A Long Journey

N.T.#480 "A Long Journey"

Feb. 5, 2025 

Luke 2

LET IT GLOW 

Sometimes I don't even want to make a 20 minute trip to the grocery store, much less hours of travel time. However, when it comes to following Jesus, it is doable and exciting. Mary and Joseph had to prepare for their rough and long journey.

John was to be called a prophet of the Highest. He was to go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways. John knew that the Messiah was in their midst. John the Baptist was a very unusual person. He prepared to do a special task for God. (J.V.McGee) 

However, it is not recorded that John began his ministry until he was around 30 years of age, like Jesus did. Matthew 3 tells us more details about John's ministry and preaching. His region was west of the Dead Sea, an utterly barren desert. He was also in the area where the Jordan River flows into the Dead Sea, where he baptized Jesus. John the Baptist's message was one of repentance. His preaching was preparing the way for the Lord Jesus, the Messiah, to preach salvation by faith.

Are you trusting in Jesus as your Savior today?

LET IT GLOW

I like how John MacArthur gives us historical background. He tells us of the setting in the Roman Empire:

• Caius Octavius, grand-nephew, adopted son, and primary heir to Julius Caesar became Rome's first emperor. He was the supreme military power in the region. His title was Augustus. 
• Every 14 years the government took census of their people so the young men would register for military service. Also, it was to number each nation by family and tribe.
• The census was used to levy a poll tax, also. Therefore, the Jews had a distaste for the Roman oppression.  
• Augustus claimed to be deity and suggested he should be worshipped. He was, after all, the son of a god, so he thought. (Swindoll)  (verse 1)

Cyrenius was governor of Syria when this taxing was first made. All went into his own city to pay the taxes required by the Roman government. (verse 2)

The betrothed couple of Nazareth had to journey 90 miles south to Bethlehem. Luke left out the details about Joseph's intent to divorce Mary since she was pregnant. An angel came to him with the message from God to marry her. (Matt. 1) Here Mary was 9 months pregnant and had to travel with Joseph to Bethlehem because Joseph was a descendant of King David. (verses 3-4)

Joseph couldn't risk leaving Mary had home since delivery of the Messiah was so close. I wonder if the couple intended to stay with relatives at Bethlehem. I can't imagine what Mary went through on her journey. (By modern bus or car it would be less than a 2 hours ride.)

So there is the background for chapter 2. How is your journey with Jesus thus far? 

LET IT GO

What are some things you have had to let go of while journeying with Jesus? Sometimes is it material things, attitudes, selfishness, family, etc.

It is worth the sacrifice, seeing Jesus work in and through us.