem over Israel’s glorious kingdom. And one thing about the Messiah that faithful Jews were certain of was set forth by the prophet Micah:

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting. (Micah 5:2)

The Romans normally registered people in their current place of residence rather than making them return to their homeland or hometown. But in accord with Jewish custom, Mary and Joseph had to go back to Bethlehem “because [Joseph] was of the house and lineage of David” (Luke 2:4).

So when—according to Luke 2:1—“it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered,” Jesus’ parents were providentially directed to be in Bethlehem at precisely the right time to fulfill Micah 5:2. The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, however, was a difficult trek of more than seventy miles through mountainous terrain—a particularly grueling journey for Mary, on the verge of delivery.