Joseph's Vigilance: Safety in Egypt and Obscure Nazareth
Daily Scripture
Matthew 2:7-8, 13-15, 19-23
7 Then Herod secretly called for the magi and found out from them the time when the star had first appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you’ve found him, report to me so that I too may go and honor him.”
13 When the magi had departed, an angel from the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up. Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod will soon search for the child in order to kill him.” 14 Joseph got up and, during the night, took the child and his mother to Egypt. 15 He stayed there until Herod died. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: I have called my son out of Egypt [Hosea 11:1].
19 After King Herod died, an angel from the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. 20 “Get up,” the angel said, “and take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel. Those who were trying to kill the child are dead.” 21 Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus ruled over Judea in place of his father Herod, Joseph was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he went to the area of Galilee. 23 He settled in a city called Nazareth so that what was spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled: He will be called a Nazarene.
Daily Reflection & Prayer
King Herod the Great was ruthlessly paranoid—he even killed some of his own sons whom he saw as rivals for his throne. He hid his murderous intentions behind courteous, pious words to the magi. Joseph had to do far more than stand by the manger. Through Joseph’s attentive obedience, God kept Mary and baby Jesus safe from Herod’s violence. Since Herod’s palace literally overlooked Bethlehem * Joseph wisely chose Nazareth, an obscure village far to the north, as a safer place to settle. There Jesus ‘matured in wisdom and years, and in favor with God and with people’ (Luke 2:52).
- In Jesus’ day, Alexandria, Egypt had a large Jewish population—perhaps one-third of the city. Other Jewish communities existed throughout Egypt, making it a relatively safe refuge for Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. Who or what has given you safety or comfort during difficult times in your life? Knowing that the Holy Family were refugees fleeing political violence, how might their experience inform your perspective on today’s refugee crises and debates?
- Archelaus was as dangerous as his father. He began his reign as ruler of Judea (including Bethlehem) by killing 3,000 people. Life in obscure Nazareth was much safer for Jesus’ family. Did you grow up in a peaceful setting? If not, what has helped you heal from that experience? As you enter the New Year, how might you intentionally seek peace, rest, and deeper connection with God?
Prayer
Prayer:Loving Lord, you once were a refugee fleeing violence, protected by vigilant, obedient parents. Help me blend wisdom and compassion as I welcome strangers in your name. Amen.
GPS Insights
Jennifer Creagar
Jennifer Creagar, who serves as the Community Assistance Coordination Director in Resurrection's Congregational Care Ministry, wrote today's Insights. She is married and loves spending time with her family, and she enjoys writing and photography.
Amen
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Scripture quotations are taken from The Common English Bible ©2011. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
References
* You can click here to see what is still left of Herod’s palace, known as the Herodium.
