“How early did persecution against Christ and his kingdom begin!” -Mathew Henry  

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What a surprise that the beginning of the persecution against Christianity would begin with the attempted murder of Jesus, a 2-year-old baby! Thankfully, his father was directed to take the family and flee to Egypt. The obedience of Joseph never ceases to amaze; he rises in the middle of the night to begin the long journey with a firm faith in the directives of God.

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God had already provided the means through the magi – the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh – and now he gives direction about where to go and how long to stay. All this without Joseph even knowing there was impending danger! I love how God provides, don’t you? The young family had just been wrapping up a wonderful visit with the magi when the news broke about Herod. They had absolutely no idea what they’d be facing, but God had already worked out the details. What could’ve seemed like an insurmountable danger from this earthly king was child’s play for the King of the Universe.

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There are a few things of interest that stick out to me in these verses. First of all, the way the angel refers to Jesus and Mary when speaking to Joseph: “Take the child and his mother.” Normally in Scripture, we find the wife and children listed as possessions of the father, as in the case of Abraham (Gen. 12:5) when he moved at God’s command. Here though the “child,” Jesus, is listed first and Mary is connected to him, not Joseph.

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This shows a couple of things to the reader. We can easily recognize the superiority of Christ in this account. All of Scripture points to him, the rest of us are just supporting characters. We are loved by him and cared for by him, in fact saved by him, but he is the authority. Also, by connecting Mary to Jesus, we are reminded of the virgin birth, the miracle of the Spirit planting the Son within her. Although Joseph was certainly an important part of Jesus’ life, caring for Mary after Jesus’ conception and protecting and providing for them both, Jesus was not the seed of Joseph.

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Secondly, this passage is the ultimate fulfillment of Hosea 11:1, quoted at the end of our verses today. Originally written about the Hebrew nation being brought out of slavery through many dangers from Egypt, Jesus’ coming out of Egypt is the final say on the Hosea passage. Just as the Hebrews escaping Egypt by God's hand brought them from slavery and into a relationship with God, Jesus’ exodus brought a new covenant of salvation to all.

The dangers and uncertainties in the life of Jesus not only show us that he can identify with us, but these dangers also point us to our Father who will walk with us through them. Are we listening? Do we obey his directions? If you’re anything like me, I do this imperfectly! But as I read accounts in Scripture in which God guides and loves his people, I get so much more than a dry Bible lesson. I learn how to trust and live in a way that pleases God, leaning on him for wisdom and obeying his voice. He sees the whole picture and has already made a way through.

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Abba, thank you for always being with us, even in times of danger. Help us to listen to your directions and obey. Thank you that we have Jesus, the fulfillment of every prophecy and law, so that we can walk in relationship with you fully restored. Guide us to spread your message of grace to everyone that will listen and never tire of your work. Amen.