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KEY VERSE:
Matthew 2:1 (ESV)
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem,
Introduction:
There are three main elements in this verse:
1. Jesus
2. Herod
3. The wise men We shall learn about them today.
I. JESUS
Matthew 2:1 (ESV)
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea …
A. Jesus’ birth was in Bethlehem of Judea. Bethlehem was about 6 miles south of Jerusalem. Jesus’ birth in the Judea region marks him as being from the tribe of Judah and from the city that produced the Davidic kings.
Micah 5:2
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.
B. We know that at the arrival time of the wise men, Jesus was about 2 years old because;
1. Herod ordered the execution of all boys 2 years and younger.
Matthew 2:16
2. Jesus and his family had moved out of the stable and into a house. Matthew 2:11
3. Matthew describes Jesus as a child instead of a baby in verse 2:11.
Matthew 2:11
And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him.
II. HEROD.
Matthew 2:1 (ESV)
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king,
A. This Herod is Herod the First. Or Herod the Great. And is one of many Herods mentioned in the NT.
B. His first role over the Jews was that of PERFECT (civil/military official). Over time Herod manipulated the authorities in Rome to appoint him King of the Jews.
Luke 6:46
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?
C. Herod’s appointment to King of the Jews was done by Man, not God. Jesus is the true King of the Jews.
D. Herod was NOT a descendent of King David.
E. Herod had no REGAL right to rule from David’s Thrown.
Psalm 89:4
‘I will establish your offspring forever, and build your throne for all generations.’” Selah
F. Herod was not a descendent of Abraham and therefore not even a Jewish.
G. Herod had no LEGAL right to rule from David’s Thrown.
H. Herod was a ruthless power hungry tyrant.
I. Immediately after assuming title of King he killed many of his would be opposes.ays.
7. Worry. They believe that no matter what God says, things won’t work out for the better.
III. THE WISE MEN
A. The bible never tells us that there were only 3 wise men who visited Jesus. Only that they presented 3 gifts.
B. The times were dangerous and people traveled in large groups for protection.
C. These wise men, were actually referred to as magi. Magi studied astrology, astronomy, mathematics, agriculture and even the occult.
D. They must have been of high stature because they had access to King Herod.
A. The wise men knew who Jesus was.
B. Herod knew Jesus only as an earthly King. Not Messiah.
C. The Wise men showed reverence for Jesus.
D. Herod showed contempt.
E. The wise men wanted to bring Christ gifts.
F. Herod wanted to bring Christ Death.
G. Herod wanted to find Jesus so that he could Kill Him.
H. The wise men traveled over 1000 miles to worship Jesus.
Conclusion:
In this one verse, Matthew gives us the birthplace of Christ, the false appointment of a king and a might display of reverence for Jesus as the true King.