Dec. 8, 2009
No Room in the Inn
Introduction
Jesus' birth was announced by angels. It was also greeted by shepherds, to whom the angels first announced the birth of the Christ. Why would the news go to shepherds first?
I. Shepherding in Israel
See pic at: http://www.azoidx.com/postimages/Angels_annoucing_Jesus.jpg
Luke 2:8-11
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
See pic at: http://www.batteredsheep.com/graphics/good-shepherd.jpg
Shepherding was honored in ancient Israel. The king was the "shepherd" of the people (2 Samuel 5:2; 7:7; 1 Kings 22:17; Psalm 78:72). Even the Persian emperor Cyrus is described as a "shepherd" (Isaiah 44:28). When the prophets denounce the "shepherds" of Israel and Judah, they are denouncing the kings and civil rulers (Jeremiah 10:21; 12:10; 23:1-4; Ezekiel 34; Zechariah 10:3). The angelic announcement to the shepherds of Bethlehem is symbolic of an announcement of the gospel to Israel.
II. Chief Shepherd
The chief shepherd of Israel is God Himself (Psalm 23; 80:1). The coming of Jesus is the coming of the Shepherd of Israel (cf. Ezekiel 34:23; John 10), and the coming of the Chief Shepherd is announced to the shepherds of Bethlehem. The shepherds worship of Jesus is a sign that they, representing Israel, acknowledge God as Shepherd.
Jeremiah 23:4
“And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.”
III. "No Room in the Inn"
See pic at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/22274117@N08/2475569967/
Luke 2:1-7
" 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.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city."
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:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
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.
In the typical Christmas pageant, one of the children will be cast as the heartless innkeeper who refuses lodging to Joseph and pregnant Mary. Most know that there is no innkeeper mentioned in the Bible, but fewer are aware that there is not even an inn described. The view that Joseph and Mary simply arrived late to Bethlehem and accommodations at the local hotel were full may not be correct.
Israel was always noted for hospitality. The rabbis said that in Jerusalem no man was to think of a house as his own; and it was said, that during the pilgrim-feasts no one ever lacked reception. Of Jerusalem: "Let thy house be wide open, and let the poor be the children of thy house." According to the Talmud, Bethphage and Bethany were especially celebrated for their hospitality towards the pilgrims at festivals. In Jerusalem it seems to have been the custom to hang a curtain in front of the door, to indicate that there was still room for guests. Some went so far as to suggest there should be four doors to every house, to welcome travellers from all 4 directions. The host would go to meet an expected guest, and accompany him part of the way. The Rabbis declared that hospitality was greater than early morning attendance in a school of learning. They could not have made it any greater, considering the value they attached to study.
It was declared, that "the entertainment of travellers was as great a matter as the reception of the Shechinah" glory of God.
See pic at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cindy_grubb/2268313730/
Hebrews 13:2: "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
Also, on this subject, one of the oldest commentaries speaks of Psalm 109:31: "He shall stand at the right hand of the poor." "Whenever," we read, "a poor man stands at thy door, the Holy One, blessed be His Name, stands at his right hand. If thou givest him alms, know that thou shalt receive a reward from Him who standeth at his right hand." In another commentary God Himself and His angels are said to visit the sick. In Genesis and Deut. we see how we are to imitate God in these four respects:
1. God clothed the naked (Gen 3:21);
a. Adam and Eve after they sinned
2. God visited the sick (Gen 18:1);
“The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day.”
a. God visited Abraham and Sarah, enabling her to conceive.
3. God comforted the mourners (Gen 25:11);
“After Abraham's death, God blessed his son Isaac, who then lived near Beer Lahai Roi.”
4. God buried the dead (Deut 34:6)
“And he (God) buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.”
a. God buried Moses.
In regard to hospitality, the rabbis gave full details. The host is to look pleased when entertaining his guests, to wait upon them himself, to promise little and to give much. Rules of politeness and gratitude are equally laid down for the guests and parallel the directions Jesus gave to His disciples on going forth upon their mission (Luke 10:5-11). The guest was to ask about the welfare of the family; not to go from house to house; to eat of such things as were set before one; and, finally, to part with a blessing.
All this applied to hospitality in private families. On less-travelled roads, where villages were at great intervals, or even outside towns, there were regular khans, or places of lodging for strangers. These places were open, and generally built in a square, the large court in the middle being intended for the animals, with open rooms all around. These rooms were not furnished, nor was any payment expected from the traveller. At the same time, some one was generally attached to the khan--usually a foreigner--who would for payment provide anything that might be needed, of which we have an instance in the parabolic history of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:35).
The word translated as "inn" in Luke 2 is the word “kataluma,” which is used elsewhere by Luke and translated as "guest chamber" or "upper room," as in Luke 22:11 --
“and say to the owner of the house, `The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?'”
When Luke wants to speak of a paid establishment (i.e., an inn), he uses a different Greek word, “pandocheion,” as in the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:34).
See pic at: http://www.whatsaiththescripture.com/Graphics/Christ-Centered/no_room.jpg
This leads to a different understanding of the story. It's not that Joseph and Mary were late to town, but they were rejected by their family. They had family members in town. It was their hometown. That was the reason they travelled to Bethlehem. They had to register there. That there was no room in the guest chamber for a pregnant woman indicates that the host chose not to make room for Mary. The birth of Jesus in a room where animals lived suggests shame and rejection. "No Room in the Inn." Jesus understands rejection.
