The Journey to Bethlehem

THE JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM FOR MARY and JOSEPH

The distance the couple had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem was about 90 miles (145km) Some people have calculated the trip would have taken only four days, averaging 2.5 -mph pace for roughly eight hours a day. Scripture says that Joseph was a righteous man therefore, he would not subject his pregnant wife to such a grueling pace. The trip could have taken a week or more walking and riding and was a very difficult, long and uncomfortable.

Many details modern readers want to know were left out. We do know they were forced to go for a census and pay taxes to Caesar Augustus. When they finally arrived, the city was bursting with travelers and there were no rooms left.

 

THE JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM FOR THE SHEPHERDS

The shepherds were considered outcasts to mainstream society. Living outside with animals, their work was dirty and smelly to say the least. But the job of providing lambs and sheep for sacrifices at the Temple in Jerusalem was vitally important.

After the angels delivered their message, the shepherds left their fields and went to find this “sign” given to them. How did they find a little baby in a town that is over packed with visitors?  Did they knock on doors? We only know their search was rewarded.

Luke 2:16–20   And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.  And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

 

THE JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM OF THE WISEMEN

We include the visit of the mysterious Magi in our Christmas narrative but we don’t know much about them. The Bible says they traveled from “the EAST”.  We do not know how many men came in that caravan but we do know they were astronomers that followed a new star.  Scholars believe they may have come from the Babylon area (now Iraq) as they quoted the prophet Micah. And we know Daniel brought sacred scrolls with him when he was brought to Babylon in captivity. It also took the prophet Ezra (Ch 5) four months to make the same journey.

 

 

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.

Where would you look for a newborn king?  In the palace of course! They obtained an audience with King Herod the Great who had actually killed several of his own family members that might vie for his position. He was considered ruthless and was not happy to see foreigners looking for a new king.  You can read more about him in Matthew 2. The wisemen continued their diligent search by following this special star. The young family may have been back in Nazareth when these wisemen visited.

Matthew 2:11–12    And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.  And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

 

OUR JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM

Our journey of faith must begin at the cradle to believe Jesus is Who He says He is.  Jesus is God incarnate, Diety. He was descendant of King David which fulfilled God’s promise to send A Savior, Christ means anointed One or Messiah.  He came as a baby, innocent and vulnerable so we could approach Him. Jesus understands everything we experience.  Our journey of faith must continue to the facts of the cross.  He chose to die a horrific death because it was the only way we could be saved from our sin and the consequences. The power of the resurrection gives us hope for today and eternity. This is the gospel in a nutshell.

Our journey of faith must continue no matter what circumstance we face.

• Mary and Joseph were obedient to God and Caesar. Their marriage started out in relative poverty with much speculation and disapproval.
• The lowly shepherds were the first to hear the good news. They left their flocks, their livelihood, to find the foretold Messiah.
• The Magi were not Jews. They left their home to diligently search for this king foretold in scripture. These wisemen followed a wonderous sign in the heavens for a long distance and at great cost.

 

Seek Jesus no matter what challenges you are facing at the beginning of this year.  Come to the cradle to worship, face Him at the Cross to repent and lay down all of your troubles.  Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you in your journey.

 

HARK the HERALD ANGELS SING

Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Ris’n with healing in His wings:
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die;
Born to raise the sons of earth;
Born to give them second birth.

 

 

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