We have only a single passage of scripture describing their travels: “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:) It really helped them understand the concept of census. 4 Joseph, too, went up from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the City of David (called Bethlehem), because he was a descendant of the household and family of David. Shepherds hear the good news from angels. This was a common beast used to carry people and goods at the time, and it is doubtful that Mary … There were probably no rooms available for miles around. Matthew 2:19-23 ESV / 19 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful. But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead.” Nevertheless, Joseph is sometimes holding the child on his shoulders. Mary traveled with Joseph on a donkey – Luke 2:5 At the time of Jesus’ birth, people traveled by foot, by animal, or in a cart. It afforded more privacy than would have the inn itself. Given the long journey and Mary being pregnant, it’s possible for Joseph to have borrowed a donkey for Mary to ride on, but the Bible never says Mary rode on a donkey or any other animal, and the fact that Joseph, Mary and Jesus remained in Bethlehem for up to two years (see Slaughter of the Innocents) makes such a loan unlikely. The Bible does not specify, although most assume it was by donkey. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:). Joseph and Mary did not have a convenient Holiday Inn or Motel 6 to pull into, so they had to go wherever they could find a place to stay. Caesar Augustus had recently decreed that a registration be carried out in the land, and people had to … 4, 5. Bethlehem, being only about six miles outside of Jerusalem, would probably have received much of the capital city's overflow. 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. Click here to print.) Nazareth to Bethlehem was a four to six-day journey over rough tracks with wild animals and robbers. They soon begin their travel back to Judea and Bethlehem. Two books in the Bible claim that Jesus was born in Bethlehem: Matthew and Luke. They filled them in, and then we used them during the lesson. Luke 2:5 Context. Normally it would take about 4 days to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem (assuming travel only during day time). More Information: Joseph and Mary were both descendants of King David, Israel’s royal family. The Bible does not specify, although most assume it was by donkey. (a) Why were Joseph and Mary heading to Bethlehem? > According to the Bible, why did Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem? 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. However, according to the writings of the ancient historian Josephus Flavius:“It is the custom of the Galileans at the time of festival to pass through the Samaritan territory on their way to … [Beyond Sunday is a Monday refresher to start your week off right.] > According to the Bible, why did Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem? (Mark and John both give the impression that he was from Nazareth, period). Bible verses about Joseph And Mary. 4 Joseph and Mary were not the only ones on the move. A fit man can travel perhaps 20 miles a day. Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem where Jesus is born. The distance from Nazareth to Bethlehem is 70-80 miles. Mary and the family's trip to and from Egypt is a fulfillment of Bible prophecy (Hosea 11:1). 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. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) There is no innkeeper in the Bible narrative but there must have been some proprietor to allowed Mary and Joseph to use the manger. Mary and Joseph had an arranged marriage as was the custom of the time. Posted in Advent, Bible Events Tagged Mary & Joseph travel to Bethlehem permalink About Janice D. Green Janice D. Green retired as an elementary librarian to write children's books. It was 70/85 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Focus Bible Passage. Luke 2:1-4. (Luke 2) I had these CENSUS SHEETS printed for the students when they came in. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:). The exact way which Mary and Joseph took to get from Nazareth to Bethlehem is not described in any of the Gospels. (Mark and John both give the impression that he was from Nazareth, period). Two books in the Bible claim that Jesus was born in Bethlehem: Matthew and Luke. After Herod dies in early 4 B.C., Joseph has a dream where an angel tells him it is safe to return to Israel.