Scripture to Read: Luke 2:1–7
The beautiful story of how our Lord Jesus Christ came into this world, fully God and man, is miraculous. Last week we examined Luke 1 and all that Gabriel did to bring Mary the Good News that she would be the earthly mother of Christ. This week, we’ll look at both Luke 2:1–20 and Matthew 2:1–12. Both passages of Scripture give us different perspectives of Christ and share with us about those who came to see Him. In Luke 2:1–7 we see how God’s timing is always perfect, for God had promised that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem in Micah 5:2, “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel.
His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity.” Caesar Augustus, the ruler of the day, commanded that a census be taken, so everyone went back to their hometown to be counted for the census. Joseph & Mary were descendants of King David from the Old Testament. Therefore, they had to go back to Bethlehem and be counted there. Mary was already in the ninth month of her pregnancy, and the journey would have taken about 4 to 7 days by walking. This would have been a tough trip for Mary and Joseph. But they obeyed the law of the land and though they did not know it, they also fulfilled the prophecy from God in Micah 5:2. Trials are always hard but God uses them to fulfill His will.
Challenge & Application
Would you be willing to obey (like Mary and Joseph) the worldly authorities of today, even though it was going to be extremely hard for you?
How did God challenge you through what Mary and Joseph did, knowing God used it to fulfill His perfect will?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!