Matthew 2:13-22. Unbelievable mercy to unbelievable sinners: Jesus, the perfect Israel.

Rev. Dustin Beck of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 2:13-22. The birth narrative continues with the LORD’s intervention to keep the holy family safe and to fulfill prophecies of His identity as the “perfect Israel.” Israel had left Egypt into the wilderness and failed. Jesus, true God and man, begins His journey and we see how His kingdom would reign. The example of Herod is the antithesis of Jesus’ reign: seeking power by bringing death. As we know Jesus used His power to die for other people’s salvation. “Lord God, we grieve the loss of the boys of Bethlehem. In this grief we have hope as Jesus faced the same fate. Thank You that You used Your power for the sake of salvation for sinners. As our perfect Israel, carry us and continue to save us. In Him, Amen”