There are six places in the Gospels whose names begin with "Beth."

They are: Bethlehem, Bethabara, Bethsaida, Bethesda, Bethphage, and Bethany. The prefix "Beth" means "The House of," and these places seem to touchingly chart the Life and Ministry of the Lord Jesus, coming into our world as He did at Bethlehem and finally leaving it from Bethany on the Mount of Olives. Between Bethlehem and Bethany lies that lovely pathway of the perfect Man. It is always a joy to those who love Him to trace that pathway, contemplating the beauties of a life which brought so much pleasure to God. Bethlehem means "The House of Bread" and to that House of Bread He came, He Who was the Bread of God (John 6:33).

Bethlehem marked the beginning on earth of a life which, as John tells us, was the manifestation of a life which had been eternally with the Father (1John 1:2). Our fellowship is now with the Father as we also feast on the Bread of God.