Jesus Bethlehem

Jesus Bethlehem. We all love the story of Jesus being born in Bethlehem. As we read through the familiar narrative, let us try to put ourselves in the place of Mary.

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 Andshe brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:1-7, NKJV

Jesus Bethlehem. We all love the story of Jesus being born in Bethlehem. As we read through the familiar narrative, let us try to put ourselves in the place of Mary.

Jesus Bethlehem - Long Road to Bethlehem

The timing could not be worse for Mary who was in her last month of pregnancy. Walking would have bern impossible, but riding on a donkey was not comfortable either. However, in those days when a census was ordered, each person had to go to the city of their house and lineage. Besides the census, why was it necessary for them to go to Bethlehem?

“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, NKJV

In the last half of the 8th century BC, a prophet named Micah wrote the prophecy shown above.

Yet, it was not difficult for God to fulfill this prophecy--a simple census caused Mary and Joseph, who lived in Galilee to have to go to Bethlehem. Later, this became a stumbling block for the Scribes and Pharisees of Jesus' day. Jesus, to them was from Galilee. No prophecy foretold the Promised One to come from Galilee. A little research might have shown them that Jesus, though then living in Galilee was born in Bethlehem.

Jesus Bethlehem - Born in Bethlehem

Bethlehem was over 90 miles from Galilee, and on foot, was a trip of 8 to 10 days. We can hardly imagine what this birth must have meant to Mary. First, she endured an impossibly long trip for a woman in her 9th month of pregnancy, but then, when they finally reached Bethlehem, there was no room for them in the inn. Joseph, seeking a place for the baby to be born, for she was now in labor, chose a manger--a cow's stall.

The King of Kings and Lord of Glory--the Promised One--was born in a cow's stall and laid in a manger.

The Bible is very succinct about the account, so we have no particular news about Mary's perspective in all of this. Do you think that she expected that this child, promised by God, would have all of the benefits of a royal birth? How could God so allow for His Son to be born in such mean conditions?

Jesus Bethlehem - Lessons for Us

As Mary pondered these things, how can we relate her experience to our own lives today? Do we think that we are so important to God that the church cannot survive without us? Do we think that because we are chosen by God to serve Him that certainly wealth and success should follow us all of our days? Is it true that once we accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our own personal Savior, our times of difficulty are over?

Actually, the reverse is almost always the case. As children of God, we are often plagued with one difficulty after another as God shapes us to become more and more like Him. Yet when we look around us, this does not seem to be the case for non-believers.

The psalmist in Psalm 73 asked the same question.

3 For I was envious of the boastful,
When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 For there are no pangs in their death,
But their strength is firm.
5 They are not in trouble as other men,
Nor are they plagued like other men. . .

Their eyes bulge with abundance;
They have more than heart could wish.

Psalm 73:3-5 & 7, NKJV

How did the Psalmist answer his own questions?

17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God;
Then I understood their end. . .

23 Nevertheless I am continually with You;
You hold me by my right hand.
24 You will guide me with Your counsel,
And afterward receive me to glory.

25 Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
26 My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Psalm 73:17 & 23-26, NKJV

Jesus Bethlehem. Mary, chosen by God, had great faith. I would like to think that she was comforted by the words from Psalm 73 which certainly must have been known to her.

Do we often fret over our circumstances? Do we believe that God should treat us better because we are His children?

Be comforted by Psalm 73. Let us cry out with Mary, "Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

If you do not have this relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, then go to Him today. Ask Him to forgive your sins and bring you into His fold. Christ is everything! Nothing on earth can compare to Him. Cry out to Him today to save your soul.

God Bless You,

Linda