Anchor My Faith

The Return to Nazareth

Scripture Reference: Matthew 2:19-23; Luke 2:40   

Context:

Following the death of Herod the Great, the angel of the Lord appeared again to Joseph in Egypt, instructing him to return to the land of Israel with Mary and the young Jesus. However, when Joseph learned that Archelaus, Herod’s son, was ruling in Judea, he was warned in a dream and instead settled his family in Galilee, in the town of Nazareth. This move fulfilled what had been spoken by the prophets, that the Messiah would be called a Nazarene, emphasizing God’s sovereign guidance and the humble beginnings of Jesus. Luke complements this account by summarizing Jesus’ early years in Nazareth, highlighting His normal human development: He grew strong, was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him. Together, these passages bridge Jesus’ early childhood with His upbringing in Nazareth, showing both divine protection and preparation for His future ministry.

Bible Lessons for this event:

H066  An Angel and a Dream (Matthew 2:19-22)
H067  Safely Back in Nazareth (Matthew 2:23; Luke 2:40

Event Summary:

This event describes the return of Jesus’ family from Egypt to Nazareth and Jesus’ growth in his early years. This event emphasizes God’s continued protection, fulfillment of prophecy, and Jesus’ development.

Key points of this event are:

(1) In this point we see God’s protection and protection: The repeated angelic messages to Joseph emphasize God’s ongoing protection of Jesus and his family, guiding them through dangerous situations and the obedience of Joseph continues to be a theme, as he responds faithfully to each divine command, ensuring Jesus’ safety.

(2) Jesus’ residence in Nazareth fulfills prophecy, symbolizing his humble origins and further aligning his life with God’s redemptive plan for Israel.

(3) The comment from Luke 2:40 highlights Jesus’ human development in wisdom and grace, indicating both his divine favor and his preparation for the mission ahead.

In summary, this event describes God’s protection of Jesus, the fulfillment of prophecy in his upbringing in Nazareth, and his growth in strength and wisdom, setting the stage for his future ministry.

Understanding and Application:

Discussion Questions with Extended Answers

1. What significant change allowed Joseph to return with Mary and Jesus from Egypt?

Answer:
The death of Herod marked a turning point in this passage. Herod had sought to destroy the child Jesus, prompting Joseph to flee to Egypt with his family. After Herod’s death, an angel of the Lord appeared again to Joseph in a dream, instructing him that it was now safe to return. This highlights God’s sovereign control over events; He not only warned Joseph to leave but also directed him when to return. It demonstrates that God’s protection is both proactive and perfectly timed, ensuring the fulfillment of His purposes without interruption.

2. Why did Joseph choose to settle in Galilee rather than Judea?

Answer:
Although Joseph initially intended to return to Judea, he became afraid upon learning that Archelaus, Herod’s son, was ruling there. Archelaus had a reputation for cruelty similar to his father. After being warned again in a dream, Joseph chose to withdraw to the region of Galilee and settle in Nazareth. This decision reflects both human prudence and divine guidance; Joseph exercised wisdom in response to real danger, while also obeying God’s direction. It shows how God often guides His people through a combination of circumstances and revelation.

3. What is the significance of Jesus being called a Nazarene?

Answer:
Matthew states that Jesus’ residence in Nazareth fulfilled what was spoken by the prophets: “He shall be called a Nazarene.” While there is no single Old Testament verse that says this verbatim, the phrase likely summarizes a broader prophetic theme. Nazareth was a small, obscure, and often despised town, and the title “Nazarene” became associated with lowliness and rejection. This aligns with prophetic descriptions of the Messiah as one who would be despised and rejected (Isaiah 53:3). Thus, Jesus’ upbringing in Nazareth reflects the humble and rejected nature of His earthly ministry, fulfilling the spirit of prophetic expectation.

4. How does Joseph’s repeated obedience shape the early life of Jesus?

Answer:
Joseph consistently responds to God’s instructions with immediate obedience—whether fleeing to Egypt, returning to Israel, or settling in Nazareth. His faithfulness plays a crucial role in safeguarding Jesus during His vulnerable early years. Joseph’s obedience illustrates how God uses ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary purposes. It also models faithful submission: Joseph does not question or delay but acts promptly. Through his actions, we see that God’s plans are often carried out through the quiet, consistent obedience of His people.

5. What does Luke 2:40 reveal about Jesus’ early development?

Answer:
Luke 2:40 provides a summary statement of Jesus’ childhood: He “grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.” This verse emphasizes both His physical and spiritual development. Though fully divine, Jesus experienced genuine human growth. He matured in strength, wisdom, and favor, indicating a balanced development of body, mind, and spirit. This affirms the reality of the incarnation; Jesus truly became human, experiencing life’s stages while remaining in perfect relationship with the Father.

6. How do Matthew 2:19–23 and Luke 2:40 together present a complete picture of Jesus’ early life?

Answer:
Matthew focuses on the external circumstances surrounding Jesus’ early years, danger, divine protection, relocation, and fulfillment of prophecy. Luke, on the other hand, highlights the internal development of Jesus, His growth in strength, wisdom, and favor with God. Together, these passages show both God’s sovereign orchestration of events and the natural progression of Jesus’ humanity. They reveal that Jesus’ life was guided by divine purpose from the beginning while also unfolding through normal human development. This dual perspective underscores the mystery of Christ as both fully God and fully man.

7. What theological truths about God’s character are revealed in these passages?

Answer:
Several key truths emerge:

• God is sovereign: He directs events, rulers, and movements to fulfill His plan.
• God is protective: He watches over His Son and ensures His safety through divine warnings.
• God is faithful to His Word: Prophecies are fulfilled precisely, even in seemingly small details like Jesus’ hometown.
• God guides His people: Through dreams and circumstances, He leads Joseph step by step.

These truths encourage believers to trust in God’s control, protection, and guidance in their own lives.

8. What application can believers draw from Joseph’s example?

Answer:
Joseph’s life teaches the importance of immediate and faithful obedience to God’s direction. He did not have full knowledge of God’s plan, yet he trusted and acted on what was revealed to him. Believers today are called to the same kind of trust, responding to God’s Word with obedience even when the future is uncertain. Joseph also demonstrates that obedience often involves both faith and wisdom, as he carefully navigates danger while remaining attentive to God’s guidance. His example encourages believers to live with sensitivity to God’s leading and readiness to act.