Are You Willing to Humbly Serve?

Deep in the heart of the Virginia mountains stands an ancient gray stone church. In the quiet acre alongside, close to the wall of the church, as if craving in death the fellowship of God's house which they enjoyed in life, sleep the pioneer forefathers who conquered that wilderness with rifle, ax, and psalm book. In a stone over the portal of the church are cut these words: "This church was built by God-fearing inhabitants of this place as a token of their love for the holy gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ."

A remarkable feature concerning the gospel records is their shortness, especially relating to the early life of Jesus, following His birth. Mark and John don't really tell us anything about this period of Jesus' life. In fact, only Matthew and Luke record something about the first thirty years!

Other than the visit of the wise men, Matthew records only the flight to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15); the massacre by Herod (Matthew 2:16-18); and the return to Nazareth (Matthew 2:19-23). So why did Matthew record only these three events? Are there any lessons to be gleaned from what we know of the early years of Jesus? Therefore, in an effort to answer these questions, let's take a few moments and first examine the text of Matthew 2:13-23.

Let's start with Matthew's account of the early years of Jesus, specifically the flight to Egypt. We know that this was precipitated by the angel's warning (Matthew 2:13-14). Joseph was told to take Mary and the Child to Egypt, for Herod was seeking to destroy Jesus. The family remained there until the death of Herod (Matthew 2:15). The sojourn and eventual departure from Egypt fulfilled prophecy (Hosea 11:1). For the exodus of Israel alluded to in Hosea was evidently a type or shadow of the Messiah's own call out of Egypt.

Next, is Matthew's account of the massacre of the infants. Beginning with Herod's angry decree (Matthew 2:16), after having been frustrated in his original plans (Matthew 2:7-8,12); he ordered the death of all male children, two and under, in Bethlehem and surrounding districts.

The massacre was the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy (Matthew 2:17-18). This terrible calamity had been foreseen (Jeremiah 31:15). For the exile of Israel alluded to in Jeremiah was likewise a type or shadow of the grief that would be experienced again in the region where Rachel was buried.

Finally, there is the account of the return to Nazareth. Joseph was directed via dreams (Matthew 2:19-22). First, to return to Israel because Herod was dead. Then, to go to Galilee instead of Judea, for Herod's son Archelaus was reigning in Judea. With the Joseph and the family residing in Nazareth, another fulfillment of prophecy (Matthew 2:23).

The prophecy "He shall be called a Nazarene" was based upon the words of several prophets ("which was spoken by the prophets"). There are at least two possibilities as to what is meant by this:

1) "It may be that this term of contempt (John 1:46; 7:52) is what is meant, and that several prophecies are to be combined like Psalm 22:6,8; 69:11,19; Isaiah 53:2-4." - Robertson's Word Pictures
2) "Verse 23 alludes to Isaiah 11:1, which states that a "branch" (netser, Heb.) will grow out of the roots of Jesse (cf. Jeremiah 23:5). Under this view, "branch" and "Nazarene" share the same root (nzr, Heb.), and "branch" refers to the coming ruler of Davidic descent. Although they used a different word, other prophets also spoke of the Messiah in terms of the "branch" (Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 3:8; 6:12), and Matthew could legitimately say that this prediction was "spoken by the prophets" (vv. 6, 15)." -Believer's Study Bible

It should be apparent that Matthew selected those events in Jesus' early life which were foretold by the prophets. This assisted him in his purpose to show his Jewish readers that Jesus was truly the Messiah for Whom they were looking!

Now, very quickly, let's take a look at a couple of lessons to be gleaned from Jesus' early years...

Lesson 1: Worldy rulers are often opposed to God's rule! This is seen throughout Jesus' life and the period following Herod the Great, who was upset at His birth (Matthew 2:1-3,16); Herod Antipas, who had John imprisoned and beheaded (Matthew 4:12;14:1-12); and the leaders of Israel:

a. Who plotted against Jesus (Matthew 26:3-4; 27:1-2);
b. Who attempted to cover up His resurrection (Matthew 28:11-15);
c. Who sought to prevent the apostles from telling their story (Acts 4:1-3,18; 5:40; 24:1-5).

We should not be surprised if the same should happen to us today. Jesus warned that such might happen (John 15:18-20). Satan will certainly do all that he can to stop us. Afterall, he: was behind the efforts to persecute Christ and His church (Revelation 12:3-5,17; 1 Peter 5:8-9); made use of kings to war against the Lamb and His followers (Revelation 17:12-14). And will do so again (cf. Revelation 20:7-9). But as prophesied, all such efforts are for naught! (cf. Psalm 2:1-12)

Lesson 2: Humble beginnings can't hinder the advance of God's will. Jesus' beginnings did not prevent Him from doing great things:

a. Even though He lived in exile and relative obscurity at the beginning (in Egypt)
b. Even though He was raised in a town despised by others (Nazareth)

The example of Jesus' humility ought to inspire us to accept the mind of Christ, especially in relation to our brethren (Philippians 2:5-8); and to accept whatever area of service we might have in life (cf. Ps 84:10). For those who humble themselves will be exalted at the right time (cf. 1 Peter 5:5-7).

In conclusion, what we know of Jesus' early years is very little. But it is sufficient to confirm that He was truly the Messiah:

a. Who would be "despised and rejected by men" (Isaiah 53:3)
b. Against whom "the kings of the earth set themselves" (Psalm 2:2-3)

And it should be sufficient to remind His disciples:

a. That we can expect the same treatment (2 Timothy 3:12)
b. That we seek to emulate the same example of humility and willingness to suffer for the will of God (1 Peter 2:21).

Here is a final thought for you. Knowing what you now know, with the information that was presented here today, are YOU willing to humbly serve and even suffer persecution for Jesus "the Nazarene"?

Prayer:

Grant us, O Lord, we beseech Thee, always to seek Thy kingdom and righteousness; and of whatsoever Thou seest us to stand in need, mercifully grant us an abundant portion; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

God bless you,

Jenelle