03.06.11 4 (end) – 3 B.C. Mary, Joseph, and Jesus Return from Egypt
As stated previously, Herod Archelaus, who ruled Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and all of Judea, was more corrupt and cruel than was his father. For this reason Mary and Joseph, on their return trip from Egypt, bypassed Bethlehem and went directly to Nazareth. His reign was so horrible, that it caused the Jews to complain to Caesar Augustus, an event that Jesus used in a parable (Lk. 19:11-27). As for Nazareth, it was in the District of Galilee (Mt. 2:22) and under the control of his brother Herod Antipas.