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Reading through the Gospels 10

Luke 2:1-5

Luke 2:1-5 THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST

2: 1 God even used Caesar Augustus (ruled 31 B.C. to 14 A.D. during Jesus's entire life) to make his perfect plan come true!  Jesus grew up in Nazareth and by all means should have been born there too.  However, this was not what was prophesized in the old testament. Micah 5:2, "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days." The "town of David" as Bethlehem because David was born there.

 

2:2-5 This is Dr. Luke's first mention of Joseph.  Mary and Joseph traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register (be accounted for in a census so they could be taxed). The Romans (Caesar Augustus) ruled and Joseph was once again merely following the rules.  First, he obeyed God through the angel's voice. Second, he obeyed earthly rules.  Joseph was in control of nothing and yet he played a very important role in God's plan of salvation. According to history, the women 12 years and older were required to pay tax. With Mary about to give birth, they would never have traveled otherwise. All of their family would have traveled there as well! The way scripture reads and the manger scene is portrayed in paintings and movies, the couple was alone.  It was likely that they were not alone. Once again, the scriptures point out that they were "betrothed" which is important for a virgin birth.  I note that there is no mention of a donkey as we have always been given an image of the very pregnant Mary riding on a donkey to Bethlehem.  With an 80 mile 3-day trip, this is very likely, but not known.

 

Copyright Cheryl Rutledge-Brennecke
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