Matthew 2:13-23 - in Egypt

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After the eastern mystics had left, it was unsafe for the infant Jesus to remain in the region ruled by Herod the Great, so the family left for Egypt. Herod duly killed all boys under the age of two in the area around Bethlehem.

After Herod's death the family returned and settled in Galilee in the town of Nazareth. All of these events are covered in Matthew 2:13-23.

It's striking that Joseph was informed by a messenger in a dream not once, but three times (the word 'angel' means 'messenger'). It seems he was obedient without hesitation each time. Notice that Matthew points out how Old Testament prophecy was being fulfilled.

At this early stage in his human life Jesus depended completely on his parents, just like any other person. As he grew through childhood and his teens did he become gradually aware of who his real father was? One clue (Luke 2:49) is that at twelve-years-old he already knew that the Jerusalem temple was 'my Father's house'.

Do you hear from the Almighty? If so, how? Are you as obedient as Joseph was? Is it possible to be obedient without hearing?

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