October 3

Matthew 2; Luke 2:39-52 (biblegateway.com)

God’s Protection and the Growing Messiah

Following the miraculous birth of Jesus, the story now turns to His early childhood, revealing God’s protection over the Messiah from danger, His fulfillment of prophecy, and glimpses of His early wisdom and devotion, setting the stage for His earthly ministry.

In Matthew, we see the visit of the Magi, Herod’s deadly jealousy, and God’s guidance to protect the child Messiah through the flight into Egypt. Luke records Jesus’ growth in Nazareth, highlighting His obedience to His parents, wisdom, and understanding of God, even as a youth. These passages reveal that from the very beginning, Jesus was under God’s protection, prepared for His mission, and devoted to His Father’s will.

Matthew 2 - The Visit of the Magi and the Flight to Egypt

Matthew 2:1 opens with the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem of Judea, a town about six miles south of Jerusalem and the birthplace of David’s royal line. At this time, Herod the Great ruled as king under Rome’s authority (37–4 B.C.). Though an Idumean by descent, he was politically shrewd and known both for his grand building projects, such as the renovation of the Jerusalem temple, the fortress at Masada, and the harbor city of Caesarea, and for his ruthless cruelty, which included the execution of family members. His reign sets the stage for the arrival of the Magi, a term that originally referred to Persian priests and wise men but by this period described a broad group of scholars whose practices involved interpreting dreams, studying the stars, and searching sacred writings for wisdom.

Magi from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?” (v. 2). The visit of the Magi may have taken place sometime after Jesus’ birth. Matthew describes the family as living in a house in Bethlehem and refers to Jesus as a child (paidion, Matt. 2:9, 11), not an infant (brephos, Luke 2:12). He may have been about two years old or younger, as indicated by King Herod's command to kill all male children under two years of age.

Scripture does not indicate an exact timing, nor does it tell us how many Magi came or even their exact identity. Tradition has given them names and linked them to the sons of Noah, but the text itself provides no such details. Most likely, they were Gentile scholars or leaders from the East, perhaps from Babylon or Parthia, who were given a divine revelation of Israel’s newborn King. Their title, “Magi,” suggests an interest in astronomy, and their words, “We saw His star when it rose” (Matt. 2:2), indicate God used a celestial sign to guide them.

They may have known of Balaam’s prophecy that “a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel” (Num. 24:17), a passage understood by Jews to point to a messianic deliverer. The movement of the star suggests it was not a natural phenomenon like a comet or planetary alignment, but a supernatural sign. Additionally, the Magi’s journey was no small task. If they came from Babylon, the distance was about 800 miles. At an average pace of 20 miles per day, the trip would have taken about 40 days, likely with many attendants and guards traveling with them for protection. Yet they came with one purpose: to worship Him, the newborn King of the Jews. Their long, costly journey highlights God’s grace in revealing Christ to the nations and the call for all people to seek and honor Him.

Herod, troubled by the news, gathered the chief priests and scribes to inquire where the Messiah was to be born (v. 3-5). Their reference to the prophecy in Micah 5:2 confirmed Bethlehem as the birthplace (v. 6). It is no surprise, then, that King Herod was disturbed when the Magi arrived in Jerusalem asking about the One who had been “born King.” Herod was not a descendant of David but an Edomite, a descendant of Esau, who had been placed on the throne by Roman authority. Though he carried out impressive building projects, most Jews despised him as an illegitimate ruler. The idea of a child who was rightfully born King meant Herod’s position was in jeopardy. Matthew also notes that all Jerusalem was troubled with him (v. 3). Christ’s coming immediately created division, awakening hope in some but stirring fear and insecurity in others. The presence of the true King disturbed the hearts of those unwilling to submit to Him.

Herod then secretly summoned the Magi, asking them to report back so that he, too, could “worship” the child (v. 7–8). This reveals Herod’s deceit and highlights the contrast between true worship, offered by the Magi, and hypocritical intent. It reminds believers that the heart’s motive is as important as outward actions.

As the Magi set out from Jerusalem toward Bethlehem, a further miracle took place. The star they had first seen in the East reappeared and went before them, leading them to the very house where the Child was (v. 9-10). Bethlehem lies only about five or six miles south of Jerusalem, so ordinary stars or planets could not have given such specific, localized direction. Stars move across the sky from east to west, not north to south. For this reason, many have understood this “star” to be no ordinary celestial body but a supernatural sign. For lack of a better term, the Magi described it as a “star,” though it was far more than a natural phenomenon.

