The long Trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem

Mary and Joseph had to make the long trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem at the worst time possible. Mary was due to deliver her Son at any day. The distance was only about 90 miles and could have taken four to seven days, but with Mary’s condition and the crowded highways, it may have taken much longer. Actually, they may have been glad to be away from the prying eyes of their small-town busy-bodies who talked about the pregnant bride. They mocked her and said, “She said she was with child of the Holy Ghost!” Really!" Mary and Joseph may have settled in Bethlehem after the birth of Jesus because they were still in the area when Jesus was circumcised in Jerusalem when He was eight days old. It was only 5 ½ miles from Bethlehem to Jerusalem - a hard day’s walk. When the Wise Men asked directions of Herod, his advisors knew that the Messiah should be born in Bethlehem, but was Jesus still there? Probably so. Mary and Joseph had no good reason to be in a hurry to return to Nazareth. And the gifts given by the Maggi would have funded the little family’s escape to Egypt with enough left over to set up a wood shop back in Nazareth. What a clouded childhood Jesus must have had growing up. Joseph and Mary did all they could to protect Him, but still there was talk. But by the age of twelve, Jesus knew exactly who He was. At the Temple in Jerusalem, Jesus said, “I must be about my Father's business.” And He was. What a blessing to us that He was. Jesus’ business was to live a perfect life and to purchase our redemption with His own dear blood. What a wonderful gift for us!