Jesus was born in a stable, wrapped in strips of cloth, and laid in a feeding trough, not because Joseph and Mary were poor, but “because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7). Bethlehem was being overrun by Jews traveling to register for a census (vs. 1-3). Jesus being born in a place that had “no room” for Him would become an unfortunate characteristic of His life.

Hometown of Nazareth (Luke 4:16-30). The Lord was raised in Nazareth. The people there knew Him and His family well, which became a stumbling block to their faith (v. 22). They were impressed with the “gracious words” of His teaching, but were greatly offended by His application – “Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country” (v. 24). They were filled with wrath, thrust Him out of the city, and led Him to a cliff where they intended to throw Him to His death. They had “no room” for Jesus.

The Gentiles of the Gadarenes (Luke 8:26-37). Jesus and His disciples sailed across the Sea of Galilee to the region of the Gadarenes. They encountered a severely demon possessed man. The people of that area had tried to help and restrain this man numerous times, but the demons were too powerful. With a word, Jesus cast the legion of demons out him. Afterward, the people of that region came and “found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid” (v. 35). Instead of rejoicing over the great power and mercy of God, the whole multitude asked Jesus to depart from them (v. 37). They had “no room” for Jesus.

The Samaritans (Luke 9:51-56). The Jews and Samaritans were extremely prejudiced towards one another (John 4:9). The Samaritans in this village didn’t consider Jesus as an individual. They saw Him as a member of a despised race. Because of this, they had “no room” for Jesus and refused to let Him pass through their village.

The Rich Young Ruler (Luke 18:18-23). This young man was sincere in his desire to inherit eternal life. When Jesus told him what he had to do (sell all he had, distribute it to the poor, and follow Him), he became very sorrowful because he was very rich (vs. 22-23). The Lord’s response was unacceptable to him. He walked away because he had “no room” for Jesus.

The Nation of Israel (Luke 23:13-25). Pilate knew Jesus was innocent. He tried three times to release Jesus, but the Jewish leaders “were insistent, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified” (v. 23). Jesus did not conform to their preconceived ideas of the Messiah. Instead, He exposed their sins and drew the multitudes to Himself. They had “no room” for Jesus.

Many people today have no room for Jesus. Like the people of Nazareth, they are offended at His teachings. Some are afraid of the changes Jesus will make in their lives while others are prejudiced against Jesus because of preconceived ideas. Some walk away from eternal life because Jesus demands a price they will not pay.

There was “no room” for Jesus in Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jerusalem, the Gadarenes, Samaria, or the heart of the young ruler. However, room was found for Jesus between two thieves (Luke 23:33). Will Jesus find room in your heart? He is knocking at the door (Rev. 3:20).