Matthew 2:13-23 reveals a story of divine intervention and relentless grace among the chaos of human sin and Satan’s schemes. It is a narrative that reflects God’s sovereignty and His profound love for humanity. Mary and Joseph’s flight to Egypt echoes God’s greater redemptive plan—one that has unfolded since the dawn of time.
The birth of Jesus was not an ordinary event. Satan, fully aware of his impending defeat, sought to thwart God’s plan at every turn. Herod’s decree to kill all male children under the age of two in Bethlehem was a horrific attempt to destroy the Christ child. But God’s sovereignty prevailed. Through an angel’s warning, Joseph led his family to safety in Egypt, fulfilling the prophecy, “I called my son out of Egypt” (Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:15).
This journey was not just a geographic movement but a spiritual declaration. It mirrored the Exodus, where God delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt. Here, the true Deliverer—Jesus— enters Egypt as a child to fulfill His mission of freeing humanity from the bondage of sin. Just as Moses led the Israelites out of captivity, Jesus would lead His people into freedom through His life, death, and resurrection.
Satan’s attempts to disrupt God’s plan didn’t end in Egypt. Throughout Jesus’ life, Satan tried to corrupt, distract, and destroy Him. He tempted Jesus in the wilderness, twisted the truth through others, and ultimately sought to revel in His suffering on the cross. Yet, at every turn, Jesus remained steadfast. His victory on the cross was not just a triumph over sin but a decisive blow to Satan’s power.
Today, Satan continues his efforts, not by trying to stop Jesus directly but by attempting to dilute and delay the gospel message. He sows seeds of doubt, misrepresents God’s Word, and minimizes the seriousness of sin. Yet, grace always prevails. The cry of the infant Jesus silences the roar of the enemy.
Herod’s response to Jesus reflects humanity’s hostility to grace. Just as Herod saw Jesus as a threat to his throne, we often resist God’s reign in our lives. Romans 8:7 states, “the sinful nature is always hostile to God.” Grace confronts our desire to remain in control, challenging us to surrender. It reminds us that we cannot remain neutral in our response to Jesus. We either embrace Him as Lord or reject Him outright.
But here lies grace’s beauty: it reaches the lowest depths. Jesus’ life began in the humblest of circumstances, in a town as despised as Nazareth. The world may see us as insignificant, like Nazareth, but God sees us as beloved. His grace meets us where we are, transforming even the most broken among us.
Christmas reminds us: Jesus wins. Satan has been defeated. And grace—God’s unmerited favor—is with us from the beginning to the end.