I’m in the process of preparing to deliver another sermon this Sunday. The main passage is the second half of Matthew chapter 2, after the magi have returned home (side-stepping the evil King Herod). I’m starting with the title “Jesus was a refugee”, which I don’t think should be controversial but, to reinforce that, I’m minded to use an expository approach as I open up the passage.

What is expository preaching? The Gospel Coalition website collects together a number of good definitions. My summary would be that the preacher works through the passage, typically in a linear fashion, giving you the benefit of the study they have put in. They probably have an advantage over the average member of the congregation because of that study but it does mean the congregation can test whether they run straight by looking at the things that are plain and simple. In this case it is that Joseph and Mary took Jesus down to Egypt for a period of time because they had a well-grounded fear of persecution in their homeland, which matches very closely the definition of being a refugee promoted by the UN and (this is the controversial bit) often brushed over and ignored by the present UK government.

I will also be doing some exegesis, drawing some further points for consideration out of both the Matthew passage and a couple of references from Exodus 22 and 23. I think it is important that a sermon doesn’t just spew out facts but, from a good grounding, speak from God’s word into how we live in this world. Some of that might be more controversial but I’ll be diligent in making sure that I anchor down the foundations first.