A Reflection on Matthew 2:19–23
While reading this passage, I found myself repeatedly asking, why? Why? Why? Why was Jesus born in Bethlehem? Why did His family flee to Egypt? Why did they return again? Why Nazareth, of all places? Could it simply be that prophecy dictated these events, as Matthew emphasizes?
Matthew 2:15: "This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: ‘I called My Son out of Egypt.’"
Matthew 2:23: "The family went and lived in a town called Nazareth. This fulfilled what the prophets had said: ‘He will be called a Nazarene.’"
But why Nazareth? Among all cities of that time, why choose this small, seemingly insignificant place? The text itself gives a hint: Nazareth is referred to as “a town called Nazareth.”
The Significance of “A Town Called Nazareth”
When the Bible mentions Bethlehem or Judea, it simply says, “in Bethlehem” or “in Judea.” But for Nazareth, the phrase “a town called Nazareth” stands out. It’s almost as if it’s explaining how unremarkable this place was.
To put this in context: Imagine someone asking where you’re from. If you’re from a well-known city, like Addis Ababa, you’d just say, “Addis.” But if you’re from a smaller, lesser-known place, you’d add an explanation, like, “a town called Bishoftu near Addis Ababa.” The phrasing subtly highlights Nazareth’s obscurity.
Why Such Humility?
Why did Jesus choose to lower Himself to such a level? Why wasn’t He born and raised in a royal family or a grand city that commanded attention? This humility reflects Isaiah’s prophecy:
Isaiah 53:2–3: “My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about His appearance, nothing to attract us to Him. He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on Him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.”
Jesus, though fully God, chose to come as fully human—not just any human, but one who would be born in Bethlehem, laid in a manger, and raised in the humble town of Nazareth. This profound humility is a reflection of His immense love for us.
Lessons from Jesus of Nazareth
Jesus’ association with Nazareth is not a mark of weakness but a demonstration of strength through humility. His choice to embrace the lowest of circumstances reveals a powerful message:
God’s Love for the Undeserving: Jesus came for those who feel unworthy, the “lowest ones.” His life proves that no one is too small or insignificant to be included in God’s kingdom.
A Call to Humility: If the Son of God humbled Himself to such a degree, how much more should we, His followers, embrace humility in our lives?
Jesus of Nazareth teaches us not to judge others or take pride in our salvation, but instead to reflect His love and grace to those in need.
A Prayer for Understanding
Lord, help us to see and understand more about Your Son, Jesus of Nazareth. Open our hearts to grasp the depth of His humility and sacrifice. Teach us to live humbly, to love deeply, and to extend Your grace to those around us. Let this reflection transform us, reminding us of the unimaginable love You’ve shown us. May we never forget the significance of Jesus, born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth, who came to save the undeserving. Amen.
