SUMMARY
Joseph is warned in a dream to flee with the infant JesusJesus is the Messiah whose life, death, and resurrection are God's saving act for humanity More and his mother to Egypt in order to escape Herod’s continuing plots to destroy him. After Herod’s death, Joseph, once again in obedience to a dream and in fulfillment of prophecyProphecy is the gift, inspired by God, of speaking and interpreting the divine will. Prophets such as Amos, Isaiah, and Ezekiel spoke words of judgment and comfort to the people of Israel on behalf of God. More, goes to reside in Nazareth of Galilee.
ANALYSIS
A number of key themes mark this final portion of Matthew’s story of Jesus’ birth. As throughout the story, the motif of dreamsDreams often have potency and predictive power in the Bible, for they were seen as messages from God. In the Old Testament Joseph dreamed about the seven fat and lean years. In the New Testament Joseph dreamed about escaping to Egypt with Mary and Jesus. More marks the purposive and ever-present hand of God in the story of salvationSalvation can mean saved from something (deliverance) or for something (redemption). Paul preached that salvation comes through the death of Christ on the cross which redeemed sinners from death and for a grace-filled life. More. At each of its three movements-the flight into Egypt, the massacre of the innocent children, and the return from Egypt-the narrative reminds us that all is happening according to and in fulfillment of scriptural promise and the word of the Lord. Like MosesProphet who led Israel out of Egypt to the Promised Land and received the law at Sinai More this child escapes. Again Joseph stands as a model of discipleship in his unquestioning and obedient response to God’s leading. As such he contrasts Herod’s viciously cruel and calculated response in which MatthewA tax collector who became one of Jesus' 12 disciples More invites the reader to ponder what Bethlehem and shepherds and the weakness of innocents can do against the Jerusalems and powerful ruling authorities of this world. The flight into Egypt and return is a reminder of the story of God’s people and the recollection of God’s presence with them in the delivery from slavery and bondage. At the same time Matthew’s unique inclusion of the story of the massacre is a reminder that God’s promises are always at risk. Joseph initially intends to divorce Mary. Herod intends to destroy the child. But God’s promises are sure. Joseph is obedient. Herod dies, but the child does not.
Matthew’s community hears in this story that sin and suffering do not suddenly disappear from this world. Evil still abounds and even God’s son needs protection. Under the cover of darkness God comes in dreams that both overturn Joseph’s plans and protect him from unseen dangers. The power of God comes not with armies but in weakness and suffering. In often unseen ways God’s promises will prevail when joined to faithful discipleship and the hearing and doing of obedient response to God’s word of promise.
