Luke 2:5 – “He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.”
Extended Explanation
This verse provides important details about the journey to Bethlehem. Joseph wasn’t traveling alone—Mary, his fiancée, was with him, and she was pregnant. Their journey was not just a response to a government order; it was a step within God’s plan to fulfill the prophecy of the Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem.
Mary was “pledged to be married” to Joseph, meaning they were engaged, but under Jewish customs, this engagement was more binding than modern engagements. It was a legally recognized commitment, though the marriage had not yet been finalized. Despite the potential shame and social stigma of her pregnancy, Joseph chose to stand by Mary in obedience to God’s command (Matthew 1:20-24). Their faith and trust in God’s plan shine through this verse.
Historical Context
Engagements during this time in Jewish culture were a serious commitment, involving a legal agreement between families. Breaking off an engagement required a formal divorce. When Mary became pregnant, it could have caused major public disgrace, especially since the child was not Joseph’s. However, Joseph showed remarkable faith and love by staying with her after being assured by an angel that her child was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem would have been physically taxing, especially for a woman in the late stages of pregnancy. The trip may have taken several days, and the terrain was rough. It’s a testament to their obedience that they made the journey despite the challenges.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the faithfulness of both Joseph and Mary. They trusted God’s plan, even though it put them in a difficult situation. Mary risked public shame, and Joseph risked his reputation. Their obedience shows that following God’s will often involves sacrifice and trust, but it is always worth it.
The fact that Mary was carrying the Son of God emphasizes that God’s plan for salvation involves humble and unexpected circumstances. Jesus, the Savior of the world, was not born in a palace or under ideal conditions but to a humble couple who trusted God.
Literary Analysis
Luke uses this verse to emphasize the humble, human circumstances of Jesus’ birth. By pointing out that Mary was pregnant and traveling with Joseph, Luke draws attention to the vulnerability of the situation. His mention of their engagement also reinforces the tension of the story: this was not an easy or socially accepted situation, but it was part of God’s divine plan.
The phrase “expecting a child” highlights the miraculous nature of Mary’s pregnancy. Throughout his Gospel, Luke consistently points to the extraordinary ways that God works through ordinary people and situations.
Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 7:14 – “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
- Matthew 1:20-24 – The angel reassures Joseph that Mary’s child is conceived by the Holy Spirit.
- Luke 1:38 – Mary’s response to the angel: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”
- Philippians 2:6-8 – Jesus, though He was God, humbled Himself to become human.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse is a powerful reminder that God often works through difficult and uncomfortable situations. Joseph and Mary faced uncertainty, discomfort, and potential shame, yet they trusted God’s plan. We, too, are called to trust God even when His plans don’t seem easy or clear.
This verse also reminds us that God uses ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. Joseph and Mary were not wealthy or influential, but their faith and obedience made them part of the most important event in history—the birth of the Savior.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown through His choice to bring the Savior into the world through humble, obedient people. He didn’t choose a royal family or a perfect situation. Instead, He chose Mary, a young woman, and Joseph, a carpenter, to raise His Son. This shows that God’s love reaches out to everyone, no matter their social status or background.
God’s love is also seen in the fact that He was willing to enter into the messiness and challenges of human life. Jesus was born into a world of hardship and difficulty, showing that God is not distant but deeply involved in the human experience.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse directly connects to Jesus Christ as it describes His mother, Mary, carrying Him during this crucial journey. The fact that Mary was expecting a child shows the fulfillment of God’s promise of a Savior. Jesus’ birth would fulfill the prophecy of a virgin giving birth to a child who would be called Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14).
The mention of Joseph also ties into Jesus’ identity as the legal heir to the throne of David. Although Joseph was not His biological father, his role as Mary’s husband made Jesus a legitimate descendant of David, fulfilling God’s promise of a King who would reign forever (2 Samuel 7:12-13).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you think Joseph and Mary’s faith helped them endure the challenges they faced during this journey?
- What does this verse teach you about trusting God in difficult or uncertain situations?
- Why do you think God chose humble, ordinary people like Joseph and Mary to be part of His plan?
- How does knowing that Jesus was born into humble circumstances affect the way you relate to Him?
- In what ways can you trust that God is working through the challenges in your life today?