You really get a bad rap, don’t you?
Anytime someone hears “no room at the inn,” they immediately think of you.
And not in a good way.
If there’s a stick around, you pretty much get the short end of it. And then you get beaten with it.
In a way, I don’t blame people for coming down so hard on you. I mean, you didn’t make room in your inn for the Messiah.
Yeah…
that’s bad.
And of course, I agree with those people who look at your infamous refusal and conclude that we need to make sure there is room in our hearts for Jesus.
But I’m not so sure that’s what your story is about…
Because here’s the thing…you didn’t know it was Him.
You just saw another stranger. One among many. How many faces had appeared at your door that week? Dozens? Hundreds? Thousands?
You just saw another need to meet. A need that was big and burdensome, and one that you preferred to not deal with. One that your life was much simpler without.
Another person looking for a handout…
Another person asking you for something…
Another world-weary face…
I’m guessing that if you had known the Messiah was at your door in the body of a young, pregnant woman, you would’ve made room. You might’ve even given up your own bed.
But as you’re now aware, we never know when the Messiah will show up, do we?
So I kind of think your story might really be about extending my hands to those in need…
even if it requires personal sacrifice.
I tend to think your story could be about embracing the young pregnant woman…
even if I don’t know how she got that way.
I sort of wonder if it’s about giving of myself to help the poor…
even if it means I’m inconvenienced.
To offer shelter to those without a place to lay their heads…
even if it seems, well, foolish.
Because the truth of the matter is, it’s pretty easy to say there’s room in my heart for Jesus.
But actions speak louder than words, don’t they?
And I’m afraid we’re really not that different, me and you.
Sincerely,
ME
Terrie Futrell says
Oh MY…can’t even speak! What heart touching and yes, CONVICTING thoughts. Love this entry today. Thank you for allowing God to use you to speak to me today. Yep…I’m way too much like the InnKeeper!
Jennifer says
Hi, Terrie! Thank you so much for reading. I’ve been so convicted as I’ve pondered this, too; and I’ve been considering how He wants me to apply it. I’m thankful for His work and for His leading!
Sheila says
What an insightful post! You know, I never really looked at it like that before. I didn’t give the innkeeper, or rather innkeepers, of Bethlehem a bad rap. Because there were just too many going through. They couldn’t take them all in. But I never really stopped to think that they didn’t know who that babe was, or who his parents were. And like you said, we know. But what do we do? The proof is in the pudding.Thanks for this reminder! Have a wonderful day celebrating our Lord’s birth!
Jennifer Clarke says
Thank you for your thoughtful remarks, Sheila. I’m glad this post encouraged you!
Frances Green says
Great insights and perspective! Thanks for sharing this and giving me thoughts to ponder.
Jennifer Clarke says
Thank you for saying hello, Frances!
Kristen says
I like your perspective and the challenging thoughts to us all! I’ve always given the inn keeper the benefit of the doubt. At least he gave them some place to stay! Think of how many places they tried to stay at that gave them no help! Visiting from #graceandtruth.
Jennifer Clarke says
Thank you for stopping by, Kristen, and for sharing your thoughts! I appreciate your willingness to grant the benefit of the doubt – your graciousness reveals the depth of grace you have received, and honors the One who lavishes grace on us all.
Lissa says
This is a nice thought provoking story. The innkeeper may be some type of myth, though. In Greek kataluma meant inn, but also house. Animals were kept in the house on the ground floor and the family slept on the upper room. I think it will take me a lifetime to learn all the original meanings of Greek words used in the NT.
Jennifer Clarke says
Hi, Lisa, and welcome! Thank you for sharing this tidbit of information with me. The original languages do indeed add extra nuances to the meaning of Scripture.
Ted Kelly says
When will everyone get the real translation and the context?
Joseph was going home to his family as required for the census. His home was full with relatives who also needed to register. The word mis-translated as ‘inn’ actually means ‘upper room’, or living quarters – as correctly translated elsewhere in the Gospels.
As there was no room, Joseph and Mary had to stay downstairs with the animals.
My very sad comment is that none of Joseph’s relations would give up his or her place for a woman about to give birth, but that’s families for you.
Jennifer Clarke says
Hi, Ted, and thanks so much for reading and for taking the time to leave this comment. I always enjoy taking a deeper look at Scripture, so I appreciate the issue you’ve raised. The Greek word translated “inn” in Luke 2:7 is kataluma, and its meanings include “inn” as well as “lodging place” or “guest chamber,” because the root of the definition is the idea of breaking up a long journey. I think any of the three English translations could be appropriate given the context, but the main point remains the same: we never know when the Messiah will show up. Thanks again for reading!