GOSPEL OF MATTHEW - TRUSTING GOD IN UNCERTAINTY

TO EGYPT AND BACK

Last week as we began chapter 2 we looked at the visit of the Wise Men and were challenged to still be seeking Jesus is everything that we do, that we should worship Jesus and offer Him our very best and to desire to remain obedient, following God’s Guidance in all areas of our life. The Wise Men’s journey reminds us that the pursuit of Christ is worth every sacrifice and should inspires us to live in faith, devotion, and surrender to God’s will

When we finished last week, we ended with the Wise Men being warned in a dream not to return to Herod departed a different way to return home – final act of obedience that caused hardship on them but they followed God’s command.

This is where we pick up today so let us Pray as we begin!

Sermon Title: Prophetic Journey

Scripture Text: Matthew 2:13-23 – Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.

1. Obeying God in Uncertain Times (Matthew 2:13-15)

Key Idea: Joseph obeyed God’s command to flee to Egypt in the face of danger. His immediate response saved Jesus from Herod's plot, fulfilling the prophecy, "Out of Egypt I called my son" (Hosea 11:1).

Notice the immediate obedience to God’s command v14 – And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt

Joseph didn’t discuss it with Mary – didn’t tell his family – he rose, took Jesus and Mary and headed to Egypt

Obedience to God often calls for –

· Action on our part

· Sacrifice on our part

· Patience in waiting

· It Always brings God’s direction and blessing

Supporting Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 – " Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

All of Matthew chapters 1 & 2 we have been reminded of Proverbs 3:5 –

Application Questions:

1. How do you respond when God’s guidance interrupts your plans?

2. When God speaks and it requires sacrifice, how are willing are you to respond?

2. Trusting God in Times of Suffering (Matthew 2:16-18)

Key Idea: Herod’s massacre of innocent children was a time of deep sorrow. God’s plan often unfolds amid human suffering, revealing His ultimate redemptive purposes.

Psalm 2:1-3 – Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.”

Supporting Scripture: Romans 8:28 – "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

No matter what struggle, what trial, deep sorrow – God can work it for good – if you trust Him, listen to Him, follow Him, Obey Him.

Application Questions:

1. How can you find hope in God’s sovereignty during times of pain or loss?

2. In what ways can you offer comfort and support to others experiencing suffering?

3. How would you comfort people in Los Angeles who have lost everything in the devastating fires?

3. Walking in God’s Redemptive Plan (Matthew 2:19-23)

Key Idea: Joseph returned to Israel when instructed by God but settled in Nazareth for safety. Each step of their journey was part of God’s redemptive plan for the world.

God initiate His covenant with His People as He lead them out of Egypt – Now He reaffirms it as he brings the Messiah up out of Egypt

Joseph and Mary had made a life in Bethlehem but God was instructing them to return to Nazareth

Supporting Scripture: Ephesians 2:10 – "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

We each have a part to play in God’s redemptive plan for the world –

Joseph

Mary

You

Me

Application Questions:

1. How attentive are you to God’s leading in both major decisions and everyday choices?

2. How can you embrace your role in God’s greater plan, trusting Him with the outcome?

3. How does the story of fleeing to Egypt ad then returning bring hope when you are facing uncertainty and doubts about the future?

Conclusion and Call to Action

Key Takeaway: The journey of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus shows us how obedience, trust in God’s sovereignty, and faithfulness to His plan fulfill His purposes. God calls us to walk our own prophetic journeys with the same faith and trust.

Challenge: Reflect on your life’s journey. Where is God calling you to obey, trust, or walk faithfully today? Surrender your uncertainties to Him and step forward in faith.

Closing Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 – "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Let us pray!