Chapter 10.
Jesus Was Born in Bethlehem
And Grew Up in Nazareth.
Three months after Joseph and his companions escorted Mary to the home of Zacharias and Elisabeth, they returned to Judea to move Mary home. Hopefully, Joseph arrived in time for John’s circumcision ceremony. If so, he heard the inspired Words Zacharias declaimed on that occasion. It would have augmented his faith.
Joseph and Mary said their “Good-byes” to Zacharias, Elisabeth and baby John, and proceeded ninety miles north with their team. The land they traversed was scenic and rippled with hills. Progress was slow. The happy band had to “camp-out” a few times along the way. But, spirits were high, and Joseph and Mary were thrilled to be together again. When they reached their own home, they were weary, but filled with joy.
Mary was in her fourth month of pregnancy. In the ensuing weeks, she and the ladies in her family and some close friends busied themselves, crafting items that would be needed when Jesus came forth. Stacks of small sheets and blankets, tiny robes, and diapering materials grew higher as the days raced by.
Abruptly, preparations were disrupted. Word came that the Roman Emperor had decreed that everyone in his Empire must be counted and taxed. And, he had stipulated that each family must register and pay their taxes in the community where the birth records of the head of the household were on file. That meant that Joseph and Mary must travel to Bethlehem. They would have to appear before officials of the government during the prescribed “Tax Week”.
Cleverly, the Roman Senate had chosen the week that included the shortest day of the year as Tax Week. That would be the week of the Winter Solstice, which they reckoned to he December 25th. The politicians in Rome knew that most of the men in the Empire were involved in some aspect of agriculture. They did not want to pull these men away from their work during growing or harvesting seasons. That would curtail production throughout the Empire and reduce the tax monies flowing into Rome. So, they placed Tax Week into a period when it would be too chilly to work in the fields, orchards and vineyards.
Unfortunately, Tax Week included the date Mary thought she would be bringing forth baby Jesus.
In response to Rome’s edict, Joseph organized the folks in the vicinity of Nazareth who must appear in Bethlehem during Tax Week. They all knew they should not go there alone. Robbers along the way would attack them and steal their tax money. They joined with Joseph to form a travel party.
On the 20th day of December, the men strapped on swords and knives and clubs. If thieves attacked them, they would need weapons. Then, they loaded their gear onto pack animals. Again, Joseph’s cart was useful. He packed it with his and Mary’s luggage and added the materials the ladies had made for baby Jesus’ care. And, last of all, very pregnant Mary was ensconced upon the cart.
Luke used these words to report these events ...
... it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. (Luke 2:1-5 KJV)
Long before the days of Mary and Joseph, a prophet named Micah had proclaimed that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Micah wrote ...
... thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. (Micah 5:2 KJV)
The interlaced forces of history were about to make Micah’s prophecy come true. Of course, there are no surprises in Heaven. God had known where Jesus would be born before He created Adam. Micah wrote his prediction seven centuries before Mary and Joseph travelled to Bethlehem. And, he pointed out that Jesus had existed from eternity past.
When the travelers from Nazareth arrived in Bethlehem, they found that every inn in the village was full. With apologies, one of the innkeepers suggested that the group could find shelter in his stable behind the inn. He added, “My stable fees are low. There’s a good well back there. You can water and feed your animals. And, there’s a fire-pit and some firewood down there. You’ll be able to warm your food, and the heat from the flames will chase the chill out of the stable. Feel free to lay down a mat of straw to make a comfortable place for you to rest and sleep.”
The innkeeper’s offer was too good to pass up. The weary band went to one corner of the stable and laid down a thick mat of straw. All were very concerned about Mary. She was having labor pains. Quickly, with Joseph’s aid, the ladies hung sheets and blankets from the rafters of the stable to form a cozy, private place for Mary. Meanwhile, the men built a fire in the fire-pit and fed and watered the pack animals. Near Mary, Joseph placed the pack of baby supplies they had brought along “just in case”. And, he set one of the mangers close by her to serve as a cradle for Baby Jesus. He lined it with straw and covered the straw with a sheet. Then, he found some clay jars and filled them with clean water and set them in Mary’s private space.
Moments later, Jesus was born. Sounds of joy and sighs of relief filled the air. The ladies, who were her neighbors and relatives, helped Mary wash her Son and tidy up the berthplace. Joseph stepped in for his first look at Jesus. After much cuddling, Mary wrapped Jesus in sheets and laid Him in the manger.
