KINGDOM COME: STUDY OF MATTHEW “The Birth of the King”

Matthew 1:1-25

The story of Christmas is the most remarkable story ever told. It is the story of God’s love for the world and how

His promise of sending a Redeemer was fulfilled. Without Christmas, there could have been no Easter. Had

Christ not been born into the world of men, He could not have died for the world of men. And had He not died

on the cross, He would never have been raised from the dead and we would still be hopelessly lost in sin.

Though this story is FAMILIAR, it also ought to be FASCINATING.

J.I. Packer - “It is here, in the thing that happened at the first Christmas that the profoundest and most

unfathomable depths of the Christian revelation lie.”

Ken Baugh, in his introduction to Warren Wiersbe’s book “Be Loyal”, tells the following account from the life of

Thomas Jefferson:

Ken Baugh - “In 1804, Thomas Jefferson sat down in the White House with a copy of the New Testament in one

hand and a razor blade in the other and proceeded to cut and paste a Jesus of his liking. Being a Rationalist,

Jefferson cut away parts of the Gospels that spoke of Jesus’ divine nature and miracles and left only what he

believed to be the ethical teachings of Jesus. He titled his work The Philosophy of Jesus a Nazareth. Later, in

1819, Jefferson cut and pasted another version of Jesus’ teachings, titling his edition The Life and Morals of

Jesus of Nazareth. The real Jesus, according to Jefferson, was merely a man--a good man, an ethical man, and a

moral teacher--but a mortal man nonetheless.”

The gospel of Matthew is not simply the record of the philosophy of Jesus, nor is it merely about the life and

morals of Jesus. The gospel of Matthew as inspired by the Holy Spirit is the record of how God became man,

lived a sinless life, performed mighty miracles, died a substitutionary death on the cross, and rose again in order

to secure the redemption of His people.

Like Jefferson and others just like him, many want to acknowledge a god of their own making because of their

own refusal to simply believe and trust the God of Scripture.

Matthew’s purpose in writing is to present us with a simple account of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection

of Jesus Christ. How does Matthew differ from the other gospel accounts?

• In John, Jesus is presented as the SON of God

• In Luke, Jesus is presented as the SON of man

• In Mark, Jesus is presented as the SERVANT who suffered

• In Matthew, Jesus is presented as the SOVEREIGN King

Matthew’s gospel was given with the intention to show how Jesus is the promised and rightful King of Israel.

The gospel record starts with the King’s miraculous birth.

1. The King’s CREDENTIALS (1:1-17)

“The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham: Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac

begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers. Judah begot Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez begot

Hezron, and Hezron begot Ram. Ram begot Amminadab, Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot

Salmon. Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David the

king. David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon begot Rehoboam,

Rehoboam begot Abijah, and Abijah begot Asa. Asa begot Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat begot Joram, and Joram begot Uzziah. Uzziah begot Jotham, Jotham begot Ahaz, and Ahaz begot Hezekiah. Hezekiah begot Manasseh,

1

Manasseh begot Amon, and Amon begot Josiah. Josiah begot Jeconiah and his brothers about the time they

were carried away to Babylon. And after they were brought to Babylon, Jeconiah begot Shealtiel, and Shealtiel

begot Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel begot Abiud, Abiud begot Eliakim, and Eliakim begot Azor. Azor begot Zadok,

Zadok begot Achim, and Achim begot Eliud. Eliud begot Eleazar, Eleazar begot Matthan, and Matthan begot

Jacob. And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, or whom was born Jesus who is called Christ. So all the

generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon are

fourteen generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ are fourteen generations.”

When we come across genealogies in Scripture, we often are tempted to skim over them and get to the

narrative. However, there is a reason that God has included these sections in the Bible.

In these opening verses, Matthew’s purpose is to show how Jesus meets all the necessary credentials as King.

He is the SEED of Abraham (v. 1-5)

In descending order, Matthew traces the legal lineage of Jesus from Abraham. Jesus is the fulfillment of the

promise that the Lord God made to Abraham.

His saving purpose is set forth in God’s promise to Abraham:

Genesis 12:2-3 - “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a

blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the

earth shall be blessed.”

This passage reveals:

• God will form a covenant people

• God will give them a promised inheritance

• God will use them for a global purpose

Genesis 22:18 - “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed.”

God promised Abraham that through his descendants, specifically through his ‘seed,’ all the nations of the earth

would experience great blessing. This promise finds literal fulfillment in Christ, for the world has indeed been

blessed through the gift of the Savior. Salvation is found in Him.

This is what prompted the angelic chorus:

Luke 2:14 - “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Matthew 4:16 - “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region

and shadow of death light has dawned.”

He is the SON of David (v. 6-15)

Here, we are shown that Jesus came from the Davidic line of the kings of Israel. God’s promise to David was that

he would never fail to have a descendant seated on the throne.

2 Samuel 7:12-13 - “When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you,

who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will

establish the throne of his kingdom forever.”

Though spoken in reference to Solomon, this promise is literally fulfilled in Christ.

Psalm 110:1 - “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.’”

This truth was emphasized by the Old Testament prophets:

2

Isaiah 9:6-7 - “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the

increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom...”

He is the SAVIOR of Man (v. 16-17)

“...Jesus who is called Christ.”

“Christ” - Messiah; the Anointed One

A variety of backgrounds are represented in Christ’s genealogy. In the record, you will find both men and

women, princes and peasants, rulers and shepherds. There are prostitutes, adulterers, and social outcasts.

