Matthew 2:19-23
How did Joseph receive instruction to leave Egypt?
What was the signal that Joseph should leave Egypt?
Where did the angel tell Joseph to take the family?
To what does Joseph and Mary show allegiance at this time?
What are they not showing allegiance to at this time?
What should we show allegiance to during our lives?
Why would the desires, motives, and actions of Herod force such a movement of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus to a foreign land?
If the actions of Herod brought about the radical movement of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus to a foreign land, then what kind of changes could we be forced to make as Christians?
What kind of forces could necessitate us making major changes in our lives because of our faith?
Is there anything that could cloud our judgment and decision making capabilities to see the need for major changes in our lives?
If those that sought the life of the child were dead, why was Joseph so apprehensive about Archelaus?
If the lineage of Joseph dictated they be in Bethlehem for a census at the time of Jesus’ birth, why were they required to go to Nazareth in Galilee?
Did Joseph’s emotions change God’s mind about them going back to Judea?
Should our fears dictate our course of action if we are walking by faith?
If we have fears should we appeal to God about our concerns?
Here are some scriptures to review concerning fears and faith. 2 Timothy 1:7, Hebrews 13:5-6, 1 John 4:18, Philippians 1:12-14.
There are a few scriptures that I would advise keeping in mind concerning Joseph and his concerns about returning to Judea. First is Philippians 4:6. Also Matthew 1:19 which declares Joseph a righteous man. That being the case, reference James 5:16.
Fortunately, we know that God never intended for Jesus to return to Judea. Who are the prophets Matthew is referencing in Verse 23 and what verses are they?
Jesus wasn’t born in Nazareth but was commonly referred to as Jesus of Nazareth in the gospel texts. The Hebrew word for branch is netzer which is found in the prophecy of Isaiah 11:1. See also Isaiah 4:2, Jeremiah 23:5, Jeremiah 33:15, Zechariah 3:8, and Zechariah 6:12 which uses the word tsemach for branch. This makes the word and usage in Isaiah 11:1 peculiar. The difference in the two words is that netzer is used figuratively while tsemach can be literal or figurative.
Why would Joseph and Mary settle in Nazareth (Luke 2:39)?