Jesus was a handsome baby. He was the Second Adam. God had created His body directly, so Jesus had perfect DNA, undiminished by the curse of the first Adam’s Fall. Mary and Joseph were exhilarated. The others from Nazareth were awed by His beauty. The most noble birth -- ever -- had occurred in a very humble setting.
Luke described Jesus’ birth in this way ...
... so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 1:6-7 KJV)
An Angel
Announced the Birth of Jesus
To Godly Shepherds.
The Bethlehem community was renowned for its high caliber sheep. And, it was King David’s hometown. As a young man, he had spent many days and nights on the hills in that region, watching over his father’s flocks. Bethlehem’s sheep were often sold to worshippers who wished to make a sin-sacrifice at the Temple in Jerusalem and to families acquiring a lamb for Passover. It is fitting that Jesus, the ”Lamb of God”, was born there, since He became the Ultimate Passover Lamb and the Ultimate Sin-Sacrifice.
As the last streaks of daylight slid below the horizon, four shepherds met on a hilltop near Bethlehem. The prior evening, they had agreed to meet there. It was one of the overnight campsites they used frequently. Their flocks lay nestled below on the slopes of the hill. They built a fire in the usual spot and sat down around it to warm themselves. They heated their food and brewed hot beverages. With friendly banter, they divided the night into four shifts. While three rested and slept, the fourth man would circle the flocks below, surveilling the slopes for predators and thieves.
As the cloudless sky became coal black, the stars popped out. The off-duty shepherds chatted about the swarms of travelers they had spotted, heading to the cities where they must pay their taxes. And, they shared the experiences they had endured when they had dealt with the government officials. Inexorably, their eyes were drawn upward to the riot of shimmering stars above them. After a reverent pause, one of the men exclaimed, “The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands! (Psalm 19:1 NIV)” And, the others said, “Amen.”
Suddenly, they were startled by a great flash of light over the slope leading down to Bethlehem. They scrambled to their feet, thinking their flocks were in danger. The shepherd policing the flocks below ran to the hilltop to join the others. An angel appeared, floating nearby in the sky. He had come from Heaven to tell them that the Messiah had just been born in Bethlehem. Luke documented the announcement using these words ...
... there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:8-14 KJV)
Probably, the messenger from the Lord was the archangel Gabriel, and the hosts that joined him were his cohort of angels. He announced that Christ had been born that day in the “City of David”, meaning Bethlehem, David’s hometown. However, in many Bible passages that title refers to Jerusalem, and most reference works define it that way. Notice, also, that the angel said his “good tidings of great joy” were for all people, not just Jews. This is an early indication of an upcoming transformation of the “Royal Priesthood Movement”, described in Chapter 4. For centuries the Movement had been comprised of God-honoring Jews. But, Jesus’ followers would take the Movement’s Message beyond Israel to every quarter of the globe. The “good tidings” in Jesus’ Gospel would add many Gentiles to the “Royal Priesthood Movement”.
Thoroughly awestruck that the Lord had chosen to send angels to tell them of the birth of the Messiah, the shepherds were overflowing with joy and excitement. Leaving their flocks to the care of the Lord, they rushed to Bethlehem. Quickly, they found the stable, the contingent from Nazareth, Joseph and Mary, and the Holy Baby. Falling to their knees, they praised God and blessed Mary and worshipped the Christ Child. “We just saw a huge choir of angels!” they exclaimed, using a variety of similar expressions. “They told us that the Messiah had just been born -- that we would find Him in a stable -- lying in a manger -- wrapped in swaddling clothes. And, here He is! What a handsome boy!” The Lord filled the shepherds with the Holy Spirit and empowered them to evangelize the surrounding region. We wonder how many other local residents came to see the Child because of their testimony. Luke detailed their exuberance, saying ...
... it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. (Luke 2:15-20 KJV)
Mary and Joseph were uplifted by the testimony of the shepherds. It warmed their hearts to hear confirmation of the things they had been told by God. Their fellow-travelers were astounded. “Could this be the Christ?” they asked, repeatedly. Mary and Joseph firmly stated, “God has told each of us, ‘It is so!’ He said it. We believe it. We know it’s hard to believe He is the Messiah. But, God has us convinced.”
