When Jesus, the promised Messiah king of God’s chosen people, was born, the country was under the control of the Roman government and Herod, who had been appointed as king in the capital Jerusalem. Also there were the religious leaders of the people. When they heard Jesus was born, were they happy to hear the news? No, they were “troubled.” Why? The babe was a threat to their place of power and importance.
As you read Matthew’s Gospel, pay attention to how often Old Testament prophets are quoted to show to the people living then and us now that Jesus is God’s Savior for man and that the Bible is God’s inspired Word and not the word of man. It would have been impossible for man to write a book telling such details about when, where and how Jesus would be born and live and preach and die. His manner of death was foretold long before death by crucifixion was invented.
The first to seek Him with right hearts were not His own people but “wise men” from a far country. The Holy Scriptures said He would be born in Bethlehem. The wise men were guided by a star to the house where He was. In Matthew they are the first recorded to get to see Him. And what is the first thing they do? They worship Him and give Him gifts. We wish every person who seeks Him for the first time in their heart would do the same.
Herod was not only troubled, but he also soon wanted to “seek the young child to destroy Him.” Man is no match for God. God, who knows all things at all times, knew what Herod was thinking and planning. He tells Joseph to take the child and His mother to live in Egypt. This he does until Herod dies. Then he is told to return to Israel. This he does. When he hears Herod’s son is the new king, he does not go back to where he had lived before, but he goes to Nazareth. He didn’t know it, but he was fulfilling a prophecy that Jesus would be called a Nazarene.
1. The rulers of Israel were __________ when they heard that Jesus was born. Matthew 2:___
2. The __________ recorded many things about the birth, life and death of Jesus long before His coming. Matthew 2:___
3. One prophet foretold that Jesus would be born in the little town of __________. Matthew 2:___
4. When the wise men first met Jesus, they __________ Him. Matthew 2:___
5. Jesus lived the first years of His life in what country? __________ Matthew 2:___