Reflections on Matthew 2:13–23

The early chapters of Matthew’s Gospel are often read with the warmth of Christmas familiarity. Yet tucked into the infancy narrative is a sobering truth: from the moment the Son of God entered the world, He was opposed. Matthew 2:13–23 reminds us that Christ did not come into a neutral world, but into a hostile one.

J. C. Ryle helps us see that this passage is not merely historical; it is profoundly instructive for every believer who lives under earthly powers, endures suffering, or wrestles with ambition and pride.

1. The World’s Rulers Are Rarely Friends of God

No sooner is Christ born than we are told that “Herod… sought to destroy him” (Matt. 2:13). This is no accident. Ryle observes that the rulers of this world are seldom friendly to the cause of God. Earthly power often views heavenly authority as a threat.

Herod’s rage exposes a deeper danger: greatness and riches are perilous possessions for the soul. They tempt the heart toward pride, cruelty, and self-preservation at any cost. Scripture repeatedly warns us that “not many mighty, not many noble are called” and that a rich man enters the kingdom only with great difficulty.

This should sober us. Envying the powerful is not harmless. The very prosperity we admire may be the means of another man’s destruction or our own. A little more wealth, influence, or recognition might be the rope by which our hearts are quietly strangled. Scripture’s counsel remains wise and kind: “Take heed, and beware of covetousness.” Contentment is not resignation; it is protection.

Nor should we imagine that Christ’s cause depends upon princes and patrons. History testifies otherwise. God has preserved His truth far more often despite rulers than because of them. Faith does not rest on thrones, policies, or political favor. “Put not your trust in princes.”

2. Christ the Man of Sorrows From the Beginning

Matthew shows us that suffering marked Jesus’ life from its earliest days. Before He could speak a word or take a step, His life was already threatened. Joseph and Mary are forced to flee by night, carrying the Savior of the world into exile.

This was not incidental. It was emblematic. The humiliation of Christ did not begin at the cross; it began at the cradle. The waves of sorrow broke over Him even as a nursing child.

Here is deep comfort for suffering believers. Jesus is not a distant Savior unfamiliar with grief. He knows what it means to be hunted, displaced, and endangered. He understands the tears of the persecuted and the fears of the vulnerable. When we pour out our hearts to Him, we do so to One who has walked the path of affliction before us.

3. Death Levels Every Enemy of Christ

Herod’s power appeared overwhelming. He commanded armies, issued decrees, and slaughtered innocents. Yet Matthew records his end with stark simplicity: “Herod was dead.”

So it has always been. Pharaohs, emperors, tyrants, and persecutors rise with terrifying force, and then they die. Death removes kings as easily as peasants. It is the great leveler, and in God’s providence, often the deliverer of His people.

Ryle reminds us that believers should not be shaken by the apparent strength of their enemies. The triumph of the wicked is brief. The truth of God has outlived every regime that tried to bury it. Christ lives forever; His enemies are only men.

4. The Humility of Nazareth

Perhaps the most striking lesson in this passage is where Jesus grows up. After danger, exile, and return, the Son of God dwells in Nazareth, an obscure town, uncelebrated and insignificant.

This was deliberate. Of all places, Christ chose one that carried no prestige. There He lived for thirty years, most of His earthly life, unknown, unnoticed, and unhonored by the world. He submitted to His earthly parents. He likely labored with His hands. Nearly five-sixths of His life were spent in quiet obscurity.

This is humility.

How contrary this is to our instincts. We are quick to seek recognition, position, and visibility. Yet our Savior passed over prominence and embraced lowliness. Scripture teaches us that it is not a sin to be poor, but it is a grave danger to be proud.

What matters most is not where we live, what title we hold, or how others see us, but what we are in the sight of God. The great questions are eternal ones: Where are we going when we die? Do we live for heaven?

A Call to Follow the Humble King

Pride is ancient and common. Humility is rare and beautiful. If we claim to follow the One who lived in Nazareth, then humility must mark our lives.

Our knowledge may be small. Our strength may be limited. Our faith may feel fragile. But if we belong to Christ, let us at least resemble Him in this: a quiet trust in God, a willingness to be lowly, and a contentment that does not depend on the world’s applause.

The King who was hunted as a child now reigns forever. Blessed are those who follow Him not upward into pride, but downward into humility.