Question 1

Why did the angel tell Joseph to flee with Jesus into Egypt?

Accepted Answer

The angel told Joseph to flee into Egypt because Herod was going to look for the young child in order to kill him. Joseph did not know this danger on his own, so God showed it to him in a dream and also showed him the way of escape. Egypt was close by and outside Herod’s power, so it was a safe refuge. This shows that God sees the hidden plans of the wicked, and that it is right to use ordinary means, like flight, to preserve life when God opens a door to do so.

Question 2

Why did Joseph leave for Egypt at night with Mary and Jesus?

Accepted Answer

Joseph left by night as soon as he woke up from the dream because he took God’s warning seriously and did not delay. Travelling at night also helped them leave quietly and safely. The journey was hard for a mother and a small child, but Joseph obeyed without arguing. This quick, simple obedience shows his trust that God would guide and care for them on the way and in a strange land, even though they had little and were going among people who did not worship the true God.

Question 3

What is the meaning of the phrase Out of Egypt have I called my son?

Accepted Answer

The phrase “Out of Egypt have I called my son” first spoke about God bringing Israel, his chosen people, out of slavery in Egypt, like a father rescuing a child. Matthew shows that these words also fit Jesus. As Israel once came out of Egypt, now Jesus, the true Son and head of God’s people, comes out of Egypt too. This does not cancel the first meaning, but adds another layer. It shows that God often works in patterns, and that Jesus gathers up and completes what God began with Israel.

Question 4

What does this passage show about Jesus’ early life and suffering?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that Jesus faced danger and trouble from the very start of his life. Instead of growing up in comfort, he had to escape a king who wanted to kill him and live as a stranger in a foreign land. His family had to leave the promised land and stay among idol worshipers. This reminds us that his path to saving people was marked by hardship from the beginning, and that he shared the low, difficult life of those he came to rescue, not just their joys.

Question 5

What does this story teach about God’s guidance and protection?

Accepted Answer

God guides Joseph very personally through an angel in a dream, telling him exactly what to do, where to go, and how long to stay. God knows Herod’s secret plans and moves first to protect the child. At the same time, God uses ordinary means like travel and hiding in another country. He does not crush Herod at once, but preserves his Son in a quiet way. This teaches that God can protect his people both by clear signs and by simple, humble paths that may look weak, yet are under his care.

Question 6

How is Joseph an example of faith and obedience in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Joseph shows faith by believing the dream is truly from God and by obeying at once, even though the command is hard. He gets up, takes the child and his mother, and leaves his land and its worship to live among strangers. He does not argue that the child, being God’s Son, should be kept safe in some more glorious way. Instead, he accepts the low path God chose. His quick obedience encourages us to respond to God’s leading without delay, even when it brings discomfort, risk, or uncertainty.

Question 7

Why did God choose Egypt, a place of idols, as a refuge for Jesus?

Accepted Answer

Egypt had a dark history as a land of idols and as a place where God’s people were once oppressed. Yet God sends Jesus there as a refuge from Herod. This shows that God rules over every land and can turn even unlikely places into shelters for his people. It also hints that God’s care is not limited to one nation. Earlier, Israel was brought out of Egypt; now the Savior himself comes out of Egypt. God can bring light and salvation out of places that once seemed only full of darkness and trouble.

Question 8

How long did Jesus stay in Egypt, and why did he remain there?

Accepted Answer

The passage simply says that Jesus was in Egypt until Herod died. It does not give the exact length of time, but it is clear that they were to stay there until God told them to return. The angel’s words, “Be thou there until I bring thee word,” show that their time in Egypt was not random. God was watching over them the whole time and would give fresh guidance when it was safe. Their stay in Egypt both protected Jesus from Herod and allowed God’s earlier words about calling his son out of Egypt to be fulfilled.

Matthew 2:13

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

The Flight to Egypt

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Matthew 2:13

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

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The Flight to Egypt

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