Matthew 2:14

New King James Version

When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt,

For Encouragement

People know and frown on refugees—those poor souls whom war, drought, famine, and poor political and economic conditions have sent to the fringes of society to live outside their normal place of abode in the poorest of conditions. They are miserable and helpless, always hoping for someone to rescue them and give them their lives again. Many have lived in these conditions almost perpetually, while others have lived only briefly. However, the same conditions prevail for them all.

Why would the Creator and Sustainer of all things seen and unseen, flee to Egypt as a refugee? He who made those who sought after His life as a child could have easily removed them from His path, allowing Him to grow in peace until He carried out His mission. He had the power to drop those who came to arrest him in Gethsemane with a single question (Jn. 18:2-7). He even had the authority to call on His Father to set at His disposal legions of angels to defend Him (Matt. 26:52-54). So, why did He choose to subject Himself to refugee conditions in Egypt? This unexpected turn of events is a testament to His unfathomable love for us.

Scripture says it was to fulfill prophecy (Hosea 11:1). This prophecy foretold the return of the Savior from Egypt. God loved Israel and watched over them, felt their pain, and out of concern, came down to rescue them from slavery in Egypt through Moses (Exod. 3:7-10). As a young nation, He called them out and brought them into the Promised Land. God had prophesied this to Abraham when He made His covenant with Him (Gen. 15:2-16). Israel was in Abraham’s loins at the time of the covenant (cf. Heb. 7:5-10). The root of David, the Messiah, the One whom the Prophet Isaiah spoke about as a child born and a Son given to the world has come (Isa. 9:6). His mission is to deliver His spiritual son, the church, from slavery to sin and death (Rm. 6:6-7; Heb. 2:14-15). Just as a famine sent Jacob and his children to Egypt as refugees, so did Herod’s death threat send the baby Jesus to Egypt as a refugee until God called Him out of it to Nazareth (19-20).

His suffering, even as a child, was not in vain. It was all because of His immense love and grace for us, for our salvation. As He told Peter after his feeble attempt to defend Him in Gethsemane, Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me? (Jn. 18:11). This is the depth of the Baby of Christmas’s love for you and me. He willingly subjected himself to these conditions, knowing that it was the only way to save us.

You may be a refugee somewhere needing a savior. Know that Jesus understands the suffering and stresses this corrupt world has thrown you into, and He cares. He wants to be the Savior and friend you long for, so do not look far. Receive His grace for salvation and turn your life to Him (Jn. 3:16; 1:12-13; Rm. 10:9-10, 13). He will not disappoint you.

So, give Him praise and thank Him through your Christmas celebration this year. Let heaven hear your joy, thanksgiving, and sharing, and applaud you before Him who sits on the throne and His Son, Jesus’ Messiah. Amen!

Pray with Me

We rejoice to know how you suffered, even as a child, to save us. Words cannot express our gratitude to you, our Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ. Lord Holy Spirit, please help us endure suffering for the sake of the Father, in the name that is above every name, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.