With all the turmoil going on across the country with debates, protests and rioting about illegal immigration, I disagree with one thing.
People keep trying to say that Jesus was an immigrant. I disagree with that statement. This is Webster's dictionaries definition of immigrant vs. refugee.
immigrant (noun)
i·mi·grant ˈi-mi-grant
: a person who comes to a country to take up permanent residence
Refugee (noun)
: one that flees
especially : a person who flees to a foreign country or power to escape danger or persecution
Based on these two definitions, Jesus was a refugee, not an immigrant. Joseph, Mary and Jesus didn't migrate to Egypt, they fled there after a dream where an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream. They fled for the fear of King Herod trying to kill Jesus after He was born. Herod was notified that a new King of the Jews was born. Jesus' family fled to Egypt, to seek refuge out of Herod's jurisdiction. Where they knew they would be safe. (Matthew 2:13-15)
They fled, not migrated to Egypt. According to Websters dictionary as mentioned above, an immigrant moves to another country to stay permanently.
Joseph and Mary only stayed in Egypt until Herod's death, then they returned to Israel. So by definition, a refugee. At least the way that I understand the meaning.
I see church signs across the area that state that Jesus was an immigrant. To me they are just trying to appease the masses.
Well I say "hogwash"
Like I said, just my two cents on the topic of Jesus being either an immigrant or a refugee.
According to Websters dictionary, what He and His family were are crystal clear!
God bless.
Rev. Kev.