David Platt - “All in all, this is one crooked family tree! Yet, this was the family tree through which the incarnate

Son of God stepped onto the pages of human history.”

The genealogical record of Christ is a testament to His grace. He is the Savior of both kings and commoners, and

His grace is for those of every social class.

2. The King’s CHARACTER (1:18-21)

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came

together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not

wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these

things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to

take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son,

and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

The Bible records many remarkable births, such as the birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah, or the birth of

Samuel to Hannah and Elkanah. But none are as remarkable as the birth of Christ.

His intrinsic NATURE (v. 18-20)

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came

together, she as found with Child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not

wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these

things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to

take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.”

Some interesting traits about Joseph stand out in these verses:

• the CONFLICT that he faced

In Jewish culture, marriage involved three stages. First came the engagement period, which often was arranged

by matchmakers. Then there was the betrothal period, which served as the formal ratification of the marriage

agreement. This typically lasted for a year, and was as legally binding as the marriage itself. During this stage,

the couple would get to know one another before coming together intimately. The third stage was the marriage

ceremony itself, which took place after the betrothal period. It was at this stage that husband and wife would

come together in a physical sense.

When Mary became pregnant, she and Joseph were in the second stage, the betrothal period.

Can you imagine the conflict that was going on in his mind?

• the CHARACTER that he possessed

The way that Joseph chooses to hand this dilemma reveal him to be a man of integrity.

3

Joseph had a clean life:

“Then Joseph, her husband, being a just man...”

G. Campbell Morgan - “The idea behind the expression is that Joseph was a man who desired to do the right

thing.”

Joseph had a compassionate heart:

“...and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.”

He was a man who had as much compassion as he had conviction. He wasn’t someone who held up law without

love, a legalist. He is a man who thought of his betrothed wife before he thought of himself. We need this type

of men today!

• the COURAGE that he demonstrated

“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the

Holy Spirit.”

This is the same message that the angelic messenger gave to Mary according to Luke’s gospel account.

“Fear Not” - don’t be afraid of what might happen; trust Me

Even though the neighbors were sure to criticize and through the rumor mill would start turning out hurtful

gossip, Joseph obeyed the voice of God. His love for God and his love for Mary resulted in his willingness to bare

reproach for Christ.

Joseph was informed that the Child conceived in Mary’s womb was of the Holy Spirit. This is the doctrine of the

virgin birth of Jesus Christ, a key and cardinal truth of our faith.

Isaiah 7:14 - “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son,

and shall call His name Immanuel.”

Jesus was born of an earthly mother without an earthly father.

Warren Wiersbe - “Every child born into the world is a totally new creature. But Jesus Christ, being eternal God,

existed before Mary and Joseph or any of His earthly ancestors. If Jesus Christ were conceived and born just as

any other baby, then He could not be God.”

Galatians 4:4-5 - “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born

under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”

The Son of God became the Son of man so that the sons of men could become the sons of God.

Daniel Akin - “The biblical record reveals that Jesus Christ was born without a human father, conceived by the

Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. The virgin birth impacts our understanding of the incarnation. The

incarnation teaches that God became man in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. The virgin birth emphasizes both

the reality of Jesus’ humanity and His divinity as God’s Son.”

Without the virgin birth, we have no gospel.

Man had sinned and man was under the curse. Jesus could not have substituted Himself for sinful man on the

cross had He not taken upon Himself the likeness of men.

Jesus had to be God to have the POWER of Savior, and He had to be man to have the POSITION of Substitute.

His intentional NAME (v. 21)

4

“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

“Jesus” - Greek equivalent of Hebrew Joshua; literally means the Lord is salvation

Notice that the message is that He will save HIS PEOPLE from their sins, meaning that salvation is kept for those

who come to Jesus in faith and receive Him as personal Savior and Lord.

3. The King’s CONFIRMATION (1:22-25)

“So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying,

‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is

translated, God with us.’ Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him

and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His

name Jesus.”

He is the fulfillment of God’s PROMISE (v. 22-23a)

For centuries, the Old Testament prophets had been preaching about the coming of the Lord.

Specific details are given as to how He would be born, where He would be born, and even to whom He would be

born. In fact, there are some 300 prophecies about the Lord’s coming:

Genesis 3:15 - “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He

shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”

Micah 5:2 - “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you

shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from old, from everlasting.”

He is the fullness of God’s PRESENCE (v. 23b-25)

“...and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, God with us.”

The glory and grace of Christmas is found in the truth that Jesus is Immanuel, He is God with us:

• Glory - “God...”

• Grace - “...with us”

David Platt - “You are not at the center of history. I am not at the center of history. Our generation is not at the

center of history. The United States of America is not at the center of history. Billions of people have come and

billions have gone; empires have come and empires have gone; countries, nations, kings, queens, presidents,

dictators, and rulers have all come and gone. At the center of it all stands one person: Jesus the Christ. This is

the bold claim of Matthew’s gospel. And if this Jesus is the King of all history, then it follows that He should be

the King of your life.”

This is a fitting question: “Is Jesus the King of your life?”

KINGDOM COME: STUDY OF MATTHEW “The Birth of the King”

(part 2) Matthew 2:1-12

At the birth of Jesus Christ, we find every social class represented. The shepherds represent the poor, those

who may be overlooked by the rest of society. Yet Jesus was born for the lower class. Mary and Joseph

represent the middle class, those who are not among the most poor, but are certainly not among the wealthiest

5

either. Jesus was born for the middle class. The wise men are kings from the east, and they represent the upper

class, the wealthy among society. Jesus was born for the upper class.

