1. The Life of Christ – Lesson 2
The birth of Jesus
Presentation in the temple
Visit of the wise men
Flight to Egypt and return to Jerusalem
Jesus’ visit to Jerusalem at age 12
The Life of Christ – Lesson 2

2. Matthew 2 - Prophecy fulfilled
Matthew Chapter two revolves around four fulfillments connected with four geographical locations in the life of Jesus:
Fulfillment
Location
Reference
Jesus’ birthplace
Bethlehem
Micah 5:2
Jesus’ refuge
Egypt
Hosea 11:1
Death of children
Jeremiah 31:15
Jesus’ home
Nazareth
* “Prophets”
If Matthew has in mind this use of Nazraios, to mean that the Messiah would be a holy one, set apart unto God, we find this idea running throughout the OT (cf. Ps. 16:10; Isa. 10:17 and in the NT Mark 1:24; Acts 2:27; 3:14). Jerome, in his commentary on Matthew wrote: If he was intending to show a fixed Scripture, he would not have said, “that which was spoken through the prophets,” but simply, “that which was spoken through the prophet.” However, as it is, speaking of “prophets” plural, he shows that he is not
choosing the words of Scripture, but the sense. Nazarene is interpreted “holy.” That the Lord would be holy, all Scripture relates (2:23, Pope). 5

3. Matthew 2:1-12 The visit of the magi/wise men
“… name given … to the wise men, teachers, priests, physicians, astrologers, seers, interpreters of dreams, augers, soothsayers, sorcerers etc.” (Thayer) Deuteronomy 18:11; Daniel 5:11
Worldly assumptions –
Names, nationality, number (3?; verse 11), function, social status, or exact timing.
We’re not told any of that information …

4. Matthew 2:1-12 The visit of the magi/wise men
When did these events take place? Not while Jesus lay in a manger! They visited “the Child with Mary” in a house.
Consider the scope of Herod’s order to slay all the male children in the vicinity of Bethlehem who were 2 years or less “according to the time he had determined from the magi.” (Matthew 2:16)
Sought to know where “the King of the Jews” had been born.
They had seen “His star” (King of the Jews) in the east. How did they know? cf. Romans 10:17

5. Matthew 2:1-12 The visit of the magi/wise men
They sought to “worship Him.” Ascription of deity. Deuteronomy 6:13
Had to come to them by revelation – either through prophecy or direct revelation.
This is the real point here – the worship and praise due the Messiah.

6. Matthew 2:1-12 The visit of the magi/wise men
Verse 3 – Herod and all Jerusalem “troubled.” Stirred, disquieted, agitated, restless … Why? Different reasons?
Herod’s intentions are revealed in verses 7-8,
All Jerusalem?
Verses 4-6 – Herod gathered the chief priests and scribes – where was the Messiah to be born?
Did they know? Verses 5-6

7. Matthew 2:1-12 The visit of the magi/wise men
Three reactions to Jesus –
Herod’s reaction.
Hostility - “Troubled” (verse 3) and “enraged” (verse 16); why? Does that ever happen to us? Feigned worship … temptation to worship for wrong reasons?

8. Matthew 2:1-12 The visit of the magi/wise men
Three reactions to Jesus –
Chief Priests’ and Scribes’ reaction –
Indifference - No reaction noted! Why weren’t they excited? Why didn’t they drop everything to go find the Messiah? Were they distracted and uninterested? They later progressed to “hostility.”

9. Matthew 2:1-12 The visit of the magi/wise men
Three reactions to Jesus –
The shepherds, magi, Simeon, and Anna
A sense of urgency. Humbly sought to worship and praise God.
God’s true servants aren’t always who we’d think they’d be.