When they entered the house, they found the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him (v. 11). Though these men likely did not understand the full nature of Jesus’ deity, their act of bowing before Him was both appropriate and prophetic. Their worship was heightened by the giving of costly gifts, such as gold, frankincense, and myrrh, which were presents worthy of a king. Bible students have often seen symbolic meaning in the gifts as well: gold for royalty, frankincense for deity, and myrrh pointing to His suffering and death, for it was commonly used in embalming. Whatever their intended meaning, the gifts were providentially used by God to provide for Joseph and Mary during their flight into Egypt.

The number of gifts later gave rise to the tradition of “three wise men,” though Scripture never specifies their number. What we do know is that they worshiped Jesus by offering Him what was valuable to them, which is the essence of true worship, acknowledging Christ for who He is and surrendering to Him what is costly and precious. Their example reminds us that worship is not merely a feeling but a giving of ourselves and our best to the One who is worthy of it all.

Finally, being warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the Magi departed by another route (v. 12). Having encountered the true King, their path was forever changed. Likewise, when we truly meet Jesus, our lives cannot continue in the same direction. Obedience to God’s Word requires a new course, one shaped by His guidance rather than our own plans.

After the Magi’s departure, Joseph was again warned in a dream, the second of four dreams he received from God (1:20; 2:13, 19, 22). An angel instructed him to take Mary and the Child and flee to Egypt because Herod was seeking to destroy Jesus (v. 13-14). Joseph obeyed immediately. Under the cover of night, he and his family left Bethlehem and began the journey south. The Egyptian border lay about ninety miles away, outside of Herod’s jurisdiction, and many Jewish colonies had long existed in Egypt, providing a natural place of refuge.

Matthew tells us that their descent into Egypt fulfilled the words of the prophet Hosea: “Out of Egypt I called My Son” (Hos. 11:1). In its original context, Hosea was speaking of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt in the Exodus. Israel was God’s “son” by adoption (Ex. 4:22), chosen and redeemed from bondage. Matthew, under divine inspiration, applies this passage more fully to Christ, showing how Jesus recapitulates Israel’s history. Just as Israel went down to Egypt in its infancy and was later brought out, so God’s true Son, the Messiah, went into Egypt to escape danger and was later called out to accomplish redemption. In this way, Jesus identifies with His people and fulfills in His own life the story of God’s covenant nation.

This event reminds us that God’s plans are never thwarted by human opposition. Though Herod raged, God sovereignly protected His Son and guided Joseph step by step. Joseph, though not Jesus’ biological father, faithfully acted as His legal guardian, responsible for His protection and provision. His readiness to listen and obey God’s Word is a model for us: divine guidance comes to hearts that remain humble, receptive, and willing to act in faith.

When Herod realized that the Magi had not returned to report the exact location of the child, he was filled with fury. Determined to eliminate any possible rival, he ordered the massacre of all male children in Bethlehem and its surrounding area who were two years old and under. This age limit was based on the information he had carefully extracted from the Magi about the timing of the star’s appearance (v. 16). The cruelty of this act was consistent with Herod’s notorious reputation. He was known for executing even members of his own family, including wives and sons, whenever he suspected a threat to his throne. It was said of him by the Roman emperor Augustus, “It is better to be Herod’s sow than his son,” since, in a Jewish community, a sow had a better chance of survival. Yet despite his brutality and bloodshed, Herod could not touch the true King. He was king by human appointment, but Jesus was King by divine decree, and no human power can thwart the sovereign plan of God.

Herod’s action also fulfilled what had been spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more” (Jer. 31:15). In its original setting, this verse referred to the sorrow of Israel’s mothers as their children were taken into exile at the time of the Babylonian captivity. Matthew, under the Spirit’s guidance, shows how the same words find fuller meaning in the grief of Bethlehem’s mothers over their murdered sons. Rachel, the beloved wife of Jacob and symbolic mother of Israel, had been buried near Bethlehem (Gen. 35:19), and so she is pictured as weeping once more for her children. This dark moment, filled with sorrow and loss, reminds us both of the depth of human sin and the desperate need for the Savior who had just entered the world.