Jesus is Savior of all people, no matter what class they are in.

In the passage, we find at the birth of Christ:

• wise men who were searching

• opposition that was satanic

• gifts that were symbolic

1. The TRUTH that wise men were seeking (2:1-2)

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East

came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the

East and have come to worship Him.’”

Their IDENTITY (v. 1a)

We are not told anything in particular about what nation they were from, or what nationality they were.

The Bible simply refers to as ‘wise men from the east.’

“Wise Men” - literally the Magi; term that was used in reference to oriental philosophers and advisers in the

Persian territory

A.T. Robertson - “Here in Mathew the idea seems to be rather that of astrologers. Babylon was the home of

astrology, but we only know that the men were from the east whether Arabia, Babylon, Persia, or elsewhere.”

The Book of Daniel mentions ‘Magi’ and suggests that they were among the highest ranking officials in all of

Babylon, and even later in the Medo-Persian empire.

Daniel 2:48 - “The king promoted Daniel and gave him many great gifts; and he made him ruler over the whole

province of Babylon, and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon.”

Daniel, because of the godly man that he was, came to be highly respected by the Magi or wise men of Babylon.

For all we know, it could very well be that because of his witness, the eastern magi came to learn much about

the character and purposes of the God of Israel.

Your witness for Jesus matters more than you think it does!

Their INTEREST (v. 1b-2a)

The interest that these wise men from the east show is seen through the questions that they ask. They are

interested in the whereabouts of the One who had been born King of the Jews, for they had seen His star in the

east.

This is the very first question asked in the New Testament, and it is a very good question. In fact, it ought to be

the first question that every single person should ask:

“Where is the King? How can I find the King?”

Isaiah 55:6 - “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.”

Just what was it that had peaked their interest? It was the appearance of a star.

Numbers 24:17 - “A Star shall come out of Jacob; a Scepter shall rise out of Israel.”

6

This King spoken of in Numbers would be associated with the appearance of a star, and the passage goes on to

describe how this King would be one who had dominion and would deliver His people from the grip of the

enemy.

Isaiah 60:1-6 - “Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold,

the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory

will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up

your eyes all around, and see: they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and

your daughters shall be nursed at your side. Then you shall see and become radiant, and your heart shall swell

with joy; because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you.

The multitude of camels shall cover your land, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall

come; they shall bring gold and incense, and they shall proclaim the praises of the Lord.”

Isaiah’s prophecy foretold that Gentiles would one day come to the light of God’s people, and that these

Gentiles would bring riches and gifts for the purpose of worship.

God’s global agenda is seen in the Magi’s arrival.

Their INTENTION (v. 2b)

These wise men reveal their intention for traveling all the way to Jerusalem--they had come to worship. It is yet

fulfillment of more of Isaiah’s prophecy.

“For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

They well understand through God’s revelation that Christ was no ordinary baby, but was One who was

deserving of worship. He was God incarnate, deity wrapped up in humanity.

Man is a worshiper at heart. Nowhere will you find a human being who does not worship. By our very design,

you and I have been wired to worship. And apart from faith in and redemption through Jesus Christ, man is in

total darkness and worships what He does not know.

Matthew 4:16 - “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region

and shadow of death light has dawned.”

The star shining BRIGHT led the wise men through the NIGHT to worship Heaven’s true LIGHT, the Lord Jesus

Christ!

2. The TROUBLE that wise men were encountering (2:3-8)

“When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all

the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So

they said to him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: But you, Bethlehem, in the land of

Judah, are not the least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you shall come a Ruler who will shepherd My

people Israel.’ Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the

star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when

you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.’”

Unlike the wise men, not everyone was as enthusiastic about worshiping the Christ Child and giving their

allegiance to Him as King.

The CONCERN shown by Herod (v. 3)

“When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.”

7

Every good story has a protagonist, the hero who is also the main character. And, every story has typically has

an antagonist, the one who opposes and is against the main character.

In the Christmas narrative, Herod is the antagonist. There perhaps has never been a more wicked man that

Herod.

The New Testament, as well as secular history, reveals much about Herod. He was a great builder who built

many exquisite buildings in his day, and he was also a very insecure man who was always suspicious of someone

who might compete for his throne.

For the record, the throne wasn’t even his! He was a usurper and a Roman puppet king and had no legitimate

claim to the Davidic throne.

History tells us that his insecurity led him to have his own wife killed. He had his mother-in-law killed. He even

had his sons killed. The Jewish historian Josephus stated that Herod was so concerned that no one would mourn

his death, that he commanded a large group of distinguished men to come, and he gave an order that they

should be killed at the time of his death so that the displays of grief that he craved for himself would take place.

To hear that someone who is born King of the Jews is troublesome to him for he had bought that title from

Rome for himself.

Jesus was a threat to Herod because Herod grasped what was at stake in the birth of Jesus. If what the wise

men were saying was true, than Israel’s true and rightful King had been born and Herod could be dethroned.

Jesus is a real threat to anyone and everyone who wants to reserve the right to run his or her own life. If Jesus is

King, it means you are not. If He is to be enthroned, I am to be dethroned. His enthronement demands my

submission and obedience.

Just like Herod, many do not welcome the news that the real King has come, because it means that they have to

abdicate the throne.

The COUNSELORS sought by Herod (v. 4-6)

“And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where

the Christ was to be born...”

