Luke 2:3 in the King James Version reads, "And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city." This verse is a part of the nativity story, which describes the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. The verse plays a pivotal role in establishing the historical context and the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy regarding the birth of the Messiah. In this commentary, I will delve into the deeper meaning of this verse, its historical and cultural context, and the symbolism it holds within the broader narrative of the Bible.

The Gospel of Luke, written by the physician and historian Luke, is the third book of the New Testament and provides a detailed account of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. The second chapter of Luke focuses on the birth of Jesus and the events surrounding it. Luke 2:3 occurs within the context of the Roman census, which was conducted to assess and enforce taxation throughout the Roman Empire. The verse states, "And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city," indicating that Joseph and Mary, who lived in Nazareth, went to Bethlehem, the city of David, to register for the census.

The historical and cultural context of this verse is significant in understanding the broader themes of the Christmas story. The Roman census, as depicted in Luke 2:3, was a demonstration of the power and authority of the Roman Empire. It posed a burden on the people, as they were required to return to their ancestral cities to be counted and taxed. Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem reflects the obedience to the Roman law, but it also sets the stage for the fulfillment of the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, as foretold in Micah 5:2.

The act of Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem for the census symbolizes their humility and submission to earthly authorities, while also foreshadowing the divine plan of God. This narrative emphasizes the idea that God's redemptive plan is at work within the limits of human institutions and events. It also highlights the providential orchestration of events to fulfill biblical prophecy, as God uses the Roman census to bring about the birth of Jesus in the city of David.

Furthermore, the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem and the subsequent birth of Jesus in a humble manger reaffirm the recurring theme of God's work through the lowly and the marginalized. This theme is echoed throughout the Bible, from the Israelites' exodus from Egypt to Jesus' ministry among the poor and outcast. The imagery of Jesus' birth in a manger surrounded by shepherds, rather than in a palace among the wealthy and powerful, conveys the message that God's favor rests upon the humble and the contrite in spirit.

The significance of Luke 2:3 extends beyond its historical and narrative contexts; it also carries symbolic and theological meanings. The journey to Bethlehem represents the idea of God's divine intervention in human history, as He fulfills His promises through ordinary people and unexpected circumstances. The Roman census, a secular and bureaucratic event, becomes the backdrop for the most extraordinary event in human history - the incarnation of the Son of God.

In conclusion, Luke 2:3 serves as a pivotal verse within the nativity story, setting the stage for the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the humble birth of Jesus Christ. Through its historical context, thematic significance, and symbolic implications, this verse points to the overarching themes of obedience to earthly authorities, divine orchestration of events, and God's favor towards the humble. It invites readers to reflect on the ways in which God works through the ordinary and the marginalized, and to contemplate the profound implications of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem for the salvation of humanity.