The Story of the Innkeeper

Introduction

Luke 2:1–7 NIV

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Luke 1. Joseph and Mary Come to Bethlehem; Jesus Is Born (4–7)

“That there was no room in the inn was symbolic of what was to happen to Jesus. The only place where there was room for him was on a cross.” (Barclay)

Luke 1. Joseph and Mary Come to Bethlehem; Jesus Is Born (4–7)

“Men were trafficking, and little children playing, and woman gossiping beside the well—and lo! The kingdom of heaven was among them.” (Morrison)