Herod’s men know what the Scriptures said. In fact, they even quote Micah 5:2 which predicted Christ’s birth in

Bethlehem.

They know what the Bible says, but they are indifferent.

Whereas Herod could well represent those who are in opposition to Jesus, these chief priests represent those

who are indifferent to Jesus. In other words, they know what Scripture says about Him, but the weight of it has

not gripped their hearts.

Unlike the wise men, their lives are not motivated by the truth of who Jesus is. It had become ‘second-hand’

truth to them.

Sadly, where there is a BOUNTY of truth you will also find a BOREDOM with truth. When the truth of Christ

becomes commonplace and familiar, our spiritual fires need to be stoked and revival is necessary.

It is not enough to simply know the truth; a person’s life must be transformed and gripped by the truth.

The CRAFTINESS seen in Herod (v. 7-8)

“...And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have

found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”

8

Herod sends the wise men on to Bethlehem, but if he and his counselors were truly interested in worshiping

Christ, they would have accompanied the wise men on the five mile trip there.

Herod had no intention of bowing to the King, but only of preserving his own kingdom.

Mathew 15:8 - “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is

far from Me.”

Actions speak louder than words!

3. The TREASURES that wise men were bringing (2:9-12)

“When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before

them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with

exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His

mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to

Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to

Herod, they departed for their own country another way.”

The Bible says that these wise men brought gifts with them to present to the King. Don’t you find it a bit ironic

that the only gifts that were given on the first Christmas were given to Jesus alone?

Illustration - Could you imagine friends gathering in celebration of your birthday, but instead of bringing gifts to

you, they exchange gifts with everyone BUT you?

How does Jesus feel when we lavish so much on ourselves but give nothing to Him?

Notice in the Scriptures what the Magi present to Jesus, and what each gift represents:

Gold is a gift fit for a KING (v. 11a)

In his lost condition, a man likes to think that he reserves the right to run his own life. He wants to live and do

however he pleases. In his rebellious heart, he thinks of no one but himself and his own sinful inclinations.

The gift of gold reveals that Jesus has come to RULE us.

Frankincense is a gift fit for a PRIEST (v. 11b)

In the Old Testament, frankincense was a fragrance that was used in grain offerings in the temple. Before the

offering was given in worship, it was applied to ensure a sweet smelling aroma.

John MacArthur - “Origen, the church father, suggested that frankincense was the incense of deity. In the Old

Testament it was stored in a special chamber in front of the Temple and was sprinkled on offerings as a symbol

of the people’s desire to please the Lord.”

The gift of frankincense reveals that Jesus has come to REPRESENT us.

Hebrews 4:15 - “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize without weaknesses, but was in all

points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

We have a sympathetic Priest in heaven who understands and cares. He knows what it is like to hurt. He knows

what it is like to be human.

This brings great confidence into our lives.

9

Myrrh is a gift fit for a SACRIFICE (v. 11c)

Of all three gifts presented to Jesus, this gift would have been the most perplexing. Myrrh was an antiseptic that

was used to embalm the dead. When mixed with wine, it was also an anesthetic. It was a fragrance that would

often be applied to a body before burial.

This would have been a strange gift indeed to give a baby! But it is not so strange when you consider the

purpose for which Christ came.

The fragrance of death surrounded His life. He was born to die for the sins of the world. The shadow of

Calvary’s cross falls upon the scene of Bethlehem’s stable.

The gift of myrrh reveals that Jesus has come to REDEEM us.

v. 12 - “Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their

own country another way.”

In other words, they came to Jesus one way, but they left another. Isn’t that what He does best?

What a stark contrast we find in these verses when we look at the lives of the Magi versus the lives of Herod and

his men. The difference is seen in the way they each respond to Christ the King.

Illustration - “Howard Hughes, worth $2.5 billion at his death on April 6, 1976, was once the richest man in the

United States. He owned a fleet of jets, hotels, and casinos. When asked to claim his body, his nearest relative,

a distant cousin, exclaimed, ‘Is this Mr. Hughes?’ He had spent the last 15 years of his life a drug addict, too

weak to even administer the shots to himself. His 6’4” frame had shrunk to 6’1” and he weighed only 90

pounds. Not one single acquaintance or relative mourned his death. The only honor he received was a moment

of silence in his Las Vegas casinos. Time magazine put it this way: ‘Howard Hughes’ death was commemorated

in Las Vegas by a moment of silence. Casinos fell silent. Housewives stood uncomfortable clutching their paper

cups full of coins at the slot machines, the blackjack games paused, and at the crap tables the stickmen cradled

the dice in the crook of their wooden wands. Then a pit boss looked at his watch, leaned forward and

whispered, ‘Ok, roll the dice. He’s had his minute.’”

The way that Hughes lived, the way that Herod before him lived--they lived their lives without Christ, and that’s

no way to live and it is certainly no way to die.

Wise men seek the King, while fools ignore Him. The question, “Who is King?” demands an answer. We all have

a choice to make.

“Jesus the Nazarene” Matthew 2:13-23

In 1905, Charles Gabriel wrote one of my all-time favorite hymns, whose words say:

I stand amazed in the presence, of Jesus the Nazarene; And wonder how He could love me, a sinner,

condemned, unclean! How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be, How marvelous! How

wonderful! Is my Savior’s love for me!

The Bible gives us many wonderful titles for the Lord Jesus. Already in Matthew’s gospel, we have seen Him

presented as the Son of Abraham, the Son of David, and Immanuel or God With Us. Another of those titles is

found in the closing verses of chapter 2, and is the title that Charles Gabriel captured in his hymn--Jesus the

Nazarene.

