In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.

Luke 2:1-7


In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.



Do you have any interest in history? I believe Christians have more interest in history than nonbelievers. History shows not only how the earthly kingdoms come and go but also how God rules the world and people. History not only shows how the great people come and go but also shows how the Messiah came to the world, died and rose again for us. Christians believe in historic Jesus and historic gospel. Gospel is not an invented story but the truth based on historical facts. This is why Peter said in his letter “ For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain (2Pet 1:16-18). Luke the gospel writer was a doctor. He was an excellent historian too. He said that he wrote all his gospel based on historical facts. Luke states this clearly at the beginning of his gospel. “Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled[a] among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught (Luke 1:1-4). Will it sound too much if I say God is the greatest historian? I am saying that because I feel there is a great historical coincidence when Jesus was born. Today’s passage shows that Jesus was born in the days of Caesar Augustus. If you are a student of history, you will know who Caesar Augustus is. He is the first and greatest emperor of Rome. Roman emperor worship basically started from his reign. The census ordered by him was to unify all the subjects of the Roman empire and strengthen the power of Rome. Under the reign of the great emperor, baby Jesus was born in a manger wrapped in cloth. What a contrast! I almost feel the historic irony in this. I feel that Luke the historian is also feeling the irony. Don’t you? Caesar Augustus ruled the world with absolute earthly power. Baby Jesus seems absolutely powerless. He is the least in terms of earthly power. But who is the real ruler of the world? Luke’s task was to answer this question through a careful study of history. It must have been an exciting journey. I am sure you already know Luke’s conclusion. Baby Jesus, not Caesar Augustus is the real ruler of the world. The census in heaven by Jesus, not the census by Caesar Augustus really matters to us all. Do you know King Jesus?