Diaspora: People on the Move, God at WorkExemplo

Lesson 9 - Jesus, the refugee

The journey of faith often leads us to passages in Scripture that illuminate God's heart in unexpected ways. One such passage is the flight of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph to Egypt as refugees. This event showcases God's providential care and Christ's profound identification with refugees throughout history.

The Savior of the world, the King of Kings, was born into a humble family that was soon forced to flee their homeland. As political turmoil threatened the young Messiah's life, an angel instructed Joseph to seek refuge in Egypt. In this flight, we witness a vivid reflection of the human condition—of families torn apart by violence and oppression, desperately seeking safety.

Christ's identification with refugees goes beyond mere symbolism; it stems from personal experience. Jesus, in His earthly life, knew what it was to be displaced, to experience uncertainty, and to rely on the kindness of strangers. As a refugee child, He felt the fear and the longing for home that countless refugees face today.

Today, millions live as refugees, far from their homes due to conflict, persecution, and disaster. Jesus' time as a refugee reminds us that God's heart is deeply concerned for these marginalized and vulnerable people. He calls us to embrace them with the same compassion and care He demonstrated.

Through His journey as a refugee, Jesus teaches us empathy and reminds us that our response to those in need reflects our response to Him. As followers of Christ, we are called to extend a helping hand, offer hope, and advocate for justice for the displaced. Our efforts to support refugees express our love for the Savior who Himself walked the path of a refugee.

Remember that the Savior we worship is not distant from our struggles. He knows what it means to be a stranger in a foreign land. Just as God provided for and protected Jesus and His family, He continues to watch over and provide for refugees today. May we find inspiration in Jesus' refugee experience to extend our hands in love, our hearts in solidarity, and our voices in advocacy for those who seek refuge.

Today, about 400,000 Afghans now call North America home. They have suffered much at the hands of extremists. Would you take a moment and pray for Afghans in North America?

Prayer:

Loving God, open our eyes to the plight of Afghan refugees around the world. God, they are fleeing murderous intentions, but we trust you have a purpose despite their hardships. May we be moved by the example of Jesus' time as a refugee, and may His empathy and love guide us in responding to those in need. Grant us the compassion and courage to extend a helping hand and a welcoming heart, trusting that you have brought them from the Islamic Republic to countries with religious freedom so they can find you.

The final questions for us to consider today are: Why, Who, and When?

• Why do you think God included this experience of Jesus in the scripture?
• Who was the cause of Jesus' escape to Egypt?
• When you think about refugees, do you think about how God works despite their hardships?