The Family Returns to Nazareth

The family returns to Nazareth

“After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt  
and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” 
So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.  
But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee,  and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.” 
                            Matthew 2:19-23
Joseph in his wisdom chose to move back to Israel but away from any potential trouble.
Archelaus the son of Herod was in power and was exceptionally tyrannical so much so he was deposed after only ten years (4BC-6AD) and Judea became a Roman province ruled by governors appointed by the emperor.
Thus the family settled in Nazareth a small nondescript town where Jesus could grow in peace.
I believe Jesus needed that time of peace in his life to mature. To study the scriptures which I’m sure he did as Mary and Joseph were devout people.
Additionally in other gospels we know that Jesus as a teenager was found in the temple talking to the teaches of his day and they were amazed at his knowledge Luke 2:44-47.
In Luke there is an interesting note. When his parents found Jesus he said,
“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”  
But they did not understand what he was saying to them. 
Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.  
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men”
                                                                                             Luke 2:49-52.
After all his parents had gone through they still didn’t fully understand who he was. It would me much later that they would fully understand.
Also of note is that while Jesus understood his calling he chose to be obedient to his earthly parents.
And Luke tells us “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men”.
Nazareth this tiny village was where Jesus grew into the great man he would become. Going forth to quite literally change the world.