Yet even here, God’s purposes were not defeated. Jesus was preserved, the Messiah remained untouched, and God’s redemptive plan continued to unfold. Herod misunderstood Christ’s kingship, fearing the loss of his throne when Christ had not come to seize earthly power but to give eternal life. Many still share this same fear today, resisting Jesus because they think He will take away their freedom, when in reality He offers true freedom, peace, and joy. The challenge remains: do we resist His rule, like Herod, or do we give Him the throne of our lives and find life in Him?

After the death of Herod the Great in 4 B.C., Joseph once again received divine instruction in a dream, the third of four angelic messages given to him (Matt. 1:20; 2:13, 19, 22). The angel assured him it was safe to return to the land of Israel, and Joseph, ever obedient, prepared to bring his family back, perhaps intending to resettle in Bethlehem (v. 20-21). Yet when he learned that Archelaus, one of Herod’s sons, was ruling over Judea, Samaria, and Idumea, Joseph grew concerned. Archelaus was notorious for cruelty, instability, and bloodshed, beginning his reign by slaughtering three thousand people during Passover. His tyranny eventually led Rome to depose and banish him to Gaul. God then warned Joseph in another dream not to return to Bethlehem but instead to go north to Galilee, where another of Herod’s sons, Antipas, reigned. Though not righteous, Antipas was at least more capable and less violent than Archelaus. Thus Joseph led his family back to their earlier home in Nazareth (v. 22-23).

Matthew notes that this relocation fulfilled what had been spoken by the prophets: “He shall be called a Nazarene” (v. 23). No single Old Testament passage records those exact words, but Matthew seems to summarize the prophetic theme that the Messiah would be despised and regarded as insignificant. In Jesus’ day, Nazareth carried a reputation of shame and compromise, being home to a Roman garrison and looked down on by most Jews. To be called “a Nazarene” was to bear a term of contempt, something reflected in Nathanael’s remark, “Can anything good come from there?” (John 1:46).

Thus, Matthew closes this section by showing that every movement of the Holy Family was under God’s sovereign hand. Even the threats of rulers and the scorn of men could not hinder His plan. Jesus, the true King, was preserved, protected, and prepared for His mission, as one who came not in earthly glory, but in humility, fulfilling the Scriptures and identifying with the lowly.

Matthew 2 also highlights a profound contrast between those who recognize and worship the Messiah and those who oppose Him. The Magi responded in faith, humility, and obedience, offering gifts and reverent worship, while Herod and the Jewish leaders reacted with fear, pride, and hostility. This pattern calls every believer to true discipleship, which requires discernment, humility, and obedience. God’s guidance is often revealed in ways that challenge us, and following Christ may require courage, sacrifice, and trust in His providential care. Believers are called to discern His voice, honor Christ with sincere hearts, and follow His direction, even when the path is uncertain or fraught with fear. In every circumstance, God’s plan remains unthwarted, and His purposes are accomplished in ways that reveal both His wisdom and His glory.

Luke 2:39-52 - The Boy Jesus in the Temple

With Matthew 2, we see God’s sovereign guidance protecting the Messiah and orchestrating the events surrounding His early life, from the visit of the Magi to the flight into Egypt and return to Nazareth. Luke 2:39-52 then picks up the story from a different perspective, focusing on Jesus’ growth and development within His family in Nazareth. While Matthew emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy and the threats from earthly rulers, Luke highlights the faithful obedience of Mary and Joseph, the child’s growth in wisdom and stature, and His increasing awareness of His unique calling. Together, these accounts give us a fuller picture of the early years of Jesus, including His divine protection, human development, and preparation for the mission that lay ahead.

After fulfilling all the requirements of the Law, Mary and Joseph returned to their home in Nazareth, raising Jesus in the ordinary life of their community (v. 39). These requirements, some of which were mentioned earlier in Luke, included circumcising Jesus on the eighth day, presenting Him at the Temple, and offering the purification sacrifices prescribed in the Law of Moses. The transition from the holy experiences in Jerusalem to daily life emphasizes how God’s work often unfolds within the ordinary rhythms of family and society. It reminds us that divine purpose is not always in dramatic events; sometimes God’s preparation happens quietly in the routine of obedience and care.

Luke emphasizes that Jesus grew in a holistic way, becoming strong, increasing in wisdom, and gaining favor with both God and people (2:40, 52). His development encompassed physical health, intellectual understanding, social skills, and spiritual maturity. Even as a child, Jesus demonstrated a balanced growth that serves as a model for believers today, showing the importance of pursuing godly wisdom alongside relational integrity. Though He experienced human growth like any other child, the favor of God (charis) rested upon Him in an extraordinary measure, evident even before He reached twelve years of age.

