Matthew 2
-The magi see the star in the west from their eastern
location and venture toward Bethlehem, which they know from the prophecies
(perhaps revealed by Daniel and others in the Babylonian deportation). They
arrive in Jerusalem looking for the Child because they have come to worship Him
(Matthew 2:2). *Application* These
were astronomers from a foreign land that came based on previous knowledge
somehow to the place where God visited earth. Our God is so good He even places
signs in the sky for the entire world to see His plan for the Messiah Savior.
The King is announced in more ways than one!
-The magi from the east came to Jerusalem first and met up
with King Herod. He was an apprehensive ruler who was extremely paranoid to
anyone who might possibly usurp his authority. His inquiry with the chief
priests, scribes, and magi reveal his fear and suspicion in the matter. He was
not the rightful heir to the throne of David. He was ruthless, as we will see,
and had many enemies causing his great paranoia. *Application* We see the true wisdom and revelation of the magi
here in this passage. They were warned to go back another way to avoid this
evil king and they obeyed. We should also heed the warnings God gives us in our
lives. He will always make a way out when we listen to His voice.
-The magi find the Christ Child in Bethlehem just as was
prophesied (Micah 5:2). They come before Him and worship giving gifts of gold,
frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). *Application*
These gifts from royalty had symbolic meaning as well. Gold symbolized His
kingship and worthiness. Frankincense embodied deity. Myrrh was foreshadowing
His death on the cross for the sins of mankind. These gifts, some scholars have
speculated, were the means for Jesus and His family to escape to Egypt when
Herod sent his men to destroy all the children two and under in Bethlehem
(Matthew 2:16-18). Where God guides, He provides!
-The other item of note from this text is the fact that they
came to worship Jesus in a house (Matthew 2:11). This more than likely
indicates some significant passing of time between the Messiah’s birth and the
visitation of the wise men, contrary to some Nativity scenes we see at
Christmas. Jesus could have been as much as two years old at this point based
on the age that Herod set for his inquisition (Matthew 2:16).
-An angel again appears to Joseph supernaturally in a dream
urging him to get up and immediately leave for Egypt to remain there until
further notice. It was made plain that Herod was seeking the Christ Child’s
life, and so Joseph arose with his wife and the Messiah and departed for Egypt
that very night before the sun even came up (Matthew 2:14). They remained there
until the death of Herod, which fulfilled Hosea’s prophecy that “Out of Egypt I
called my Son (Hosea 11:1).” *Application*
Here we see Old Testament usage by Matthew to give us a deep understanding and
appreciation for prophecy. Just as the New Testament writers viewed the Law and
the Prophets in the new revelation light of Jesus Christ, and so should we.
This is just one example of the shadows of Christ in the ancient texts given
for the hope of Israel and the world (Hebrews 8:5; 10:1). Also notice the
immediate response of Joseph to obey and get his all important family out of danger’s
way. Again, it is supposed that the gifts of the magi helped to fund this trip
and stay in Egypt, which was obviously a foreign land and a new adventure. When
God calls, our best response is quick compliance. It could save us our lives!
-Herod’s paranoia and lust for power are revealed in his
reaction to the finding out that the magi had deceived (literally mocked,
ridiculed, tricked, make a fool of) him (Matthew 2:16). He sends his troops and
slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity from two
years and under in fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy (Jeremiah 31:15). The
weeping and great mourning heard all the way across the mountainous region to
Ramah harkened back even to the days of Rachel, who died in childbirth in this
region and had her heart much set on children (Genesis 35:16-18). *Application* It is terribly sad to
think about the cruelty that was inflicted on the innocent children surrounding
and in the region of Bethlehem by the tyrant Herod. We must always stand up for
injustice and the rights of those who cannot defend themselves. I saw a sticker
just yesterday urging the stoppage of abortion in our country. We think to
ourselves, “how cruel they must have been back in those days to destroy life so
cruelly like that,” but we easily forget the untold millions of lives that have
been lost now to abortion in our nation and world. Be a defender of weak and
innocent (Psalm 82:3, Proverbs 31:9, Isaiah 1:17). Value life!
-The passing of King Herod was great news for the Messiah’s
family. The angel reappeared as promised (Matthew 2:13) and God’s salvation
plan was continuing along just as predicted by the prophets of old.
-*Application* God
is not slow about His promises as some count slowness, but He is patient and
gives multiple chances for people to turn to Him in repentance (2 Peter 3:9). I
believe God gave Herod every chance He could and time to come to know Him
before his death. God has a plan and purpose for everything in the whole
context of this world. He is sovereign and has all understanding. In the
“fullness of time” is a great concept to contemplate when we read a verse like
this one (Galatians 4:4).
-Joseph is reluctant to go back into Israel because Herod’s
son Archelaus was reigning, but God warned him and once again he obeyed the
Lord. The family left Egypt and ventured to the region of Galilee and settled
back in their original hometown of Nazareth, which once again fulfilled the
prophets word that “He shall be called a Nazarene (Isaiah 11:1. The word there is Netzar,
which signifies either a branch, or the city of Nazareth; in being denominated
from that city, he is declared to be
that Branch).” This region was much calmer politically than other regions of
Israel at the time. Philip was ruling in this region and was much more docile
than Archelaus in Judea. Although Joseph was probably under the assumption,
from his limited understanding of the Messiah’s life and work, that they would
be in or near Jerusalem, God had other plans and somewhat secluded His Son for
His upbringing and the bulk of His earthly ministry.
-*Application* Don’t despise the little things (Luke 16:10). Our
lives at times can feel mundane, uncomplicated, and even boring. We yearn to do
more and dream of extravagance and greatness even in Kingdom work. We must
always remember God’s plan is higher than ours and let Him form and shape us
just as He desires. The Messiah’s life is even reflective of that fact when we
closely observe the Scriptures. Jesus lived a normal life for all we know until
the age of 30 when His public ministry began. The preparation is important; allow
the Lord to work in you even on the most normal of days.
Verses to Memorize:
Matthew 2:11, 14, 16, 19, 23
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