Luke 2:1 says, And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. In the time period that Elisabeth had her baby, John, and Mary was expecting her baby, Jesus, Caesar Augustus decreed that the world should be taxed. This also served as a census. We are not the first people to be taxed, nor will we be the last. Verse two adds, (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) We are told a little more about the taxing. The whole world that was known then was under Roman rule, including the people of Israel. Matthew Henry points out that the world was at peace at this time. Verse three continues, And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. Unlike today, when we mail our taxes, the people then, including Mary and Joseph, had to go to their own city to be taxed and counted. Verse four states, 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:) Joseph and Mary had to go to Bethlehem for this taxing and census, because he, and Mary, were of the house and lineage of David. Matthew Henry says that there was some conjecture that only thee descendants of David, the historical powerful king of Israel, were required to return to their historical home to be counted so that the Roman rulers could more easily keep up with them. Whether it was all the Jews or just the descendants of David this was required of, the decree brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. Verse five adds, To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. Caesar Augustus thought he was bringing them there to be counted and taxed, but Joseph and Mary were there to fulfill God's prophesy. Mary had to travel to Bethlehem because of a decree of the government, even though she was close to giving birth, but she was there because that is where she needed to be according to God's prophesy. Just as God used a ruler then who did not believe in Him to accomplish His purpose, He can do the same thing today. Verse six continues, And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. While Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem, it became time for her to have her baby. This was the time chosen by God, and she was where God needed her to be. She did not just tell Joseph that they had to get to Bethlehem before the baby was born, but God made it necessary by the use of a secular ruler who only thought he was exercising his power. If we put our faith in Jesus Christ and do what He calls us to do, He can even use secular governments to accomplish His purpose. Even if we feel helpless to do anything other than obey, we need to recognize that as long as we remain obedient to God He will work through us to accomplish His purpose. Verse seven declares, And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Mary gave birth to Jesus, her first born Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room in the inn. There couldn't have been a mere lowly birth. The world did not suddenly change outwardly, but it certainly changed spiritually. God's redemption plan was being fulfilled, and the promised Messiah was born. Just like then, many people today have no room in their heart for Jesus Christ, and for them He will always remain outside in a manger. Jesus did not come as an all powerful ruler, but as a Child born without even a room in the inn. Jesus was not Who the religious leaders expected Him to be, and He is still not Who too many people except Him to be today.
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