The Ealry Life of Jesus- Matthew 03

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The Early Life of Jesus

Matthew 2

The wise men's search after Christ. (1-8)

• Jesus was born, as prophesied, in the town of David.
• A large family was there, the inn was not a stable, and it was not a silent night.
• It was later on that that the wise men came to worship a baby Messiah of Israel.
• “Wise men from the east?” Who were these “wise men?” Much speculation is shared, but we only know one thing for sure; whether it be astronomical, or an angel(Revelation 1:20, Matthew 2:9-“went” and “stood over” most likely and angel), God had made the birth of His “only begotten son” known to these men. Only begotten, not only-Exodus 4:22, Acts 13:33-34
• Note: Christmas songs label these as “3 kings,” but we do not know the number and they are not called kings. Greek is used today by many to try and change biblical words or contexts for personal agendas. Magi is the Greek word usually debated over, but do not lose the emphasis of the reason of their coming; wise, being also wealthy, Gentiles from another country were receptive of Jewish promise, whereas Israel would continuously reject their King.
• Herod was set on killing the “competition.”

The wise men worship Jesus. (9-12)

• “And when they were come into the house,” gives us clarity that the wise men were not present at the birth of Jesus, but had come possibly up to 2 years later. (Matthew 2:16)
• They present Jesus with 3 gifts of much value, but once again, we do not have biblical reason to give the purpose or meaning of the gifts given to Him. Speculation needs to be left out of bible study, especially if you are teaching a lesson as truth. We know that these men, being from the context, Gentiles,  had as in many other references- Blesses Israel (Rahab, Canaanite woman, and Cornelius)
• The wise men never went back to report to Herod.

 Jesus carried into Egypt. (13-15)

• Although we know, due to the revelation of the mystery, God’s purpose to bring salvation to the world by means of the cross, God had to maneuver Joseph by dreams to fulfill His purpose. Ephesians 3:4-6
• There was also a necessity for Jesus to die for the New Covenant, but it all had to be according to God’s plan and purpose. Hebrews 9
• This was all according to the plan though- Hosea 11:1

Herod causes the infants of Bethlehem to be massacred. (16-18)

• Even the slaying of the children had been predicted.

 Death of Herod, Jesus brought to Nazareth. (19-23)

• Despite the rapid travel of the early years in the life of Christ, coming to Nazareth fulfilled another prophecy.
  The events in the early years of the life of Jesus show nothing less than the wisdom and purpose of God!

Timeline of the Early Years of Jesus’ Life

                                                                              Matthew    Luke     John

Pre-existence of Christ								1:1-18
Genealogy of Jesus through Joseph		1:1-17
Genealogy of Jesus through Mary						3:23-38
Gabriel announces John's birth						1:1-25
Gabriel visits Mary						1:26-38
Mary visits Elizabeth, John's mother						1:39-56
Birth of John the Baptist						1:57-80
Angel visits Joseph in a dream		1:18-25
Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem						2:1-7
Shepherds visit Jesus						2:8-20
Circumcision of Jesus						2:21
Jesus presented in the Temple						2:22-38
Wise men bring gifts		2:1-12
Joseph's family escapes to Egypt		2:13-15
Herod's wrath on Bethehem's children		2:16-18
Joseph's family settles in Nazareth		2:19-23				2:39