Have you ever felt the letdown of the “day after?” The torn wrapping paper after Christmas morning, the end of a vacation you planned for months, or the countdown to a milestone that came and went too quickly. These moments remind us that things aren’t always what they seem.
The Bible presents a similar story about Jesus’ early days, a narrative full of unexpected twists and turns that reveal His identity as King. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus is portrayed as the rightful King of Israel—a King we can trust even in seasons of disappointment and waiting.
Jesus: The Promised King
Matthew masterfully weaves together Old Testament prophecies to show Jesus’ kingship. From His birth in Bethlehem to His flight to Egypt, from the weeping in Ramah to His upbringing in Nazareth, every detail aligns with God’s plan.
- Bethlehem: The prophecy of Micah foretold the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, a small, insignificant town. Yet this was where the King of Kings entered the world, proving God often uses the humble to accomplish the extraordinary.
- Egypt: When Herod sought to kill Jesus, Joseph fled with his family to Egypt. This fulfilled Hosea’s prophecy, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” God’s hand orchestrated even this exile, using it to prepare the way for salvation.
- Ramah: Herod’s massacre of children fulfilled Jeremiah’s words about Rachel weeping for her children. Even in tragedy, Matthew points to hope—the Messiah would bring redemption to a grieving world.
- Nazareth: Jesus’ return to Nazareth fulfilled the prophets’ words that He would be called a Nazarene. Nazareth, known for its poor reputation, became the hometown of the Savior. This underscores that God’s chosen path often defies human expectations.
Trusting God in the Waiting
These prophecies remind us that God’s writing of history is intentional. Even when circumstances seem bleak or confusing, He is at work. Like soap disguised as a cookie (an example from the sermon), what seems one way may hold a deeper, transformative truth.
When we face disappointment or a sense of abandonment, we’re tempted to turn to self-reliance or make promises to God in desperation. Instead, we’re called to rest in His promises. Hebrews 6:13 reminds us that God swore by Himself when making His covenant with Abraham, assuring us of the unshakable nature of His Word.
Finding Peace in His Plan
The Christmas story doesn’t end with a triumphant parade but with Jesus’ family fleeing in the night. Yet this was God’s plan for preserving His best for His people. When we feel abandoned or let down, we can look back and often see God’s fingerprints all over our story.
Jesus came not for fans but for followers—people willing to trust Him through life’s uncertainties. His story, woven through Bethlehem, Egypt, Ramah, and Nazareth, proves He is a King worth following. And in Him, we find peace, even on the “day after.”
