God’s work of salvation in Jesus centers on His crucifixion and resurrection. However, the message and teachings of God through Jesus began even earlier, from the very start of His earthly life. Interestingly, the delivery of this message involved not only Jesus but also Mary and Joseph, showcasing values like obedience and humility, as seen in today’s text.

At one point, God instructed Joseph, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel." Known for his obedience, Joseph immediately followed the command. Yet, upon learning that Archelaus, the son of Herod, was ruling in Judea, Joseph became afraid to return there. Archelaus was notorious for his cruelty and incompetence. Consequently, God guided Joseph to avoid Judea and instead settle in Galilee. Joseph, under divine guidance, chose to live in a town called Nazareth, located in Galilee—a place that might have been the hometown of both Mary and Joseph. Matthew 2:23 emphasizes that by living in Nazareth, Jesus fulfilled the prophecy that “He shall be called a Nazarene.” Some interpreters connect this to Isaiah 11:1, which describes the Messiah as a “shoot” from the root of Jesse. The Hebrew word for "shoot" (neser) is phonetically similar to "Nazir," meaning something set apart or lowly.

What stands out is that Nazareth was a little-known town, often regarded with disdain. It was in this humble setting that Jesus spent His formative years. This further reveals the character of the Messiah. He did not come in grandeur or grow up in a privileged environment like the kings of His time. Instead, He was born simply and raised in a remote and unremarkable town, demonstrating God’s solidarity with His people. Humility was not merely a virtue Jesus taught later; it was a way of life He embodied from the very beginning.

Dear friends in Christ, through the dynamics of Jesus’ birth and early life, we see God’s purpose clearly displayed. He came into the world in human form, not with splendor or extraordinary privileges. God sought to show His compassion for all the struggles and sufferings of humanity. Jesus identified Himself with those He would later serve. Only someone who has experienced suffering can fully empathize with those who are suffering.