October 3: Matthew 2, Luke 2:39-52

October 3, Matthew 2, Luke 2:39-52

Matthew & Luke continued…

Matthew 2 Let’s just be honest, this chapter affirms the fact that God is in control - just look at all of the prophecies fulfilled!

After Jesus was born, king Herod was reigning Israel & Judah. Some wise men from the east, often called magi, came seeking the King of the Jews. The reason they inquired is that they studied the stars through the lens of Old Testament prophecy and knew a King had been born - from Numbers 24:17, “a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel…” They saw the star and knew a King had been born. Herod was furious, because he was king and didn't want his throne to be threatened. Herod gets his cronies together to seek wisdom on what to do and was trying to figure out where the Christ was born. Herod tried to trick the wise men and told them to go search for Jesus and when they find Jesus to tell Herod so that he too may worship Him. So, they rose and went on their way and when God revealed the star to them again they were filled with great joy. There they went and saw Jesus with Mary. They fell down and worshipped Him and gave Jesus very expensive gifts. “And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.” God will always have His way!

After they left an angel came to Joseph at night and told him to flee to Egypt because Herod wanted to kill Jesus - so, the angel to them to stay put until the angel told them otherwise. This fulfilled another prophecy about Egypt! Joseph obeyed. 

Meanwhile, Herod gets insanely jealous and knew he was tricked by the wise men. He had all the male babies under 2 years old killed in Bethlehem and its surrounding areas. Yes, that is absolutely horrific, and it also fulfilled more prophecy. Herod was famous for being cruel and cold. (As a side note on his lineage… His son will be the one who killed John the Baptist and his grandson who killed James and his great grandson was the one in charge when Paul was tried in court)

The angel then directs Joseph to go to Nazareth because those who wanted to kill Jesus were dead. More prophecy fulfilled!

Luke 2:39-52 Jesus was growing up and the favor of God was upon Him. Every year Joseph & Mary went to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. When Jesus was 12, he went along with them. After the celebration, they all went on their way home, all but Jesus of course. They noticed he was gone, so they turned around and went back to look for Him. 3 days later, they found him in the temple - listening to the teachers and asking profound questions. All who heard Jesus were amazed at His understanding. When His parents found Him, they were astonished and questioned why He had stayed behind. Jesus replied that He was supposed to be in His Father’s House! Even though they didn't understand what He meant, Mary treasured all of these things up in her heart. They went home together and Jesus increased in wisdom and had God’s favor (and mans too).

To sum it all up: 

• I am not sure if you fully grasp how cool it is that all of these prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus. It is truly staggering and amazing. 
• If you have lived in America for more than a couple of years I am sure that you have heard all the stories about the birth of Jesus. When we read it together, I hope that you're seeing how incredible all of these miracles are
• . Never forget, we only see in part. Do not assume that you know the whole picture. Like Mary, even though she did not understand all that Jesus was doing in the temple at a young age, she treasured it up in your heart. Never miss an opportunity treasure what God is doing.