Refugees

Refugees like Jesus and the ones we saw in the UN video were forced out of their homes due to religious, racial or nationality reasons. They left in a state of dismay and confusion and the experience had a resounding effect on their lives. Jesus' past experience of being a refugee in Egypt caused him to reach out to the people who could not themselves. Because his family fled from persecution he knew the feelings of terror and helplessness that the people his mission focused on felt. Jesus centered his mission on the lowly and the suffering people. People who like him and his family were trapped, having little options. Jesus’ option was to run or be killed. Being presented with such an ultimatum causes some to resent the people who put them there. Being a refugee also gave him the passion to speak out against authority because his family fled due to Herod, a strong leader. Being forced out of his home, he and his family probably questioned the reason why, leading them to question and resent the government. Growing up in a household that challenged the government may have harbored strength inside of Jesus to not hesitate to examine people in charge’s authority and actions.