10

The significance of His name and title is worth paying careful attention to. Jesus the Nazarene is the King who

was rejected and scorned by the very ones He came to save.

John 1:11-13 - “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He

gave the right to become the children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”

Who is Jesus the Nazarene, and what is meant by His title?

1. Jesus is the SUBJECT of great hostility (2:13-15)

“Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, ‘Arise, take

the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the

young Child to destroy Him.’ When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for

Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through

the prophet, saying, ‘Out of Egypt I called My Son.’”

The name ‘Jesus’ has always been the subject of controversy. In casual conversation, you can find yourself

talking easily with people about many things. However, when you mention the name ‘Jesus’ the conversation

changes. Some respond with openness while others will shut you down quick.

There is power in the name of Jesus! It confronts the human conscience and the Holy Spirit powerfully

communicates its truth to the human heart.

John 15:26 - “...the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.”

John 16:8-11 - “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to the Father and you see Me no more;

of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.”

God’s Spirit testifies of the truthfulness of the name of Jesus, and this is the reason why it strikes a chord with

the human heart. That the name of Jesus is the subject of hostility is not only true of our day, but was true in His

day as well. In light of this, notice that Matthew shows us how:

His life was under divine PROTECTION (v. 13)

“...an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph, saying, ‘Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt,

and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.’

The enemy set out to destroy Jesus from His arrival into the world.

Warren Wiersbe - “A person is identified not only by his friends, but also by his enemies.”

Jesus was a threat to Herod because Herod grasped what was at stake in the birth of Jesus. If what the wise

men were saying was true, than Israel’s true and rightful King had been born and Herod could be dethroned.

Jesus is a real threat to anyone and everyone who wants to reserve the right to run his or her own life. The truth

that Jesus is King reveals that you are not. If He is to be enthroned, I am to be dethroned. His enthronement

demands my submission and obedience.

Much can be said from this text about the subject of angelic intervention. An angelic messenger from God

appears to Joseph and instructs him to flee to Egypt for safety’s sake.

The life of Jesus was no ordinary life, and Jesus was no ordinary man. Frequently throughout the gospels we

read of how angels attended to Him.

11

Hebrews 1:4 - “Having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more

excellent name than they.”

It would be difficult for us to gain an accurate understanding of Christ’s life apart from the fact that His life was

surrounded by angels.

Matthew 4:11 - “Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.”

Matthew 26:53 - “Or do you think that I cannot pray now to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than

twelve legions of angels?”

From His birth all the way to the cross, at every point in His life, Jesus was under the protection of angelic hosts.

The enemy and all of hell was opposed to His life, but nothing would thwart the plan of God and the purpose for

which Jesus came into the world.

Jesus is the object of angelic worship.

From our vantage point, it would seem that Christ’s life was under perpetual threat and in constant danger.

From heaven’s vantage point, He was in no danger whatsoever. Providence would have it that God was

orchestrating the events of the gospel narrative, and Herod was powerless to do anything. This should be a

source of great hope and confidence for Christ- followers!

Romans 8:28 - “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are

the called according to His purpose.”

Psalm 34:7 - “The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.”

His life was an answer to detailed PROMISES (v. 14-15)

“When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until

the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying, ‘Out of Egypt I

called My Son.’”

Every detail of Jesus’ life was in fulfillment of OT prophecy.

In verses 13-23, Matthew shows us how this is the case:

• “...that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet” (v. 15)

• “Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet” (v. 17)

• “...that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets” (v. 23)

All of the promises that God made in the OT find their fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. This is significant

because it shows us how God is the original “Promise Keeper.”

Deuteronomy 7:9-10 - “Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant

and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments; and He repays

those who hate Him to their face, to destroy them. He will not be slack with him who hates Him; He will repay

him to his face.”

Kurt DeHaan - “The original language of the Old Testament does not have a specific word for the concept of

promise, but that doesn’t mean the idea isn’t there. The Hebrew words (amar, dabar) that are translated by the

English word ‘promise’ have the meaning of “to say” or “to speak.” When God and others in the Bible speak

about what they will do in the future, the word promise fits well. In each case, the speaker’s word, honor, and

integrity are at stake.”

12

The integrity of the one who promises is on line in the promise. Rest assured that God always stands behind

what He says! He keeps His promises.

This also shows us why the enemy is in opposition of Jesus and all that He represents. In Jesus the promise of

redemption is realized. The enemy wants to accuse God of being a liar, and therefore someone who cannot be

trusted.

2. Jesus is the SYMPATHIZER of our hurts (2:16-18)

“Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and

put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under,

according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by

Jeremiah the prophet, saying: ‘A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel

weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.’”

Herod’s hostility towards Jesus in this text culminates with his decree to have all the baby boys in Bethlehem

slaughtered who are ages two and under.

The TRAGEDY of sinful decisions (v. 16)

“...he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two

years old and under,”

We find it hard to imagine how a ruler of people could be so ruthless, yet this very thing is ongoing in our nation

today with the exception that we call it “choice.”

What about those Bethlehem moms and dads who heard a loud knock at the door that night? Can you imagine

how they must have felt when a soldier barged in the house with a sword in hand with murder on the brain?

And how did those parents feel when their children were torn from their arms and executed mercilessly?

The world we live in is reeling back and forth from the effects of sin. Each time someone’s life is taken by

another, or each time someone is raped, or each time someone is taken advantage of and made a victim by

another PROVES the existence of sin in the world. We are still witnessing the effects of Adam’s original sin in the

world today.

