Knowing The Word in Luke 2:4-5

Joseph and Mary

2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to 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, who was with child.

Comments

Mary arrived back in Nazareth about four months pregnant. Luke does not tell us the story of how she told Joseph about her meeting with Gabriel and how she was carrying God’s Son. Too bad. What an amazing conversation that must have been! We know from Matthew (1:20-25) that it took another angelic message—this one in a dream of Joseph’s—not to divorce his betrothed, who was with child.

Joseph was a descendant of David, so he went to the city of David, Bethlehem, which in Hebrew means “house of bread.” Jesus, who in John’s Gospel is called the “Bread of Life,” was born in the town named after bread. There was most likely not a requirement for Mary to travel with Joseph. So why did he not leave her behind and relieve her of this difficult trip? Being pregnant and betrothed, without having consummated their marriage, would put Mary in danger of punishment from the Nazareth community. It was safer for Joseph to remove his wife and take her to another location in Israel. This is now the second time Mary has left Nazareth. God had her well protected.

Application

There are times we think something is very wrong without having all the information. We can too easily damage people by our gossip and lack of understanding, not having all the facts, spreading incomplete stories. God clearly protected Mary from a dangerous situation in Nazareth. How can you protect others from similar situations when you or they do not have all the facts?

Prayer

Father, thank you for taking care of Mary and Joseph through your divine intervention in the form of a census. You are the Lord of history. Through your Spirit you continually intervene in our lives. Help us to be aware of your movements and give us grateful hearts that we are never alone but are constantly being overseen by you.