Have you ever woken up from a dream only to wonder, “where in the world did that come from?”
If I had been Joseph, I might have become afraid of falling asleep.
#1 – Joseph was visited in a dream by an angel telling him about Mary’s conception of Jesus (Matthew 1:20)
#2 – Joseph was visited in a dream after the wise men departed and warned to flee with Jesus to Egypt. (Matthew 2:13)
#3 – Joseph was visited after Herod died and instructed to leave Egypt and go back to Israel. (Matthew 2:19-20)
#4 – Joseph was visited a fourth time warning him to go to Galilee specifically and not Judea. (Matthew 2:22)
What is this passage and this event of the baby Jesus being taken to Egypt and then being sent back to Israel really all about?
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This story provides us with a picture of two ways of life … life lived by the flesh and life lived by the Spirit.
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Herod’s life paints for us a picture of life lived by the flesh.
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Joseph’s life paints for us a picture of life lived by the Spirit.
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What is the leading force in your life? The flesh or the Spirit?
Based on what we read in Scripture, what do you think God desires to be the leading force in your life? The flesh or the Spirit?
How can you live with the Spirit of God as the leading force in your life?
On a daily basis, I need to “re-set” my mind on the things of the Spirit.
Supporting Scripture: Romans 8:5-6 (ESV)
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How do you daily set your mind on the things of the Spirit?
What if we made it our goal this year to be led by the Spirit every day?
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Jesus, I here and now accept you as the only new and living Way.
I join myself in covenant with you.
I come to you hungry, sinful, miserable, blind, and naked.
Unworthy even to wash the feet of your servants.
With all my power, I accept you as my Lord and Head.
I renounce my own unworthiness, and vow that you are the Lord, my righteousness.
I renounce my own wisdom and take you for my only guide.
I renounce my own will and take your will as my law.
Jesus, I hear and now make this covenant with you and accept whatever comes in life.
Through your grace I promise that neither life nor death will separate me from you.
Amen.
Matthew 2:13-23 presents a powerful narrative about God’s guidance and protection over Jesus’ early life. These verses also provide insight into the obedience of Joseph and Mary, and the role of divine intervention in directing their steps. Reflecting on this passage can help us examine our own responsiveness to God’s leading, especially through the Holy Spirit. Here are some personal reflection questions that tie this passage to our own journey of following the Spirit:
1. Listening to God’s Guidance
- How do I discern when God is leading me, especially when His direction seems unexpected or uncomfortable (e.g., like when Joseph was instructed to flee to Egypt)?
- Have there been times when I’ve resisted or ignored God’s guidance, and how did that impact my life?
2. Obedience and Trust in God’s Timing
- What areas of my life do I find most challenging to trust God with, like Joseph trusting God’s instructions on when to return from Egypt?
- Am I willing to take immediate action when God speaks, even if I don’t fully understand His plan or the timing?
3. God’s Protection and Provision
- How have I seen God protect me in situations where I could not see the danger until later, similar to how God warned Joseph to flee from King Herod’s threat?
- When have I experienced a moment of divine provision that felt like a miraculous intervention or timely rescue?
4. Seeking the Holy Spirit’s Direction in Daily Life
- In what ways am I actively seeking the Holy Spirit’s direction in my daily decisions and interactions?
- How do I create space in my life to hear and respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit?
5. Fear vs. Faith in Following the Spirit
- When I sense the Holy Spirit prompting me, what fears or doubts come up that may make me hesitate in obeying?
- How can I strengthen my faith in following the Spirit, even in times of uncertainty or fear?
6. The Role of Prayer and Scripture in Following the Spirit
- How does prayer and reading Scripture help me tune my heart and mind to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, like Joseph’s actions were rooted in divine communication?
- What practices can I develop to deepen my sensitivity to God’s voice through His Word and in prayer?
7. Navigating Life’s “Detours”
- When faced with unexpected changes or detours in my life (like Joseph and Mary’s journey to Egypt), how do I respond? Do I resist, or do I trust that God has a purpose for these shifts?
- How can I reframe moments of difficulty or change as opportunities for growth in faith and obedience?
8. Impact of Obedience on Others
- Reflecting on Joseph’s obedience, how do my own decisions impact those around me (family, friends, community)?
- Are there areas where God is calling me to lead by example in following His guidance, even if it seems unconventional or difficult?
9. Seeing the Bigger Picture
- In what ways can I trust that God is working behind the scenes in my life, just as He was orchestrating events around the life of Jesus, even in the midst of hardship?
- How can I adopt a mindset of looking for God’s greater purpose, even when things don’t make immediate sense?
10. Living with Kingdom Perspective
- How does setting my mind on following the Spirit help me to align with God’s kingdom purposes, just as Joseph’s obedience aligned him with God’s plan for the birth and protection of Jesus?
- What areas of my life might need a recalibration to more fully reflect God’s priorities and purposes, as revealed through the Spirit?