Three Birth-Related Rituals
Were Observed.
After the other travelers from Nazareth had paid their taxes, they headed home. But, Joseph, Mary and Jesus remained in Bethlehem. They were required by the Laws of Moses to appear at the Temple in Jerusalem forty days after Jesus’ birth date. Rather than travel for days back to Nazareth and then travel for days to the Temple, they rented housing in Bethlehem, not far from Jerusalem. They could afford this convenience, because Joseph was a carpenter, and he easily found work in the area.
To fulfill Mosaic Laws, the young family had to engage in three religious ceremonies:
1. “Circumcision”. On the eighth day of His life,
Jesus was circumcised in Bethlehem by a local
Rabbi and his aides.
2. “The Redemption of the First Born”. The Law
declared that the firstborn male of a mother
belonged to the Lord. She and her husband were
to go to the Temple no sooner than thirty-one
days after the boy was born and not much later
than that and engage one of the priests in a
Redemption ceremony. When the priest was done
with his pastoral counselling and prayers, the
couple was to pay him five shekels, a small
amount of money. Thence the boy was said to
have been redeemed from the Lord.
3. “The Purification of the Mother, Mary”. After
childbirth, mothers were deemed unclean. If the
child was a girl, she was unclean for eight days;
if a boy, for forty days. During this period of
uncleanness, she could not participate in certain
religious ceremonies. After the time of
uncleanness, the mother was to go to the Temple
and offer a lamb as a burnt offering and a young
pigeon as a sin offering. But, if the family
could not afford to bring these animals, they
could bring “The Offering of the Poor”. As Luke
explained, that was two turtledoves or two young
pigeons.
So, Joseph, Mary and Jesus stayed in Bethlehem for about forty days and completed these requirements. Luke refered to these procedures. saying ...
... when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. (Luke 2:21-24 KJV)
Simeon Revealed the Impact
Of Jesus’ Future Ministry.
Simeon was sure he would see the Messiah before he died. The Holy Spirit had told him so. And, Simeon knew that soon after the Messiah was born, His parents would bring Him to the Temple to “Redeem Him from the Lord”. So, Simeon spent his days in and around the Temple, waiting for the Messiah to appear. Luke documented what happened when Baby Jesus finaly arrived.
At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.” (Luke 2:25-35 NLT)
Notice. The Holy Spirit had made Simeon aware of the coming change in the “Royal Priesthood Movement”. No longer would it be comprised of Jews only. No. Simeon knew that Jesus’ Gospel would bring Gentiles into the Movement. Further, Simeon had been informed that Jesus would be opposed by many in Israel. He did not mention Jesus’ sacrificial death, but he was aware that some future, tragic event would cut like a sword into Mary’s soul. The Holy Spirit had not told him that about Joseph, because He knew that Joseph would not live long enough to see the Crucifixion of Jesus.
Anna Predicted That
Jesus Would Rescue Israel.
As Simeon was conversing with Joseph and Mary, a prophetess named Anna came near and beheld Baby Jesus. Immediately, she was convinced that He was Israel’s long-awaited Messiah. Luke noted ...
Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.
(Luke 2:36-38 NLT)
Both, Anna and Simeon, knew that Israel was in serious trouble. It was occupied by pagan, Roman troops. Most of its ruling class was corrupt. And, many Jews had turned their backs on the Bible. Anna and Simeon believed Jesus would change Judaism. He did. He re-shaped the “Royal Priesthood Movement”. He replaced animal sin-sacrifices with His Sacrifice. He founded the Church. He converted believing Jews into Christians. And, His followers took the “Royal Priesthood Movement” to the Gentiles, world-wide.
The Holy Family
Returned To Nazareth.
After the Holy Family had completed the child-birth requirements of the Mosaic Law, Joseph looked for an opportunity to take his family home. When he found a sizeable group of travelers headed into Galilee, the Holy Family joined it. Joseph insisted on traveling and overnighting with a large group. He did not want to expose his beloved wife and child to potential attacks by gangs of thieves lurking along the roadway. The Holy Couple was eager to show Jesus to their families and friends. Luke stated ...
