Behind the Scenes

This text is about trusting God-every day-even when the way gets rough and you can’t see how you’ll ever get out of it…

Joseph and Mary did everything required by the Law of the Lord. They went home to Nazareth. Jesus was filled with wisdom and God’s grace was upon Him. Sounds like they lived happily ever after…don’t you think?

“When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.” Luke 2:39-40

Luke’s objective was to provide a clear account of the life of Jesus. But before these temple events and before Joseph, Mary and Jesus returned to Nazareth- some momentous things occurred.

Luke does not record them…

But Matthew does. (Matthew 2:1-23) These events happened behind the scenes. They were not resolved over night either.

At some point after the shepherds came, the Magi arrived. Remember the 3 Kings? They brought gifts and they worshiped Jesus. Joseph and Mary were awed. There is another remember…the 3 Kings stopped for a diplomatic visit to King Herod before finding Jesus, Mary and Joseph. He faked interest in the new King and then Herod then sent out to kill Jesus (a perceived threat to his throne.) He had all the boys 2 years and younger killed in Bethlehem thinking he would be rid of Jesus.

But God never leaves us. He knows all, He loves us. These truths are powerfully evident in this behind the scenes account of Mary, Joseph and Jesus.

When the 3 Kings left, God sent an angel to Joseph in a dream. In three words, the angel’s message was…“Escape to Egypt!” During the night, that very night, Joseph took Mary and baby Jesus to Egypt. They escaped evil King Herod. How long the three stayed there is not known-but it was an angel who came to Joseph in a second dream to tell him they could safely return…Herod was dead. It is wise to listen when an angel speaks. Angels come from God. Joseph, Mary and Jesus returned to Galilee.

Did Mary and Joseph see any of these events occurring in their lives before they happened? Do you think they felt comfortable going to a foreign country for months…maybe a year or more? In it all they trusted God-when things were messy and they could not see ahead.

Can we trust like they did?

Yes.

Mary and Joseph had fears and worries. In the end and in every circumstance, they trusted God. When we feel weak…God is eternally strong…for Mary and Joseph …for you and me. He is near in every scene of life.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6