Our sin even leads us to blame God when blame rests with us! God is not the One to blame with sin’s

consequences; the blame belongs to Adam and his descendants.

The answer to the question of God’s love is found in the cross. At the cross, God’s Son dealt with the tragedy

and consequences of sin by becoming man’s substitute.

The TRUTH that comfort can be found (v. 17-18)

“Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: ‘A voice was heard in Ramah,

Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted, because

they are no more.’”

There is a greater fulfillment here than we realize. Matthew is quoting from Jeremiah 31:

Jeremiah 31:15 - “Thus says the Lord: A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping, Rachel

weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.”

This was spoken in reference to Israel’s captivity.

Ramah was a little village that was five miles south of Jerusalem. It was through Ramah that all the captive

slaves of Judah were led to Babylon into captivity. The burial place of Rachel, Jacob’s wife, was not far away

13

from Ramah. The imagery is that Rachel is weeping from her tomb for the pitiful condition of her children being

led away captive.

Matthew takes this passage and applies it to the loss of children. Yet for those who were hurting, the full

context of the Jeremiah passage reveals that comfort can be found:

Jeremiah 31:16-17 - “Thus says the Lord: Refrain your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears; for your

work shall be rewarded, says the Lord, and they shall come back from the land of the enemy. There is hope for

your future, says the Lord, that your children shall come back to their own border.”

With the tragedy, there was a hope to be found.

David Platt - “So when Matthew quotes from Jeremiah, it’s as if he’s saying amidst the bitter tragedy of

Bethlehem, ‘Yes the pain is real, but there is hope for your future, and that hope is here. Jesus has come!’”

Jesus the Nazarene is our hope and the solution for our problem.

3. Jesus is the SAVIOR of all humanity (2:19-23)

“Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, ‘Arise,

take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are

dead.’ Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he

heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being

warned by God in a ream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee. And he came and dwelt in a city called

Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, ‘He shall be called a Nazarene.’”

Matthew shows in verse 23 us how Jesus fulfilled prophecy by being a Nazarene. A couple of things are true of

this title:

It draws us to a PLACE

Nazareth was located in the hills of southern Galilee and was located near the crossroads of well traversed trade

routes. The town was no more than a village, quite small compared to other towns. The people of Nazareth

were frowned upon by the rest of Jewish society because of its rough associations.

This perhaps is what prompted Nathaniel’s remark:

John 1:45-46 - “Philip found Nathaniel and said to him, ‘We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also

so the prophets, wrote--Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’ And Nathaniel said to him, ‘Can anything good

come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’”

It refers us to a PROMISE

Interestingly enough, if you read the Old Testament frontwards and backwards, you will not find this exact

statement. In fact, that Jesus was from Nazareth in Galilee was a cause for stumbling for the religious leaders of

His day.

John 7:52 - “They answered and said to him, ‘Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has

arisen out of Galilee.’”

What is Matthew referring to? Notice that he says, “that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the

prophets,” not ‘prophet.‘ He is not referring to a singular prophecy spoken by a singular prophet. He is referring

to a composite of prophecies. Or, the overarching message of the prophets is that our Savior would be called a

Nazarene.

“Nazareth” - comes from a Hebrew root word that means ‘branch’

14

Several of the OT prophets referred to coming Messiah King as the Branch:

Jeremiah 23:5 - “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, that I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness;

a King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.”

Zechariah 3:8 - “For behold, I am bringing forth My Servant the Branch.”

Isaiah 11:1 - “There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.”

So the word ‘Nazareth’ in Hebrew is a derivative of the Hebrew word that means ‘branch.’ Perhaps this is what

Matthew is wanting us to see--that Jesus is the Branch, the King who was promised to rise from David.

Several chapters later, the prophet Isaiah continues this figure of speech:

Isaiah 53:1-3 - “Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? For He

shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; and

when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him. He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of

sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not

esteem Him.”

The idea is that the Branch would be rejected. He would be despised and rejected by the very ones He came to

save. He would be rejected by men, but accepted by God.

Thus, the title, ‘Jesus the Nazarene,’ is a title showing that He was this Branch, the promised King, who was

rejected by men but approved by God.

Jesus of Nazareth knew what it meant to be rejected by men. As such, He can identify with you and me. Such a

title proves Him to be the Savior of all humanity! He is the Savior of the outcast, the downtrodden, the

despised, and the abandoned. He is the Savior of the one who has made a mess of his or her own life, the one

whom everyone else in the world has written off as a failure.

It brings us to a PERSON

So important was this title, ‘Jesus the Nazarene,’ that God saw to it that it was the title given to Jesus that was

attached to the cross.

John 19:19 - “Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE

KING OF THE JEWS.”

Jesus the Nazarene was rejected so that you could be accepted. He carried your sin, bore your shame, and wore

your disgrace on the cross so that you could possess His life.

The cross did not conquer Jesus of Nazareth; Jesus of Nazareth conquered the cross! How do we know this?

On the road to Emmaus, two of Jesus’ followers were walking and conversing about the things that had

transpired in Jerusalem. A Stranger appeared on the road and walked with them a ways and asked them why

they were sad:

Luke 28:18-20 - “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have not known the things which happened there

in recent days? And He said to them, ‘What things?’ So they said to Him, ‘The things concerning JESUS OF

NAZARETH, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how the chief

priests delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him.’”

