Come and See

Luke 2:36-40 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
 
MATTHEW 2 tells us Jesus was in Bethlehem about two years. The Lord instructed Joseph to take his family to Egypt to escape Herod’s deadly attack on Bethlehem’s baby boys. After about two years, the Lord instructed Joseph to return. As the family returned to Judea, their plans changed. Having been warned in a dream, Joseph withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. (Matthew 2:22-23a)
    Matthew also wrote in Matthew 2:23b So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.” This statement has caused controversy because there is no specific prophecy that spoke these words. But we understand Matthew’s words point to the lowly, humble life Isaiah and other prophets said Jesus would live. Nazareth was of a low reputation in Galilee. When Philip told Nathanel he had found the prophesied Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, Nathanael’s response was a slur on Nazareth, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip. (John 1:46)
    Yes, come and see – come and understand Jesus is the redemption of Jerusalem and of all nations. Why did Luke omit the Egypt interlude? Apparently it did not fit into his purpose for this orderly account to Theophilus. The blessing of four gospels is they are God’s method to help us come to his Word and help us see a more complete picture of Jesus’ life and teachings. In Luke 1 and 2, we have witnessed God’s particular plan for the way Jesus entered the world. Through the gospels’ accounts we can understand the Father’s very specific directions to those he chose to participate in his redemptive drama.
    God is a planner. Each thing that occurs in the world is under his domain. Sometimes – even often – we might wonder if the Holy Trinity is attentive to the world’s turmoil. The Bible tells us he is. In turn, we must be attentive to know our role in God’s plan to complete the world’s redemption.
 
Praye: Father in heaven, holy be your name. May your will be done on earth and in our lives. Help us to have faith in your plan. Amen.