Queen Mary sat on her throne observing her children. One sat alone building a tower with wooden blocks, while another tinkled his fingers over the strings of a harp.
Jesus strutted into the room and raised his hands. “Good morning, my subjects. I’m gracing you with my presence.”
Mary sighed. How could he have gotten so spoiled? Even as a toddler he had an air to him. As a teenager, he’s insufferable.
Lord, why did you pick him to be King?
Jesus walked by his sister, knocked over her tower and ruffled her hair before plunking himself on the throne beside Mary.
“Jesus, do you have to be so mean? Look, she’s crying.”
“She’s such a baby, Mother. You coddle her too much.”
Mary crossed her arms. “You are to be the King. You need to start acting like one.”
He stood. “I don’t need your lecture again.”
Jesus started to leave, but turned. “Besides Mother, the people love me.” He threw his head back and laughed.
Okay, I know this is a bit of a stretch, but what IF Jesus was born in a palace instead of a manger filled with stinky animals? Would He have been spoiled with riches? Would He have treated His subjects differently?
Let’s think about it for a minute.
What if Jesus had servants to wait on Him hand and foot? Would He have gotten lazy?
Maybe.
What if His parents spoiled Him with presents…every day. Would He have wanted more?
Probably. We would.
What if He didn’t have to lift a finger His entire lifetime? Would He have helped others? Reached out to the lost?
I doubt it.
What if He’d gotten used to life on earth? Would He have died for us?
I shudder to think of the answer to this one.
So, I ask the question again. What if Jesus was born in a palace instead of a lowly manger?
Aren’t you glad that didn’t happen?
God purposely filled that inn 2,000 years ago. He knew exactly where Mary and Joseph would go. He made it so Jesus would be born in a crèche. In a stable filled with stinky animals and lowly shepherds.
Why? To prove to the world He came for everyone, not just those with status.
No, He didn’t live in a palace, but He lived like someone filled with riches. More importantly, He died for us lowly sinners. Praise Him.
I’m thankful for my King. Are you?
Happy Birthday Jesus!
Luke 2:16 (NLT)
They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger.
Wow!!! Thank you for reminding us to be thankful for God’s Plan.I shutter to imagine, how you have beautifully written, how it could have been. I am continually learning of God’s humility that He has shown us through Christ’s birth in a “stinky” barn.Love ya sis.
Even if Jesus lived a sinless life in the lap of luxury, the message that He came to establish a heavenly kingdom rather than an earthly kingdom would have been lost on the people. Even though He was laid in a manger, the people of His time still got it wrong. And if He was born an earthly king, the “common” people wouldn’t believe He truly understood what they were going through. And then there’s the part about all the prophesies He wouldn’t have fulfilled if He was born in a palace…
Thanks for making me think more deeply about the familiar story, Dar. So glad you could use the pic. It worked perfectly.
Bless you at Christmas and always…
well Jesus would have never been spoiled because He is sinless. But the difference would be that not all could come to Him.
Definitely! We can’t even imagine it. Thanks for following.
Darlene