Listen to their dejected spirit and hopelessness in their words:

Luke 28:21 - “But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today

is the third day since these things happened.”

15

What they didn’t realize was that something amazing, something truly more amazing than anything that had

ever taken place before happened on that third day! The Stranger said:

Luke 28:25-27 - “‘O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not

the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?’ And beginning at Moses and all the

Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.”

God raised Jesus of Nazareth from the dead!

Rejected by men, he was crucified. Approved by God, He was resurrected. Now, those who are despised and

rejected can come to Him and find acceptance and forgiveness and eternal life.

From the passage, we learn of Jesus:

1--He is the subject of great hostility, and in following Him you will face rejection in the world.

2--He is the sympathizer of our hurts, and no matter what we face in this life, He is our strength.

3--He is the Savior of all humanity, and in Him alone can we find life and salvation.

16

KINGDOM COME: STUDY OF BOOK OF MATTHEW

LESSON 1: MATTHEW 1-2

Before you begin the study, pray for God to open your heart and mind to what He has for you and to

quiet all else. As you complete the Bible readings, ask yourself: What does this tell me about God/Jesus, what

does it tell me about myself and what am I going to do about it (life application)?

DAY ONE

1. What will you ask God to show you through the book of Matthew? It will be interesting to look back at

this question as you proceed through the study. The gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) teach us

how Jesus lived and how He, in turn, instructs us to do so.

2. Read through the notes. What encouraged or challenged you?

DAY TWO

3. Read Matthew 1:17. Consider that Matthew was primarily speaking to a Jewish crowd who had knowledge

of the Old Testament prophecies given centuries before they were fulfilled. (Aren’t we thankful that Gentiles,

non-Jews, were also included in God’s gift of salvation, Romans 11.) The Jews would see the genealogy

of Jesus as ripe with fulfillment. In the genealogy recorded in Matthew 1:17, we discover the fulfillment of

several Old Testament (OT) prophecies. Read the following OT verses. Jesus was from the line of Abraham

(Genesis 12:3), Isaac (Genesis 26:4), Jacob (Genesis 28:14), Judah (Genesis 49:8–12), Jesse (Isaiah 11:1),

and David (Isaiah 9:7). After you’ve read the verses noted above, as a Jew or a Gentile, why is Jesus’ genealogy

and fulfilled prophecy important to you personally? Can you recall a promise given in scripture that’s most

important to you today? (Consider one of these: Ephesians 1:6, Matthew 11:28, Psalm 103:17, Psalm 30:5,

Isaiah 41:10, 1 Peter 1:3, 2 Corinthians 5:17)

4. We are reading history--the most important true history lesson there is. Take the time to read through

Matthew 1:1-17 again, noting the names mentioned. Do you know the history of these people? Included are

every imaginable people group—all sinners just like us. Let’s look at the women, especially considering that

women had little value or rights in society at the time of Jesus’ birth and would not typically be included in royal

lineage. Tamar (Genesis 38), Rahab (Joshua 2, 6:17), Ruth (Ruth 1, 4:13-17), Mary (Luke 1:26-56). Not only is

this genealogy history but it is also a true story full of grace and redemption. How does their inclusion in this

special genealogy encourage you? As a woman, looking at these women’s lives and inclusion in Jesus’ genealogy,

what could Jesus be saying to you through these verses and the attributes represented through these women?

5. Judges 2:10 says “After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up,

who knew neither the Lord nor what He had done for Israel.” ... If current followers of Christ aren't well-

versed in scripture (knowing prophecy & God’s promises like those in Matthew) and are not sharing their faith

in Jesus Christ, what do you think the world will look like? Who can you share Jesus with this week and commit

to pray for their hearts and eyes to be opened to the truth of Jesus Christ? Considering the next generation,

maybe your own family, does this encourage you to spend more time in God's Word to know Him more

personally?

DAY THREE

6. Read Genesis 12:2-3 (God speaking to Abraham) which correlates with genealogy in Matthew 1: 1-5.

Today, God has a covenant with you, He has given you a promised inheritance and wants to use you for His

purpose. Thinking back to the first promise to Abraham and now to you-take a moment to write praise to Him.

God made a promise through Abraham to bring salvation to the world through Jesus and Abraham’s seed. Read

2 Samuel 7:12- 13 along with 2 Samuel 11 which correlates with genealogy in Matthew 1:6-15. King David

was a sinner just like us. Why is it important that Jesus is the son of David and the son of Abraham (Genesis 12:3,

2 Samuel 7:16)? Humbly looking at yourself, how does this inclusion encourage you that God wants to use you

and can redeem your sins. What does all this mean to your daily life?

7. Read Matthew 1: 18-25 along with Luke 1:26-56. Put yourself in the story, think of Mary and Joseph.

What do their responses and actions show about them? What most would you like to emulate and how does

this encourage you today in whatever you may be asked to do?

8. Consider Matthew 1:18b (she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit) and Isaiah 7:14, as well as the

names given to Mary’s son (Matthew 1:18, 1:21 and 1:23). Do you know Mary’s son personally?

9. If so…Knowing God is with us; Knowing we have received the power of the Holy Spirit (read Acts 2:1-41), how

can living believing you are saved and have the power of the Holy Spirit change the way you live daily? In the Old

Testament, God encouraged His people to build altars (Genesis 35:2-8, Exodus 17:14-16) to offer Him praise, to

remember all God had done—from what has He saved you, redeemed you from?

10. If you do not know Jesus, would you consider talking to someone today and praying to Jesus to know Him

personally as Savior and Lord of your life?

