The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 2:1-23

The Gospel of Matthew The Visit of the Wise Men: 2:1-12 Who were the wise men? What is said about the star? Micah’s prophecy Visit to Jesus

The Gospel of Matthew The Visit of the Wise Men: 2:1-12 Gr. magoi - Properly, a Medean, then one the class of magicians, and interpreters of dreams & signs. LXX – evil: Dt 18:11; good: Dan 5:11. (See Dan 4:37; 6:25-28). – These may have been those from the east (Gentile or Jew) influenced by Daniel’s leadership of the magoi and someway knew how to interpret the star’s meaning.

The Gospel of Matthew The Visit of the Wise Men: 2:1-12 “His star” cf. Daniel 9:21-25; Joel 2:30. Something may have been revealed to Daniel about this as an indication of the coming Messiah. – Gr. v 2 “In the east” or “in its rising.” – v 9 “Went before” or “stood over.” Regular star? Alignment of planets in portion of sky?

The Gospel of Matthew The Visit of the Wise Men: 2:1-12 Micah 5:2. “have been from everlasting.” – “Shepherd His people” cf. I Pet 5:4 “Chief Shepherd.” “In the house” (vs 11). cf. Lk 2:7,12. – Some time has passed. cf. vs. 16 – 2 years? – Gifts of great honor (vs. 11).

The Gospel of Matthew The Escape into Egypt: 2:13-23 Joseph’s Dream The Slaughter in Bethlehem Herod’s Character Return to Nazareth

The Gospel of Matthew The Escape into Egypt: 2:13-23 Wise men warned (vs 12) – Joseph warned (vs. 13). “Out of Egypt I called my Son” Hosea 11:1 Talking about Israel as a nation. Example of immediate and long term (or dual) prophecy.

The Gospel of Matthew The Escape into Egypt: 2:13-23 Herod’s Character (vs 12) – Killed family members. Macrobius in his Saturnalia says Augustus, when he heard about the slaughter which included his own son, said “it was better to be his sow (Gr. hus) than his son (Gr. Huios).” (ii.4.11). Places it in Syria. Return to Nazareth (vs 23) – cf Luke 2:4, 39.

The Gospel of Matthew Next Week: Matthew 3:1-17