Matthew 2:13-18

Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.

As you read Matthew 2:13-18, keep in mind that the wise men have just avoided a second meeting with the scheming Herod after finding and worshipping Jesus.

This isn’t the first time in history that Israelites have fled to Egypt because of a threat to their lives. Eleven of the twelve sons of Isaac moved their families to Egypt when famine in the land of Canaan threatened their very existence. And the twelfth son, Joseph, was already in Egypt having been prepared by God to provide help and shelter.

Now another Joseph is charged with protecting the life of the only perfect Israelite. This Joseph believes and obeys the divine messenger and immediately takes the child Jesus and his mother to live as strangers in a strange land until the danger has passed.

Stop to read the words of the prophet Hosea concerning the nation of Israel and the coming Messiah: “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and I called my son out of Egypt.” - Hosea 11:1

Take a moment to contemplate this significant part of Jesus’ story. As a vulnerable child he returns to the land to which his ancestors fled and were later enslaved until God liberated them and called them out some 430 years later. And now God will again call his son out of Egypt.

Have you ever had the experience of being a stranger in a strange land? Have you ever felt like you were in captivity to another person, a habit, an addiction or something else?

Talk to Jesus about this and then listen to see if he has something he wants to say to you in response.

How might God be calling you out of your “Egypt”?

Read Matthew 2:13-18 again focusing on the murderous rage of Herod.

Where Joseph is completely open and obedient to God, Herod is completely closed off from God and driven by his insecurities. In a fit of rage, he lashes out in a attempt to eliminate any trace of a threat to his position. Instead of recognizing and worshipping the Source of all life, Herod destroys the lives of many innocent children (Jeremiah 31:15).

Herod is an extreme example of the tragedy of striving for one’s own well-being and success above all else. The ripple effects of self-centeredness are ultimately devastating for us and those around us.

As followers of the life-giving Messiah, we live on his mission to bring hope and healing to the world. Where others tear down, we build up. Where others sow hatred, we sow the love of Jesus. The ripple effects of Jesus-centered living multiply and spread life and joy.

As you end this time of meditation, contemplate the spectrum from self-centeredness to Jesus-centeredness. Consider your own inner life and place yourself somewhere on the spectrum.

Now talk openly and honestly with Jesus about this and listen to see if Jesus has something to say to you.

If you sense you need a course correction, determine a first step you could take today.

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