Escape to Egypt: Matthew 2:13-15 (NKJV)

I. Introduction
• Title: Escape to Egypt
• Scripture: Matthew 2:13-15 (NKJV)
• “Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, ‘Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.’ When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, ‘Out of Egypt I called My Son.’”
II. The Angelic Warning (Verse 13)
• A. Divine Intervention
• Verse: “Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, ‘Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.’”
• Life Lessons:
1. God’s Protection: God intervenes to protect His plan and people.
2. Obedience to Divine Guidance: Joseph’s immediate response to the angel’s message shows the importance of obedience to God’s direction.
3. God’s Awareness of Our Circumstances: God is aware of the threats we face and provides a way of escape.
III. Immediate Action (Verse 14)
• A. Joseph’s Prompt Response
• Verse: “When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt.”
• Life Lessons:
1. Promptness in Following God’s Will: Acting swiftly when God instructs us.
2. Protection of the Innocent: Joseph’s actions demonstrate the importance of safeguarding the vulnerable.
3. Trust in God’s Plan: Even in the face of danger, trust that God’s plan is for our good.
IV. The Stay in Egypt (Verse 15)
• A. Fulfillment of Prophecy
• Verse: “And was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, ‘Out of Egypt I called My Son.’”
• Life Lessons:
1. God’s Sovereignty: God’s plans are fulfilled in His timing and manner.
2. Scriptural Fulfillment: The importance of recognizing the fulfillment of prophecies as a testament to God’s faithfulness.
3. Temporary Refuge: Sometimes, God places us in temporary situations for a greater purpose.
V. Conclusion
• A. Reflection on God’s Guidance and Protection
• Summary: Emphasize the key lessons from the passage—God’s protection, the importance of obedience, and the fulfillment of prophecy.
• Life Lessons Recap:
1. Dependence on Divine Guidance: Always seek and follow God’s direction.
2. Trust in God’s Sovereign Plan: Even in times of uncertainty, God is in control and His plans are for our good.
3. Recognize Fulfillment of Prophecy: See how the events of our lives can align with God’s greater plan and promises.