... when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
(Luke 2:39 KJV)
Many curious villagers awaited the return of Joseph and Mary to Nazareth. They wanted to see Baby Jesus. The folks who had traveled to Bethlehem with Joseph and Mary to pay their taxes had returned home forty days earlier. They had become “witnesses”, claiming that Baby Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. They had spread their knowledge of the birth of Jesus widely, telling of the amazing testimony of the four shepherds who had come to see Jesus in the early hours of the night, shortly after He had been born. They recited the words of the shepherds: “The angels declared that this Baby is our Messiah!” And, the witnesses added that others had come to the stable to see the “Messiah” the next day because of the proclamations the shepherds had made in and around Bethlehem. The residents of Nazareth wanted to see this notable Baby. Some believed Jesus was their Messiah. Others wondered.
Soon, the Holy Family
Returned To Bethlehem.
The Holy Family had arrived in Nazareth about the middle of February in B.C. 4, but by early March, they were back in Bethlehem. We wonder why. Perhaps, Joseph had been asked to work on a well-paying carpentry project there. Maybe, Joseph and Mary had begun numerous friendships with those who had believed the witness of the four shepherds and had become convimced that Baby Jesus was their Messiah. Possibly, Joseph and Mary were thinking of moving there. But, for sure, God had wanted the Holy Family to return to Bethlehem. A contingent of “Wise Men” from the East, inspired by ancient prophecies and moved by the Holy spirit, were nearing Israel to worship the Christ Child and bring Him precious gifts. Very soon, they would be seeking Baby Jesus in Bethlehem.
“Wise Men” From the East
Visited Baby Jesus.
About six centuries before Jesus was born, the King of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, conquered Israel and forcibly moved many Jews into his capitol in the Upper Middle East. Most prominent among these Jews was a young prophet named Daniel. Quickly, the King began to rely on his godly counsel and administrative skills. Daniel became famous, and his notoriety spread far and wide. Even as successive warlords grabbed control of the Upper Middle East, each of them revered the advice of Daniel.
When King Cyrus took charge of the region, he allowed willing Jews to return to Israel to rebuild their Temple and their nation. But, Daniel and many other Jews remained in the Upper Middle East. Daniel was often the chief counselor to the current monarch. He educated the members of his large and prestigious staff. Informally, he founded “Daniel University” and was a “college professor” to the best and brightest men in that region for decades. Being a Bible-Believer, he urged his students to study the Hebrew Scriptures. Additionally, he wrote down the prophecies he received from the LOrd. Some of these writings have survived for centuries and are in our modern Bibles. Probably, Daniel wrote other texts that have been lost in the rubble of ancient libraries. His writings were used as textbooks in the schools of the Upper Middle East to the date of Jesus’ birth and beyond.
Many months before Jesus was born, scholars from the Upper Middle East spotted an unusual star-like object suspended above the horizon in their Western sky. After researching many manuscripts, they became convinced that this “star” was a signal that the Messiah would soon be born in Israel. Daniel had emphasized that someday this Jewish Messiah would rule over all the Earth. Among these scholars were men of Jewish and of Gentile heritage. Whether Jews or Gentiles, they believed that this new “star” would move through the sky and lead them to the unique and holy Christ Child foreseen by Hebrew prophets. They were eager to follow the “star”, worship the Messiah, and present Him with valuable gifts.
Moved by the Holy Spirit, a large group of scholars pursued the “star”. To keep themselves safe from attacks by roadside bandits, they employed the services of an armed militia. These “Wise Men” were Eastern elites seeking to pay homage to the most important figure in human history, the future “King of the World”.
Matthew described this important event, saying ...
... when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. (Matthew 2:1-2 KJV)
The residents of Jerusalem were surprised when the band of scholars from the Upper Middle East and their armed escorts entered the city. King Herod was intrigued. The High Priest and his subordinates were curious. And, the Roman Governor had his officers question the visitors. The spokesmen for the travelers said that they had come to pay homage to the newborn Holy Child -- the Jewish Messiah -- who would become the King of the Jews. So, the “Wise Men” were directed to the palace of Herod the Great.
Herod was paranoid. He worried, incessantly, about those who might kill him and seize his throne. He had murdered one of his wives and two of his sons, driven by this fear. When he heard that the “Wise Men” were seeking an heir to his throne, he was greatly disturbed. His first thought was, “Where is this baby? I must find him and kill him.” Matthew noted ...
