Something Real
Something New
December 20, 2020
Rev. Tim Sharpe
Using Matthew 2 and Joseph's family journey — flight to Egypt, fearful return redirected, and settling in Nazareth — the sermon shows that God's promises, plan, and purpose bring hope by fulfilling messianic prophecy and using what the world sees as insignificant to accomplish redemption.
Summary
The sermon reflects on Matthew 2 and the theme of 'home,' connecting a personal Christmas anecdote to Jesus' early family life: Joseph's escape to Egypt, his dreams, and his cautious return when learning of Archelaus's rule, ultimately settling in Nazareth. These events reveal three reasons for hope — God's promises, God's plan, and God's purpose — demonstrating that God actively guides his people, redirects fears, and fulfills prophecy. Matthew's emphasis on Nazareth (a seemingly insignificant town not named in the Hebrew Scriptures) highlights a broader biblical theme: God often chooses the lowly and overlooked to accomplish his kingdom work. The application invites listeners to trust God's faithfulness, follow his guidance, and embrace places of perceived insignificance as opportunities to bring hope and redemption.
Key Points
- Context: Finishing Matthew 2 and inviting listeners to Christmas Eve and next Sunday
- Theme: 'Home' — where Jesus grew up and how his family came to make their home
- Three reasons for hope: God's promises, God's plan, and God's purpose
- Narrative: Joseph flees to Egypt from Herod, is led by dreams, fears Archelaus in Judea, and is redirected to Nazareth
- Trust and obedience: Joseph entrusts his fears to God and finds God's faithfulness and specific purpose
- Prophetic fulfillment: Matthew uses these movements to fulfill messianic expectations, even when the town (Nazareth) is seemingly insignificant
- Theology: God uses what the world deems insignificant to build his kingdom; Jesus was despised and rejected, yet central to God's purpose
- Application: Follow the Lord's path, trust his guidance, and be willing to serve in places of insignificance to bring hope and redemption
The audio description and summary text on this page was generated using AI, please report any errors to office@christouhopechurch.com