11. Looking at Matthew 1:18-25, let’s learn something from the prophecies fulfilled in the birth of Christ which not

only helps us get to know Jesus, but also ourselves in relationship with Him. Note what you learn after reading

Matthew along with Genesis 3:15, Genesis 49:8-12, Psalm 2:7, Isaiah 7:14, and Isaiah 9:6-7. The Bible not only

accurately predicts specific detailed events (prophecies) years, even centuries, before they occur, but 2,000 out

of approximately 2,500 prophecies have already been fulfilled exactly. How does this encourage you in God’s

faithfulness?

DAY FOUR

12. Read Matthew 2:1-2 with Luke 2:1-20. At the birth of Christ, we find every social class represented. What does

this tell you about Jesus’ inclusivity of the Gospel? And, knowing this, are there any people or people groups you

need to clear your heart towards and pray for their salvation as well as for you to see them the way God does?

13. Read Matthew 2:1- with Daniel 2:48. Pastor Brandon noted, “For we all know, it could very well be that because

of Daniel’s witness, the eastern magi came to learn much about the character and purposes of the God of Israel.

Your witness for Jesus matters more than you think it does!” Who did God use to witness to you which

encouraged you to ask, as the magi did, “where is the King, how can I find the King?” Have you thanked God for

that person’s witness lately or taken the time to write a note to that person? Today, who could you witness to

for Jesus?

14. When Jesus was born, He was born King of the Jews (Matthew 2:2). King. Each of us were born into different

lives and may feel negatively labeled. Through salvation, you being reborn as child of the King, how has this or

how should it change your perspective on who you are (consider John 1:12, John 15:15, Romans 3:24,

Romans 6:6, Romans 8:17, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 2 Corinthians 2:14, Galatians 5:1, Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 1:7,

Ephesians 2:10)?

15. Read Matthew 2:38. Pastor Brandon shared, “Jesus is a real threat to anyone and everyone who wants to

reserve the right to run his or her own life. If Jesus is King, it means you are not. If He is to be enthroned,

I am to be dethroned. His enthronement demands my submission and obedience.” We are a prideful people,

search your heart—are you allowing Him to rule? Thinking of a time when life seemed difficult and

out of control, how has knowing God is in control and you aren’t encouraged you or challenged you to wait on

the Lord and not ‘take over?’

16. Read Matthew 2:9-12. In the world’s eyes, the magi were an elevated people yet the magi humbly traveled to

worship a newborn baby in a manger because of who this baby was. What does this show you about worship

and humility in not only worshipping Jesus but how Jesus expects us to interact with people? These verses

indicate the treasures the Magi brought as gifts to Jesus. How do you think Jesus feels when we lavish so much

on ourselves but give nothing to Him? What treasure could you give Him today?

DAY FIVE

17. Note Matthew 2:11b. The Magi brought frankincense as one of their gifts to Jesus. Pastor Brandon tells us that

the gift of frankincense reveals that Jesus has come to represent us. Read Hebrews 4:14-16. What stands out to

you and how does this encourage you today?

18. Read Matthew 2:11-12. Pastor Brandon notes that the gift of myrrh reveals that Jesus has come to redeem us.

Jesus has not only redeemed us from sin and death but wants redemption to continue as we daily die to self.

How is the magi’s obedience an example to you? How do you respond to Jesus’ words and warnings?

19. Considering Pastor Brandon’s notes and the verses Matthew 2:9-12, what do these gifts teach you? Imagine

Jesus sitting in a chair in your home each morning waiting for you to speak to Him, to spend time with Him. How

will you react to Him this week? What gets in the way of time spent with Him and how can you pray about it?

20. Read Psalm 91 as you consider the verses you’ve read previously in Matthew and Luke which show God’s

protection of Mary, Joseph, Jesus and the magi. How does this encourage you today knowing that you can

depend on the same?

DAY SIX

21. Read Matthew 2:13-23 paying special attention to Joseph’s reaction to God’s instruction. Today, Jesus is still

appearing to people in dreams, still speaking to us through His word which is alive, powerful and active

(Hebrews 4:12), and through prayer or other ways. Do you know when God is speaking to you? If so, what is

your reaction to Him? If you are not immediately obedient like Joseph, how can you seek Him today to deal

with this matter? As you have seen through this week’s study, the Lord is kind. He provides for us, loves us and

knows us. (If you do not know when God is speaking to you, will you seek Him now, asking Him to quiet you and

open your awareness to Him like never before?)

22. Read Matthew 2:16-18. Today, sadly, there are not only chosen abortions but forced abortions. Today, there

are an estimated 29.8 million people living in modern-day slavery. Every day, a murder occurs, mass murders, or

genocide. Life is devalued today. How God’s heart must grieve. Stop now and pray for how you can show grace,

love and hope to people—how you can share Jesus to this hurting world. Pray even for the murderers or

traffickers. Jesus came for them too and has the amazing love and grace which offers forgiveness and

redemption for any soul. Maybe there’s someone in your life that you think is ‘too far gone.’ Maybe you are

looking at the person instead of the sin. Stop now and pray.

23. Read Matthew 2:19-23. “So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: ‘He will be called a Nazarene.’”

A number of prophecies have been fulfilled in this lesson alone. Seeing how God orchestrated this prophecy and

knowing that He cares for the details of your life—today God can orchestrate your future for your good and His

glory (Romans 8:28-30, Matthew 10:29-31), how does this change the way you are praying or thinking

about your life?