MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron
For several weeks, we've explored the Promised One, spoken of by God in Genesis and foretold by prophets hundreds of years earlier. The world was prepared through historical events for His coming, and "at just the right time", the Messiah began His earthly life in a manger in a stable. We think of Jerusalem as significant, but Bethlehem and Egypt will be woven together as significant locations in the baby's story.
The birth took place in a small town near the hillsides where David had tended sheep and communed with God before he became Israel's best-known king. No family or attendants on hand, Joseph and Mary delivered their baby with the help of God. In contrast to most kings, this new ruler's start was meager. The apostle Paul wrote, "Our Lord Jesus Christ, though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9).
On those hillsides outside Bethlehem, shepherds became the first witnesses of the Messiah. An angel and a multitude of heavenly beings appeared above them, celebrating His coming to earth. "'There has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord'" (Luke 2:8). Our Lord, the Great Shepherd and sacrificial Lamb of God, was first worshiped by these lowly men who were just doing their jobs. Amazingly, after rushing into town, bowing before the baby, and proclaiming the news, they returned to their responsibilities. The One they worshiped was one of them, and a Savior for the humble.
Eight days later, Jesus was presented in the temple (Luke 2:22), where he was circumcised and named Jesus [Jehovah saves], just as the angels had instructed His parents. Two legal requirements were met by this visit to Jerusalem: redemption of a firstborn son (paid for with five shekels), and purification of the mother (two young doves indicated low economic status). The child identified with and fulfilled the Law, as required of those He came to save, and later served as the perfect sinless sacrifice, the only righteous king.
Amid mention of the prices paid, we could be reminded of a later time when Jesus described the temple as a "den of thieves". Yet, in the midst of the ordinary, two of God's saints were introduced, each of whom approached the family in the temple, and gave thanks. Simeon was an elderly man who announced the child as the salvation of God for Israel and the Gentiles, just as the prophets had said long ago. Though he warned that the sufferings of Jesus would pierce the heart of His mother, he proclaimed that this day was the high point of his own life, and he could now die in peace.
Anna had been a widow for many years, serving daily in the temple with fasting and prayer. She saw the little family, and "at that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem" (see Luke 2:25-38).
The birth, the star, the angels, the prophetic sayings in the temple were unusual, but the next encounter was even more extraordinary. Matthew begins the account. After some time, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem seeking "He who was born King of the Jews". The news troubled both King Herod and all of Jerusalem, for the current king - who held his position through the support of Rome - wanted nothing disruptive. He gathered religious experts to inquire about the birthplace of the Messiah. Quoting Micah 5:2, they replied that the ruler would come from Bethlehem (Matthew 2:5-6). So, the Magi proceeded to Bethlehem to worship, open treasures and present gifts to the child and His parents (Matthew 2:11).
The wise men were warned in a dream not to return to Jerusalem, and began their long journey home by another route. Joseph likewise had a dream, warning him to take Mary and the baby and flee to Egypt, so they left in the dark of night. Herod was enraged at the inability to locate the child whom he felt would be a threat to his throne, and ordered that all male children two years and younger be killed. Another prophecy, Jeremiah 31:15, was fulfilled by the slaughter.
In centuries past, Egypt had been a refuge for God's people (Genesis chapters 12 and 46; Jeremiah 42). Matthew points out that their trip was also a fulfillment of prophecy. "Out of Egypt I called My son" (Hosea 11:1). We may never know the details of their time in that faraway land, but Joseph, Mary and Jesus remained there until Herod's death. The family was led - again, by dreams from God- to return to Israel, and settled in the village of Nazareth where Jesus grew to manhood.
While Egypt served as a refuge, it is not the final destination of God's people. As Moses called God's children out of Egypt, Jesus will call and free us from even worse slavery, into an eternal kingdom. He sets us free from sin and the law, and writes a greater Law on our hearts. Hebrews 3:1-6 reveals Jesus as greater even than Moses.
Jesus the Messiah is more than a baby born to be another king. He establishes a new kingdom, spiritual and eternal, for anyone who receives Him. Born in a stable, He was worshiped by angels, shepherds, aged saints, wise men from afar, even as his life and rule just began. To those who receive Him, He gives "the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name" (John 1:12).
