Jesus Christ: Refugee or Rejected Ruler? Or both? The intersection of political controversy and religious conviction is always an interesting one; truth is often sacrificed on the alter of political convenience. But for the sincere Christian, spiritual truth should be the foremost concern, above any political or cultural considerations. In this lesson we use political controversy to point us back to important truths concerning the Person of Jesus Christ and our obligations to Him.

Do these definitions fit the description of Matthew 2:13-23? Was Jesus a Refugee? Definitions of “Refugee” “One that flees; especially: a person who flees to a foreign country or power to escape danger or persecution” (Merriam-Webster.com) “A refugee, generally speaking, is a displaced person who has been forced to cross national boundaries and who cannot return home safely.” (Wikipedia) “Any person who is outside any country of such person’s nationality … and who is unable or unwilling to return to … that country because of persecution or a well- founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion” (8 USC Sec. 1101 [42]) Do these definitions fit the description of Matthew 2:13-23?

Jesus was a Rejected Ruler Pictured in the Parable of the Minas (Luke 19:12-14) Rejected by the chief priests and Jewish leaders (Mark 15:1-26; John 19:14-15) Jesus was nevertheless the “Lord of Glory!” (1 Cor. 2:7-8; John 1:11-12; Acts 2:22-38; 1 Tim. 6:15-16) When we help the less fortunate, we honor the King! (Matthew 25:31-40)