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, who is the 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. He was not the legitimate ruler
of Judea because he was not of the house of King David, thus making him
insecure at the thought of religious Jews who knew the promises of the
Scriptures (2 Samuel 7:8-17). 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 in comparison to the Messiah. 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 provide
a way out, or means of escape, 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 under the age of two 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; therefore, Joseph obediently 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, 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. At times it could even 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 during childbirth in
this region having her heart set much 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). We
must value and defend life so far as it depends on us.
-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 now 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 raised in
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, so we need to 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
