Matthew - Week 4

The Star of Bethlehem 

READ 

Matthew 2:1-2 

1 Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” 

This passage tells of the specific place and time of Jesus’s birth. Jesus has always existed but this was the time when He took on the form of humanity and was born of the virgin Mary. Wise men from the east came looking for Him and asked where they might find Him. They referred to Him as “the newborn king of the Jews.” This could not have been good news to King Herod. Plus, the wise men wanted to worship Jesus; no one had done that for Herod. 

REFLECT 

Perhaps you are familiar with the story of the birth of Jesus, but think on the details mentioned and what it must have meant to King Herod at the time. 

RESPOND 

Meet with a fellow believer and study the story about the birth of Jesus in detail to learn more about what took place at that time. Imagine that you were there. 

Where Was He Born? 

READ 

Matthew 2:3-4 

3 King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. 4 He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” 

Not only was King Herod troubled about the news of a newborn king of the Jews, but also “everyone in Jerusalem.” Herod called those who knew the Jewish scriptures and asked where Jesus was supposed to be born. At least Herold knew enough to ask those who knew the Jewish scriptures. His interest was at a high level and he wanted all the details he could get about the birth of this rival king. 

REFLECT 

What if someone asked you today where the Old Testament tells of the place where Jesus would be born? Do you know a verse you could turn to? 

RESPOND 

Make it your desire to look up references in the Old Testament when you are studying the New Testament. Whether looking online or having a Bible with notes, verses in the Old Testament will be alluded to as you read the New Testament. Take the time to look up these Old Testament verses and you will grow in your knowledge of the Word of God. 

And You O Bethlehem 

READ 

Matthew 2:5-6 

5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: 6 ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’” 

Matthew records the verse to which the religious leaders pointed. Micah 5:2 was the verse they cited that records the words of the prophet about the birthplace of the Messiah. King Herod now had more information about where this newborn king of the Jews could be found. At this point, one wonders what he has in mind. 

REFLECT 

If you read Micah 5:2, would it make you think of the coming Messiah? This is an example of how some Old Testament prophecies are seen to be fulfilled in the New Testament. 

RESPOND 

As you read Micah 5:2 you will see it does not just refer to Bethlehem, but to “Bethlehem Ephrathah.” Some point out there were two Bethlehems in the time of Jesus. This passage is specific, however, as to which is meant. This Bethlehem was about six miles south of Jerusalem.  

Go to Bethlehem and See 

READ 

Matthew 2:7-8 

7 Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. 8 Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” 

Herod needed to know how long ago it was when the wise men first saw the star. On learning that he told them to go to Bethlehem and “search carefully for the child.” Herod wanted to be sure he had the correct rival in his sights. He feigned spirituality when he asked the wise men to report to him so he could worship the child also.  

REFLECT 

Have you known some who have pretended to be spiritual when making an excuse? 

RESPOND 

With a friend, read the story about how Jacob deceived his father and claimed it was enabled because of the Lord working on his behalf. See the story in Genesis 27:18-20.  

Gifts We Bring 

READ 

Matthew 2:9-11 

9 After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! 11 They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 

The wise men went their way after King Herod interviewed them to learn how long ago it was that they first saw the star in the east. Notice that Jesus was now in a house so this indicates some time had passed since His birth. The wise men are often thought of as three in number because they presented three gifts to Jesus. The Bible does not say how many wise men there were. In addition, they likely traveled with a large group accompanying them.  

REFLECT 

Have you thought about the number of the wise men? The three gifts were gold, frankincense and myrrh.  

RESPOND 

With a friend, thank the Lord for what we know about the birth and early days of the Lord Jesus. God inspired these words to be written in the Bible to inform people about the incarnation of His only son who had existed with Him from eternity past. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 that tells of God breathing out the Scriptures and what they are beneficial for.