The decree.

A decree comes from one who can impose his opinion authoritatively on others, usually by a King, Governor, or Ruler.

Luke stresses three things: (1) the political situation (to explain why Jesus’ birth took place in Bethlehem); (2) that Bethlehem was the town of David (to stress Jesus’ messianic claim); (3) the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth.

Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. {taxed: or, enrolled}

We must enroll every year now for medical insurance it is a law congress passed.

  Just as we have to do this, because of a decree or a law, Caesar Augustus made a decree or a law that all the world should be taxed. This would have been the Roman empire at the time.

God will use even wicked and ungodly people to accomplish his will.

 Luke 2:2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

Just as our new laws take time to implement so did this decree.

First time tax took effect or was collected.

Luke 2:3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. {taxed: or, inrolled}

Joseph, with Mary his espoused wife being heirs to King David were to leave Nazareth to go to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem. Not a good time to go when the wife was pregnant. But because of the enrollment decree they were obligated to go.

Think about this God used a wicked and ungodly King to make a decree to cause Joseph, and Mary to travel while she was expecting to go to the town of Bethlehem, to the exact spot to fulfill the prophecy that was foretold several years before by Isaiah.

If this did not occur scripture would not have been fulfilled.

 Luke 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

 Luke 2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. {taxed: or, inrolled}

Joseph an heir & Mary an heiress to King David.

Birth of Jesus.

Luke 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.    The baby is coming! Ladies there is no Stopping that if it occurs.

 Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Manger = food troth for feeding animals

Thus, fulfilling Scripture & the prophecy of Isaiah

No room – no room for the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, the Messiah they were all hoping and watching for … “And his own received him not.”

The people at the time were worried about the Invading Army of Roman soldiers, they would pay for room.

Wow,  a humble entrance unto this world, it reminds me of His triumphal entry in to Jerusalem  on a donkey, and noticed he came through  the Sheep gate where all the sacrifices would have entered.

Lord, please have mercy on our unbelief. The arrogancy of man on full display.  Lord, please forgive us, your failing people.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.