Sunday, December 28, 2025
Scriptures: Isaiah 63:7-9, Matthew 2:13-23
Sermon title: “God with the displaced”
- Context
Let me briefly give the context of Matthew 2. After the birth of Jesus, the Magi, wise men from the East, came to Jerusalem. The word Magi comes from a Greek term related to those known for wisdom, astrology, and interpreting dreams, and their knowledge was often used by kings. Believing the new king would be born in the royal city, they went to Jerusalem. King Herod, a fearful and cruel ruler, was disturbed by the news and called the chief priests and teachers of the law. They told him, based on the prophet Micah, that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
Herod secretly asked the Magi to locate the child and report back, pretending he wanted to worship him. The Magi found Jesus with Mary, worshiped him, and gave gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Warned in a dream, they returned home by another route.
- Arise to flee to Egypt
After the visit of the Magi, an angel appeared to Joseph, warning him to flee to Egypt to protect Jesus from Herod, who had ordered the massacre of all male children under two in Bethlehem. This was the second angelic visit, the first being when Joseph was told to take Mary as his wife. Joseph’s life had changed suddenly, from a respected man preparing for marriage to a fugitive fleeing for his child’s life.
Joseph obeyed immediately, taking Mary and Jesus and fleeing to Egypt in the middle of the night. The journey of at least 150 miles would take many days. Along the way, the family likely felt relief at escaping Herod but also fear and uncertainty about the future, a common experience for Israelites seeking refuge in Egypt during difficult times.
His obedience shows Joseph’s faith and willingness to follow God’s instructions without knowing the full journey. Likewise, our faithful obedience matters, even when we cannot see the outcome. The seeds we plant today may bear fruit later, but God always honors faithful believers who obey His commands.
The angel told Joseph to stay in Egypt until Herod’s death, highlighting a parallel with Israel’s Exodus. Jesus’ escape to Egypt fulfills this prophecy, showing God’s plan unfolding across centuries. Hosea 11:1, which speaks of God calling His son out of Egypt, refers to Israel in the Old Testament but finds its fullest fulfillment in Jesus in the New Testament.
- Herod’s decree
In fear of losing his power, King Herod ordered the killing of all boys in Bethlehem two years old and under. Known for his cruelty, he had previously killed anyone he saw as a threat, including his own family. The cries of grieving families contrast sharply with the joy and hope of Christ’s birth, marking the most painful part of the Christmas story.
After Herod’s death, the angel appeared to Joseph a third time, telling him it was safe to return to Israel. Joseph obeyed immediately but carefully. Learning that Herod’s son ruled Judea, he was warned in another dream and directed to Galilee, where he settled with Mary and Jesus in Nazareth. Through faithful obedience and listening to God, Joseph fulfilled His plan, showing that trusting God step by step leads us where we need to be.
- Jesus the Refugee
The scripture says, in response to Herod’s threat, Joseph and Mary fled with Jesus to Egypt, staying there until Herod’s death. This aligns with the United Nations’ definition of a refugee as someone who has been forced to flee their country due to persecution, war, or violence. Jesus’ early life reflects both Christian faith and the universal human experience of suffering and displacement.
Beloved, it is hard to grasp the danger faced by refugees or displaced people without witnessing it with your own eyes. I witnessed the impact of displacement in eastern Congo. Today, we still see Herod in our world, where leaders choose violence over compassion, domination over justice, and self-preservation over the value of human life.
Herod is seen in wars, injustices, and policies that harm the vulnerable while protecting the powerful. But Herod is also within us whenever fear, control, self-interest, pride, or judgment shape our choices over love for God and others.
- Conclusion
Beloved, Scripture shows Jesus as a refugee, helping us understand His mission. Throughout His ministry, He reached out to the oppressed, marginalized, and suffering, showing that His work involves both spiritual salvation and addressing social injustices. How should Christians respond to the vulnerable? Beloved, Jesus’ mission reminds us that Christians are called to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves, as stated in Proverbs 31:8-9. We should show compassion and love to the vulnerable, refugees, displaced families, survivors of violence, the homeless, and those in need in our communities and workplaces. By protecting the vulnerable, we become instruments of God’s love and reveal the heart of our Savior to the world. May God give us strength and courage to be the ones to stand and advocate for those on the margins. Amen.