Does God promise to protect Jesus in the Bible?
The Bible, as a sacred text for Christians, contains numerous promises made by God to His people. One of the most profound and debated promises concerns the protection of Jesus, His only Son. This article delves into the scriptural evidence that supports the notion that God indeed promises to protect Jesus throughout the Bible.
In the Old Testament, God’s promise to protect Jesus is subtly woven into the fabric of prophecy. For instance, in Psalm 22:9-10, King David writes, “You are my God, my strength and my deliverer; my God, I will exalt you. God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” This passage, while not directly mentioning Jesus, reflects a belief in God’s protective nature, which would later be fulfilled in the New Testament.
Moving to the New Testament, the promise of God’s protection of Jesus is explicitly stated. In Matthew 1:21, the angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream and says, “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” This verse indicates that Jesus, from the moment of His conception, was under the divine protection of God.
Furthermore, the New Testament contains several instances where God’s protection of Jesus is evident. For example, during the infancy narratives in Matthew and Luke, Jesus is protected from Herod’s decree to kill all male infants in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:13-14; Luke 2:39-40). This event underscores the divine promise to safeguard Jesus throughout His life.
As Jesus grew older, He continued to experience God’s protection. In Matthew 4:1-11, after being tempted by the devil, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness for 40 days. Throughout this period, the Bible describes how God fed Jesus with “manna” (Matthew 4:4), demonstrating His care and protection.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus often referred to Himself as the “Son of God” and claimed divine authority. In John 10:30, Jesus declares, “I and the Father are one.” This statement, along with numerous other instances where Jesus refers to Himself as the “Son of God,” reinforces the belief in His divine nature and the promise of God’s protection.
Finally, the New Testament recounts the events of Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. Despite the betrayal and suffering He endured, Jesus remained under the divine protection of God. In Matthew 27:54, the centurion who witnessed Jesus’ death exclaims, “Certainly this man was the Son of God!” This statement, along with the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, confirm that God’s promise to protect Jesus was fulfilled.
In conclusion, the Bible provides ample evidence that God promises to protect Jesus. From the Old Testament prophecies to the New Testament narratives, the divine protection of Jesus is a central theme. This promise not only highlights the importance of Jesus in the Christian faith but also serves as a testament to the power and love of God.