When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet [Micah 5:2], And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
(Matthew 2:3-6 KJV)
Herod wanted to know the exact location of Jesus. Normally, he was a man of action. Characteristically, he would have accompanied the scholars, located the residence of Jesus, and slaughtered Him after the “Wise Men” departed for their own country. But, Herod was quite ill. He would be dead in a few weeks. Uncharacteristically, he settled on a “sloppy” plan. He asked the travelers to find Jesus, return to Jerusalem, and give him precise directions to the home where Jesus was staying. Matthew wrote ...
Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. (Matthew 2:7-8 KJV)
For some reason, the “Wise Men” distrusted Herod. Maybe, he grimaced when he said he wanted to “worship” the Holy Baby.
Feeling somewhat soiled by their meeting with wicked Herod, the scholars stepped outside into the crisp, clean, gathering dusk. Immediately, their attention was drawn to their “miraculous star”, hanging very low and very near in the sky. Its position surprised them. For months, the “star” had led them in a southwesterly direction toward Jerusalem, but at that moment it bid them due north. And, that was the way to Bethlehem. Rejoicing, they chased their “star” and arrived at Jesus’ home about 7:00 o’clock. Matthew reported ...
When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
(Matthew 2:9-11 KJv)
The “Wise Men” and their guards spent the night in Bethlehem. One of their leaders received a warning from God while dreaming. In the morning, he dissuaded the other scholars from returning to Herod. The impressive band returned to Jesus’ home to say their “Goodbyes”. They prayed with Mary and Joseph and Jesus, wished them well, and headed home. Matthew reported ...
... being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. (Matthew 2:12 KJV)
The Holy Family Fled To Egypt.
After the departure of the “Wise Men”, Joseph and Mary had much to discuss. So many had testified that Jesus was the long-awaited Jewish Messiah -- the angel Gabriel, Elisabeth, Zacharias, the shepherds, the friends and family members in Nazareth and Bethlehem -- and, most recently, the impressive band of elite scholars from the Upper Middle East. And, these “Wise Men” had left them with precious gifts worth more than several years of a working man’s wages. The young couple was filled with wonder and gratitude.
That night, as they slept, Joseph was given an urgent message from God. Matthew recorded it. He wrote ...
... when they [the “Wise Men”] were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
(Matthew 2:13 KJV)
Under Cover of Darkness,
The Holy Family Fled To Egypt.
Joseph was roused by his vision. He awakened Mary and hurriedly loaded their possessions, supplies, and Jesus’ valuable gifts into his cart. Mary, with Jesus, moved into the cart, and Joseph led his draft animal along a path to the west. Wanting no one to know in which direction they had departed, the Holy Family quietly left town by moonlight. When they reached the busy. North-South Roadway to Egypt about dawn, Joseph was relieved. The thoroughfare was heavily traveled by caravans of merchants from China, India, Persia, Babylon, Syria and Israel transporting their goods to Egypt and taking Egyptian goods back to their points of origin. These trains of valuable merchandise were well-guarded by armed security teams. Joseph merged his cart into one of these convoys, knowing that gangs of thieves would not attack a guarded caravan. Each night, the Holy Family had to “camp out” with their fellow-travelers, but after a few days, they rented lodging in the Jewish quarter of a small town in Egypt. Matthew said ...
When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet [Hosea], saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
(Matthew 2:14-15 KJV)
Matthew noted that the fact that Jesus lived in Egypt for a short time before He and His family returned to Israel fulfilled an ancient prophecy. As Hosea foresaw, when Herod the Great died, God called Joseph, Mary and His Son to come out of Egypt and back into Israel.
Herod Ordered the Murder
Of the Messiah.
Herod was very ill when he concluded that the “Wise Men” were not coming back to Jerusalem to tell him where to find the Christ Child. He was too weak to chase after the scholars, but in a rage, he ordered his soldiers to kill every boy in and around Bethlehem who was two years old or younger. By this action, he thought he had killed the Messiah. It was his last evil, paranoid act. He died a few days thereafter. Matthew penned the story of this massacre, saying ..
Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance. Herod’s brutal action fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: “A cry was heard in Ramah -- weeping and great mourning. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted, for they are dead.” (Matthew 2:16-18 NLT)
Rachel, the wife of Jacob, gave birth to two sons: Joseph, and then Benjamin. At the time of Benjamin’s birth, Jacob was moving his family from Bethel to Bethlehem. Along the way, near Ramah, Rachel birthed Benjamin. She was very weak after the delivery. She knew she was dying. Until she did, she wept, lamenting that she was being separated from her sons. Her story became a well-known proverb among the Jews. The phrase, “Rachel weeping for her children”, was used to refer to the gnawing feeling that grips mothers when they are separated, permanently, from their offspring. Jeremiah had used the phrase to point to the mothers who had been separated from their children when King Nebuchadnezzar had deported them to Babylon, marching them through Ramah near Bethlehem. Matthew, inspired by the Holy Spirit, used the phrase here to refer to the agrieved mothers of the little boys who had been murdered by Herod’s soldiers in and aroung Bethlehem.
We aren’t certain of the exact date of Herod’s death. The renowned Jewish historian, Josephus, said he died after the lunar eclipse of March 13, B.C. 4, and before Passover on April 10.
Joseph and Mary
Took Jesus Home To Nazareth.
After Herod died, an angel spoke to Joseph in a dream and told him to take his family back to Israel. Soon, they were on the North-South Thoroughfare headed north. When they passed into the land of Israel, Joseph heard that Herod’s son was ruling Judea. He was afraid to return to Bethlehem, and the angel appeared in another dream to warn him against living there. So, the Holy Family remained on the thoroughfare and continued north. Conveniently, the roadway went into Galilee and curved eastward, passing over the northern coast of the Sea of Galilee. So, they stayed on the thoroughfare until it came near to Nazareth. Then, they followed lesser roads home. Matthew noted ...
... when Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, and said, “Get up! Take the Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel; for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.” Then Joseph got up, and took the Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod [the Great], he was afraid to go there. Then being warned by God in a dream, he left for the region of Galilee, and went and settled in a city called Nazareth. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets: “He shall be called a Nazarene.” (Matthew 2:19-23 AMP)
Matthew highlighted the fact that God had decided long ago that Jesus should spend His childhood in Nazareth. He pointed to an ancient prophecies saying that Jesus would be called a Nazarene. Those prophecies are not in our modern Bibles. Apparently, Matthew had access to prophetic writings that have been lost in antiquity.
Jesus Grew Up in Nazareth.
Jesus was an amazing child. Unlike the rest of us who have DNA cursed by the Fall of Adam and Eve, He had perfect DNA. He was the “Second Adam” the Bible says. Only two men in the history of the human race have had perfect DNA, Adam and Jesus. He was handsome, strong and brilliant. And, God dwelt in His glorious frame.
We wonder what young Jesus was like. Did He play games with the other kids in town? Did He help His mother around the house? She had many other children. She would have appreciated His help.
Note: Mark recorded a question that some who knew Jesus well prior to His years of Ministry raised, because they did not accept His divinity.
Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
(Mark 6:3 KJV)
When did Jesus begin to tag along with Joseph and learn carpentry? Did He need to be taught anything? We don’t know. The Bible doesn’t give us these details.
But, Luke told us this much ...
... the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. (Luke 2:40 KJV)
Jesus’ Bible Knowledge
At Age Twelve
Impressed Temple Scholars.
When Jesus was twelve, He traveled with His family and friends from Nazareth to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. He was mature beyond His years, so His parents did not feel the need to keep a close watch on His activities. He moved freely among the folks from Nazareth, and He even explored the city on His own.
In the Temple, Jesus entered a chamber filled with serious Bible students. He listened, and, then, joined in the discussions. Of course, His expositions of Bible passages were brilliant. Remember, the whole Book was inspired by Him. Day after day, He returned to the chamber, amazing the scholars in attendance.
When Passover Week ended, Jesus’ family headed north with the rest of the crowd from Nazareth. They assumed that Jesus was in the group, somewhere. When evening came, He did not come to their campsite for food and sleep. Joseph and Mary were alarmed. They left the rest of their brood in the hands of relatives and neighbors and went back to Jerusalem to search for their unusual Son. Finally, after several frantic days, they found Him in His favorite Temple chamber, dazzling the Hebrew scholars. His only excuse for His independent behavior was, “I was about My Father’s business.”
Luke told this story with these words ...
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
(Luke 2:41-52 KJV)
Joseph Moved On To Paradise.
After the preceding passage in the Gospel of Luke, Joseph is not present in New Testament events. We do not know when he moved on to Paradise. Presumably, he was alive until Jesus and some of his other sons were ready to take over the family’s carpentry business and become the breadwinners for Mary and the rest of the family.