It is written that Mary laid Jesus in a manger because there was no room at the inn.
The inn keeper has been portrayed in various ways over the years.
Sometimes he slams the door and says rather gruffly, “No room.”
Sometimes he rather apologetically says, “I’m sorry. We have no room” and closes the door.
Sometimes he says he has no room, but offers them the stable for shelter.
In a more compassionate portrayal, he walks them to the stable and helps them settle in.
As I was thinking about this story, I thought, if I were writing the story, I would have the inn keeper give up his own bed for the couple in need.
Just then I heard Jesus ask me…
How many times have you closed the door to Me and said, “I’m really busy now. I have no room for You.”
How many times have you said, “I’m sorry I don’t have room for you right now. I feel for you, but I can’t reach you.”
How many times have you said, “I really can’t help You now, but I can refer You to someone else who maybe can help You.”
How many times have you said, “I’ll give You a little help, but then You are on Your own.”
I said, “I don’t think I have ever treated You that way.”
He said,
“I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink,
I was a stranger and you did not invite Me in,
I needed clothes and you did not clothe Me,
I was sick and in prison and you did not look after Me.”
Matthew 25:42-43
“Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me.”
Matthew 25: 45
He paused. How many people did you feed today? How many did you even give a cup of water?
Where are the clothes to keep people warm and dry through this winter?
What time are you going to visit those in prison? Are you going to visit the sick first?
He continued.
“You are the Inn Keeper. I am standing at the door. I am knocking. What will you do?”
And as I looked upon His Face, I saw the face of every man, woman and child, waiting outside my inn.
“Oh Lord,” I cried. “I can make room for You in my house. I will give you my bed and I will sleep in the stable, but I really can’t take care of all these people. I don’t even know where to start.”
He smiled.
“Let Me in. We’ll talk about it. Your inn may need some remodeling, but we can handle them all, one at a time.”
Truly I tell you, whatever you do for even one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you will do for Me.
Matthew 25: 40
We are all inn keepers. Jesus comes in many disguises. Will you invite Him in?
