Summary:
The Visit of the Magi
Verses 1-12
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea (a variant of Judah), during King Herod's reign. The Magi came from the east to Jerusalem, asking for the king of the Jews, because they'd seen His star in the east and wanted to worship Him. Herod and Jerusalem were disturbed at this news. He called the chief priests and law teachers, asking where Christ would be born. They quoted the prophecy in Micah 5:2 -
" 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.' " (Verse 6)
Herod took the Magi aside to ask for the exact time of the star's appearance. He told them to let him know when they found the child, so he could go worship Him. The star led the Magi to Christ, and the Magi were overjoyed when they saw the star. They found Mary and the baby. They worshiped Him and gave Him gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh. They were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, so they went home a different way.
The Escape to Egypt
Verses 13-18
An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. He was instructed to flee with his family to Egypt, because Herod was planning to kill Christ. Joseph obeyed and they fled in the night. When Herod realized he'd been outsmarted by the Magi, he was furious and ordered the death of all boys in Bethlehem, ages two and under, based on the timeline that he had received from the Magi. By this, the prophecy in Jeremiah 31:15 was fulfilled.
" 'A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.' " (Verse 18)
The Return to Nazareth
Verses 19-23
Once Herod died, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him to take his family and return to Israel because those threatening Christ's life were dead. This fulfilled the prophecy in Hosea 11:1 - " 'Out of Egypt, I called my son.' " (Verse 15b) Joseph obeyed. He heard that Herod's son Archelaus was on the throne, and he feared to go there. He was warned in a dream to go instead to Galilee. So, Joseph and his family moved to a town called Nazareth. This fulfilled what the prophets had said: " 'He will be called a Nazarene.' " (Verse 23b)
Lori's Thoughts:
This chapter provides evidence that God has a plan. Not only does He have a plan, but He sticks to it. He promised the Israelite prophets that He would send 1/3 of Himself to become human and to become the ultimate sacrifice for everyone. They wouldn't need to continue making burnt offerings, fellowship offerings, burning of incense, etc. And these prophecies were fulfilled. After Christ returned to heaven, prophecies have been made of a second coming, when His children will be brought home with Him and a new heaven and earth will be made. Do you believe it? Tap into your measure of faith that Christ deposited to each of us.
By faith and the study of God's word, the Magi traveled to Jerusalem to find the Messiah. By faith, they avoided King Herod. By faith, Joseph followed God's instructions sent to him through an angel speaking in his dreams. He didn't dismiss them as just a dream. He knew God's voice. By faith, Mary believed and followed her husband, as their family's spiritual leader.
For those of you with children, I'm sure you know how challenging it can be to travel with them. I'm sure it wasn't easy for them to move a lot, while knowing their lives were in danger. But, they obeyed God's instructions in faith and were saved.
I believe that God held the mothers that lost their children because of Herod. I believe He had plans to counsel them and restore them. I believe He will lead me in accordance with His will, no matter what comes.
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