When Jesus reached twelve years of age, He went with His parents to Jerusalem for the Passover festival, participating in the covenantal worship that shaped Jewish life and faith (v. 41). The journey to Jerusalem would have been significant, involving several days of travel and connecting Jesus with the broader Jewish community. As the festival concluded, Mary and Joseph began their return journey, assuming Jesus was with their traveling group, but He remained behind in the temple courts, focused on the teaching and worship happening there (v. 42). This moment underscores Jesus’ unique awareness of His identity and purpose even at a young age, foreshadowing His lifelong commitment to His Father’s work.

The next day, Mary and Joseph realized Jesus was not with them and returned to Jerusalem in anxious search (v. 43). Finding Him in the temple, they were astonished to see Him sitting among the teachers, listening intently, and asking questions (v. 46). Luke emphasizes the amazement of the teachers, who were impressed by His understanding and His answers. This illustrates that Jesus’ knowledge was extraordinary, even in childhood, and highlights His divine wisdom and the supernatural favor He carried. Yet, this wisdom was always coupled with humility and obedience, as He respected the authority of the teachers while engaging deeply in discussion.

When Mary expressed her concern about His absence, Jesus responded with a profound statement about His mission: “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (v. 49). This response reveals an early awareness of His unique relationship with God as His Father and His singular calling to fulfill God’s plan. It shows that obedience to God’s will and awareness of His divine purpose are central to Jesus’ life from childhood. While asserting this divine mission, He still returned with His parents to Nazareth, demonstrating His submission to earthly authority and modeling the proper balance between divine calling and family responsibility. Mary treasured these words and events in her heart, reflecting on their significance and pondering God’s unfolding plan (v. 51). Her response models thoughtful reflection, spiritual meditation, and faithful contemplation for all believers.

After returning to Nazareth, Jesus continued to grow in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and people (v. 52). Luke’s repetition of this theme underscores that spiritual and personal growth is gradual, developing over time through daily life, obedience, learning, and relational engagement. Even the Messiah experienced normal human growth, demonstrating that God’s work often moves through the ordinary stages of life, preparing His servants carefully for their future calling. This passage calls believers to cultivate wisdom, discernment, and obedience in their own lives, recognizing that God’s plan is realized in both extraordinary and everyday circumstances.

In these verses, Luke presents a powerful portrait of Jesus’ early life, highlighting His humanity and divinity. He was fully human, growing, learning, and submitting to His family, while fully divine, aware of His mission, filled with wisdom, and in perfect favor with God. For believers today, this passage encourages faithful preparation, attentiveness to God’s calling, and growth in all areas of life. It challenges us to live with intentionality, balancing ordinary responsibilities with a commitment to God’s purposes, trusting that He is forming us for service according to His plan.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the early life of Jesus, we are confronted with the profound truth that God’s plan is sovereign and purposeful, even when the circumstances around us seem chaotic or threatening. From the threats of Herod to the ordinary life in Nazareth, Jesus’ life demonstrates that God’s purposes cannot be thwarted, and His promises are sure. We see that the Messiah, fully divine yet fully human, grew in wisdom, stature, and favor, modeling for us both dependence on God and faithful engagement with the world.

For us today, this is a call to trust God’s guidance in the midst of uncertainty. Like Joseph and Mary, we are invited to obey even when God’s direction challenges our understanding or comfort. Like Jesus in the temple, we are encouraged to cultivate spiritual growth while learning, questioning, and seeking God’s will with diligence. And like the wise men, we are called to recognize and honor Jesus’ authority, letting His light guide our decisions and hearts.

There is also a challenge: God’s plans require attention and responsiveness. We cannot claim faith without action, nor can we grow spiritually by remaining passive. Jesus’ life reminds us that wisdom, obedience, and reverence are cultivated over time and through commitment. How will we respond to His guidance in our daily choices? Will we prioritize His presence, submit to His authority, and pursue the growth He desires for us, even when the path is difficult or countercultural?

In these passages, God is inviting us into a deeper trust and a fuller discipleship: to recognize His hand in the world, to cultivate spiritual maturity, and to live in the light of His kingdom even before it is fully revealed. The question remains for each of us: will we follow Him with the faith, courage, and devotion that He exemplified from His earliest days?