How long did it take Mary and Joseph to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem?+
The Bible does not specify exactly how long the journey took. Nazareth to Bethlehem is about 70-80 miles, and the journey likely took several days, possibly a week or more, depending on travel conditions and Mary's state of pregnancy. Ancient travel by foot or donkey was slow, and they may have stopped to rest along the way.
Why couldn't Mary and Joseph find a room at the inn?+
Luke 2:7 states that there was 'no guest room available for them' at the inn because the inn was full. Due to the census ordered by Caesar Augustus, many people were traveling to their hometowns at the same time, making accommodations scarce. As a poor carpenter's family, Mary and Joseph could not compete for the limited rooms available.
Did Mary and Joseph know Jesus was God's son before He was born?+
Yes, they did. Mary learned from the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:26-35) that she would conceive a son through the Holy Spirit and that He would be called the Son of the Most High. Joseph was also told by an angel (Matthew 1:20-21) that Mary's child was conceived through the Holy Spirit. However, the full understanding of Jesus's divine nature likely deepened over time as they watched Him grow and witnessed His miracles.