The census mentioned in the New Testament is a significant event that intertwines with the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, particularly concerning the birth of Jesus Christ. This event is recorded in the Gospel of Luke and is pivotal in understanding the divine orchestration of events leading to the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem.

The Census in Luke

The Gospel of Luke provides the account of the census in Luke 2:1-3 : "Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to his own town to register." This decree by Caesar Augustus required all individuals to return to their ancestral towns to be registered, which directly influenced the journey of Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem.

Joseph and Mary's Journey

Joseph, being of the house and lineage of David, was required to travel to Bethlehem, the city of David, to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. Luke 2:4-5 states, "So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the City of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child."

Fulfillment of Prophecy

The journey to Bethlehem was not merely a matter of civic duty but was divinely orchestrated to fulfill the prophecy found in the Old Testament. The prophet Micah had foretold the birthplace of the Messiah in Micah 5:2 : "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel, whose origins are of old, from ancient times." This prophecy, written centuries before the birth of Christ, pinpointed Bethlehem as the birthplace of the future ruler of Israel, the Messiah.

Significance of the Census

The census serves as a historical and theological anchor in the narrative of Jesus' birth. Historically, it situates the birth of Jesus within the broader context of Roman governance and societal practices. Theologically, it underscores the sovereignty of God in using the edicts of earthly rulers to accomplish His divine purposes. The decree by Caesar Augustus, a ruler unaware of Jewish prophecies, inadvertently set the stage for the fulfillment of God's promise to send a Savior.

The Role of Divine Providence

The census highlights the role of divine providence in the unfolding of redemptive history. Despite the apparent inconvenience and hardship of travel for Joseph and Mary, God's plan was being fulfilled precisely as foretold. The journey to Bethlehem, prompted by the census, ensured that Jesus was born in the prophesied location, affirming the reliability and accuracy of God's Word.

Conclusion

The census recorded in the Gospel of Luke is a testament to the intricate and sovereign workings of God in history. It serves as a reminder of the fulfillment of prophecy and the divine orchestration that brought about the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, in accordance with the Scriptures.