Conclusion
A. Read highlights from “No Room in the Inn.”
B. Make Christmas preparations secondary to spiritual reflection and obedience to God.
Closing song: “No Room in the Inn”
Jesus' birth was announced by angels. It was also greeted by shepherds, to whom the angels first announced the birth of the Christ. Why would the news go to shepherds first?
I. Shepherding in Israel
See pic at: http://www.azoidx.com/postimages/Angels_annoucing_Jesus.jpg
Luke 2:8-11
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
See pic at: http://www.batteredsheep.com/graphics/good-shepherd.jpg
Shepherding was honored in ancient Israel. The king was the "shepherd" of the people (2 Samuel 5:2; 7:7; 1 Kings 22:17; Psalm 78:72). Even the Persian emperor Cyrus is described as a "shepherd" (Isaiah 44:28). When the prophets denounce the "shepherds" of Israel and Judah, they are denouncing the kings and civil rulers (Jeremiah 10:21; 12:10; 23:1-4; Ezekiel 34; Zechariah 10:3). The angelic announcement to the shepherds of Bethlehem is symbolic of an announcement of the gospel to Israel.
II. Chief Shepherd
The chief shepherd of Israel is God Himself (Psalm 23; 80:1). The coming of Jesus is the coming of the Shepherd of Israel (cf. Ezekiel 34:23; John 10), and the coming of the Chief Shepherd is announced to the shepherds of Bethlehem. The shepherds worship of Jesus is a sign that they, representing Israel, acknowledge God as Shepherd.
Jeremiah 23:4
“And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.”
III. "No Room in the Inn"
See pic at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/22274117@N08/2475569967/
Luke 2:1-7
" 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.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city."
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:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
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.
In the typical Christmas pageant, one of the children will be cast as the heartless innkeeper who refuses lodging to Joseph and pregnant Mary. Most know that there is no innkeeper mentioned in the Bible, but fewer are aware that there is not even an inn described. The view that Joseph and Mary simply arrived late to Bethlehem and accommodations at the local hotel were full may not be correct.
Israel was always noted for hospitality. The rabbis said that in Jerusalem no man was to think of a house as his own; and it was said, that during the pilgrim-feasts no one ever lacked reception. Of Jerusalem: "Let thy house be wide open, and let the poor be the children of thy house." According to the Talmud, Bethphage and Bethany were especially celebrated for their hospitality towards the pilgrims at festivals. In Jerusalem it seems to have been the custom to hang a curtain in front of the door, to indicate that there was still room for guests. Some went so far as to suggest there should be four doors to every house, to welcome travellers from all 4 directions. The host would go to meet an expected guest, and accompany him part of the way. The Rabbis declared that hospitality was greater than early morning attendance in a school of learning. They could not have made it any greater, considering the value they attached to study.
It was declared, that "the entertainment of travellers was as great a matter as the reception of the Shechinah" glory of God.
See pic at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cindy_grubb/2268313730/
Hebrews 13:2: "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
Also, on this subject, one of the oldest commentaries speaks of Psalm 109:31: "He shall stand at the right hand of the poor." "Whenever," we read, "a poor man stands at thy door, the Holy One, blessed be His Name, stands at his right hand. If thou givest him alms, know that thou shalt receive a reward from Him who standeth at his right hand." In another commentary God Himself and His angels are said to visit the sick. In Genesis and Deut. we see how we are to imitate God in these four respects:
1. God clothed the naked (Gen 3:21);
a. Adam and Eve after they sinned
2. God visited the sick (Gen 18:1);
“The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day.”
a. God visited Abraham and Sarah, enabling her to conceive.
3. God comforted the mourners (Gen 25:11);
“After Abraham's death, God blessed his son Isaac, who then lived near Beer Lahai Roi.”
4. God buried the dead (Deut 34:6)
“And he (God) buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.”
a. God buried Moses.
In regard to hospitality, the rabbis gave full details. The host is to look pleased when entertaining his guests, to wait upon them himself, to promise little and to give much. Rules of politeness and gratitude are equally laid down for the guests and parallel the directions Jesus gave to His disciples on going forth upon their mission (Luke 10:5-11). The guest was to ask about the welfare of the family; not to go from house to house; to eat of such things as were set before one; and, finally, to part with a blessing.
All this applied to hospitality in private families. On less-travelled roads, where villages were at great intervals, or even outside towns, there were regular khans, or places of lodging for strangers. These places were open, and generally built in a square, the large court in the middle being intended for the animals, with open rooms all around. These rooms were not furnished, nor was any payment expected from the traveller. At the same time, some one was generally attached to the khan--usually a foreigner--who would for payment provide anything that might be needed, of which we have an instance in the parabolic history of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:35).
The word translated as "inn" in Luke 2 is the word “kataluma,” which is used elsewhere by Luke and translated as "guest chamber" or "upper room," as in Luke 22:11 --
“and say to the owner of the house, `The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?'”
When Luke wants to speak of a paid establishment (i.e., an inn), he uses a different Greek word, “pandocheion,” as in the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:34).
See pic at: http://www.whatsaiththescripture.com/Graphics/Christ-Centered/no_room.jpg
This leads to a different understanding of the story. It's not that Joseph and Mary were late to town, but they were rejected by their family. They had family members in town. It was their hometown. That was the reason they travelled to Bethlehem. They had to register there. That there was no room in the guest chamber for a pregnant woman indicates that the host chose not to make room for Mary. The birth of Jesus in a room where animals lived suggests shame and rejection. "No Room in the Inn." Jesus understands rejection.
Conclusion
A. Read highlights from “No Room in the Inn.”
B. Make Christmas preparations secondary to spiritual reflection and obedience to God.
Closing song: “No Room in the Inn”