Luke 2:6 Commentary and Bible Study

This narrative is so familiar to all, but do we grasp the significance of the way in which God planned this event? It was no accident that the couple arrived late. No doubt there was much difficulty in the journey for them, with Mary about to give birth. But it was not an accident that when they arrived there was nowhere to stay. Hospitality was seen as a great duty and privilege in those days, something which was taken very seriously, and all the major towns would have a hostel facility for people who were passing through to lodge in. But all the rooms were taken; all the accommodation was full. We are familiar with the record, but do we think that it was just an accident? Do you imagine that God mis-planned this, that Almighty God, who superintended all the affairs of the Lord Jesus Christ the Saviour, overlooked the matter of where Mary was to stay? Do you think it was divine mismanagement? That would be absurd. It would be irreverent even to think such a thing. Divine mismanagement? No, all this was the way God intended it to be, because there is a message even in the circumstances of the way in which the Saviour came. Just as he died in humiliation, so he came into the world in humiliation. There is a message in the manner of his coming. He didn’t come as a great prince, coming into wealth and glory. He didn't come to be fondled and admired by high and important people. He had come to suffer humiliation for the sins of the world and to suffer rejection.