Out of Egypt: Hostility Toward Jesus
Updated: Feb 4, 2025
Matthew 2:13–18
One of the things I love about Matthew’s Gospel is how he keeps linking Old Testament stories with Jesus’ life to show that God’s plan was always in motion. In Matthew 2:13–18, we see a young family on the run, a raging king, and ancient prophecies being fulfilled. Let’s unpack these verses and explore what they mean for us today.
Fleeing to Egypt
After the Wise Men left, an angel warned Joseph in a dream (the second of four angelic dreams he received). Joseph obeyed immediately and took Mary and Jesus to Egypt. This might seem like a random place to hide, but Matthew points out that it was actually part of fulfilling Scripture (Hosea 11:1).
Why Egypt?
Prophetic Parallel: In Hosea, God called Israel “out of Egypt.” Now Jesus, God’s Son, also comes “out of Egypt,” mirroring Israel’s story.
Symbolic Meaning: Egypt often represents “the world” in the Bible. In a way, Jesus entered the world to rescue us from the world.
Question: Have you ever felt God leading you in an unexpected direction—and later realized He was orchestrating a bigger purpose all along?
Joseph’s family likely used the gifts from the Wise Men (gold, frankincense, and myrrh) to finance this escape. God’s provision can come in surprising ways—even from visiting strangers!
Herod’s Rage (Matthew 2:16)
We then see the dark side of this story: Herod orders the killing of all male children in Bethlehem two years old and under. Because Bethlehem was a small village, historians estimate the actual number of children killed might have been between 20 and 40. Although small by historical records, it was devastating for the families involved.
Hostility Toward Jesus
Herod’s rage foreshadows a theme: the world often opposes Christ (and His followers). Jesus reminded His disciples in John 15:18–21 that if the world hated Him, it would also hate us.
Question: Does knowing Jesus faced hostility—and that we might too—change how you view suffering or opposition in your own life?
It’s a sobering reminder, but there’s hope in how God still accomplishes His plan despite human evil. And as we experience trials, God can use them to shape us into a light that shines in the darkness.
Fulfillment and Sorrow (Matthew 2:17–18)
Matthew connects Herod’s brutality with Jeremiah’s prophecy, describing “Rachel weeping for her children.” In the Old Testament, Rachel died near Bethlehem, naming her baby Benoni (“Son of My Sorrow”), but Jacob renamed him Benjamin (“Son of My Right Hand”). Both names point us to Jesus, who would be a “man of sorrows” (Isaiah 53:3) and is now at “the right hand of God” (Hebrews 1:3).
Question: What does it mean to you personally that Jesus was both the “Man of Sorrows” and the King exalted at God’s right hand?
In moments of deep grief, this story reminds us that God can turn places of sorrow into places of hope—just like Bethlehem went from being a place of Rachel’s death to the birthplace of the Messiah.
Joseph’s Obedience—Again
Eventually, another angelic dream tells Joseph it’s safe to return to Israel. But because Herod’s son, Archelaus, is ruling in Judea, Joseph heads north to Galilee (Matthew 2:19–23). This leads them to Nazareth, fulfilling yet another prophetic thread (though not a direct quote from a single prophet).
Why Nazareth?
Nazareth was a humble, often despised place (“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”—John 1:46).
“Nazarene” could be linked to Hebrew prophecies about a “Branch” (the word netzer), referencing the Messiah who would grow out of David’s line (Isaiah 11:1).
Personal Takeaway
This passage might feel like a rollercoaster—fleeing, chaos, mourning, yet still under God’s guidance. Jesus’ early life shows us that God’s plans always break through human schemes, pain, and setbacks.
God’s Leading: Like Joseph, listen for God’s direction in your life. He might prompt you to go somewhere or do something that doesn’t make sense on paper—but it could be part of a larger redemptive story.
Expect Opposition: Don’t be surprised if following Jesus meets resistance. Jesus faced hostility, and so may we. Yet God’s purposes stand firm.
Finding Hope in Sorrow: Where have you experienced a “Bethlehem moment”—a place of pain that God later turned into hope? Remember, He’s in the business of redemption.
If there’s a situation in your life right now that feels like “Egypt” (a place of exile) or “Bethlehem” (a place of sorrow), invite Jesus into it. You may be surprised at how He can transform your story.
Thank you for reading! We’re on this journey together, learning how God’s Word speaks into real life—even the messy parts.
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