"And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child."
Luke 2:3-5
Part 2
Yesterday: God Even Uses Worldly Resources to Carry out His Divine Plan
“And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.”
Even the Roman Caesar did God’s will. He had no idea that he was moving God’s plan along.
Today: Joseph and Mary Went Through Difficult Events
“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem.”
“And Joseph also went up from Galilee.”
Much has happened with Joseph and Mary to get them to this point of traveling together to Bethlehem.
They were espoused. Now seen as “man and wife” but would not consummate their marriage or live together until their espousal was over (in ten to twelve months).
Mary is still living in her father’s home.
Mary’s conversation with the angel who told her of God’s plan, and she consented to be the mother of the Messiah, unbeknownst to Joseph.
Mary traveled to visit her cousin Elizabeth, John the Baptist’s mother (another birth miracle).
Mary sang her song of praise to the Lord her God, thankful for the extraordinary privilege to bear the Christ.
Mary is “discovered” to be carrying a child.
Joseph is stunned! He doesn’t know what to do. He plans to quietly divorce Mary.
The angel’s intervention. “Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 1:20b).
Joseph faithfully obeyed. “Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not[1] till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS” (Matthew 1:24-25).
Joseph took his wife, Mary, and they completed the grueling journey to Bethlehem while she was nearly ready to deliver her baby—she is “great with child.”
Tomorrow we will look at Joseph and Mary’s relationship to King David, placing the Christ-child in David’s line as promised! Please join us then.
Quote: God’s promise to Mary, “And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom, there shall be no end” (Luke 1:31-33).
[1] “And knew her not.” Now they were together as man and wife, but they had no sexual relation until after Jesus was born.