DELIGHTING in the LORD

The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord s perfections and meditating in his temple. Psalm 27:4 DAY 1: Overview of the Presentation of the King Matthew 2: Prophecy Fulfilled: Preservation of the King Jesus is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. As we will see today in our study, He is the fulfillment of hundreds of Old Testament prophecies announcing the birth of our Savior. As His birth and title, (King of the Jews), were being revealed, much opposition and anger was aroused, as King Herod s livlihood and position were being threatened. Little did Herod understand that as Satan was working to bring forth evil through Herod s own actions, prophecy was being fulfilled and God triumphed through the opposition. Jesus was heralded as the King and Mary and Joseph s faith was strengthened. The new covenant was being brought forth to the Jews and the Gentiles and Jesus life would be preserved and protected bringing forth the Messiah out of Egypt. When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son. Hosea 11:1 R RECEIVING God s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 2:1-23 Today s Scripture Focus: Matthew 2:1-23 E EXPERIENCING God s Word Before we go too deep into all of the details, let s look over the chapter as a whole and get an idea of what is happening and who is being introduced. Matthew gives almost no details about Jesus s birth and moves right into the honor given to him and also the hostility against him. Who gave him honor? Who brought hostility? What do you think was Matthew s reason for describing this? There are many people being introduced in Chapter 2. List the people as you read about them and summarize their reaction to Jesus birth. Person/People Reaction Why do you think this was their reaction? 1. 2. 3. 4. Matthew Chapter 2 Day 1

Now let s look at the timing of these events. When did all of these things take place? V. 1 How long do you think they took place after Jesus birth? What clues do you find in the text? V.11 V.11 V.16 Read Luke 2:22-24 and Leviticus 12:1-4 How many days would have passed between Jesus birth and the presentation of the sacrifice? A lamb would have been customary as the sacrifice offering, but two pigeons could be offered up in lieu of a lamb if the family was poor. Going back to the timing of this account and Jesus age at the time, did the wise men arrive before the sacrifice or after? Why do you think so and what does this have to do with the sacrifice that was offered and Mary and Joseph s financial status? Now let s look at where this is all happening. Note the different locations in which this chapter takes place and refer to the attached map to get an understanding of the distances between each. 1. 2. 3. 4. Matthew Chapter 2 Day 1

Mary, Joseph and Jesus did a lot of traveling in a short time period. The distance between Bethlehem and the closest point in Egypt is about 250 miles. And then it was approximately 217 miles from Egypt to Nazareth. This was traveled by foot and possibly by the aide of a donkey for Mary and Jesus. It is believed that when traveling by foot the average distance covered is 4-7 miles in a day. The travel time alone would have taken approximately 66 days total. Based on all of this, approximately how old was Jesus believed to be at the time of the wise men s visit and the events of Chapter 2? Compare and Contrast Jesus the Heavenly King with Herod the earthly king. A ACTING on God s Word As we went through an overview of chapter 2, we spent some time nailing down the timing of the events immediately following Jesus birth. Timing is important to understand the bigger picture of what scripture is teaching us. But often we don t see the bigger picture as the events unfold. The modern day Christmas story depicts the wise men presenting their gifts to Jesus while he laid in the manager. This story brings in the worship of Jesus, but fails to bring light to the hostility surrounding Jesus birth. Matthew sets the record straight. Jesus was worshipped, but not from the wise men as he laid in the manager. And there was much hostility surrounding Jesus birth! Timing is important to God. He has appointed times for each detail and event in our lives, just as He did in the earthly life of Jesus. Nothing is by chance and nothing is unplanned. Think back on your life, and the timing of significant events in your life. Are there any events that at the time they happened didn t make sense, but later, you saw God reveal His purposes and you better understood His timing? Journal that time and the purposes that God revealed. What is happening in your life right now where you may be questioning God s timing? Resolve to put those circumstances into God s hands, trusting in His perfect timing and ways. He sees the bigger picture. Matthew Chapter 2 Day 1

D in God s Word Praise God that He knows the beginning from the end. Praise God for orchestrating each detail of your life, the difficult ones and the easy ones. Open your hands before your Father, to the bigger picture He has planned for you. He had quite a plan for His son. He has quite a plan for you! Close in Prayer NOTES Matthew Chapter 2 Day 1

The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord s perfections and meditating in his temple. Psalm 27:4 DAY 2: Honor and Hostility, Part 1 Matthew 2: Prophecy Fulfilled: Preservation of the King R RECEIVING God s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 2:1-23 Today s Scripture Focus: Matthew 2:1-12 E EXPERIENCING God s Word In the beginning of chapter 2 we are introduced to the wise men. What do you discover about them? Where did they come from? Where were they going? How were they able to get there? Who were they seeking and what were they going to do? Magi: Magoi (ancient Greek) They were not kings, but wise men. A group of wealthy scholars who studied the sky and astrology. They were from the east of Israel, perhaps Persia, southern Arabia or Parthia, northeast of Babylon. Tradition holds that there were three wise men as there were three gifts presented, but most likely there were hundreds of magi, or wise men traveling to worship Jesus. What name is given to Jesus in verse 2 by the wise men? How is Jesus referred to by Herod in verse 4? In verse 6? In verse 8? In verse 9? In verse 11? Matthew Chapter 2 Day 2

As they came to worship Jesus and declare Him King of the Jews, what king got mightily upset? Was he alone in his disturbance of this? Why was he threatened? A stir begins as soon as Christ is born. He has not spoken a word; he has not wrought a miracle; he has not proclaimed a single doctrine; but when Jesus was born, at the very first, while as yet you hear nothing but infant cries, and can see nothing but infant weakness, still his influence upon the world is manifest. When Jesus was born, there came wise men from the east, and so on. There is infinite power even in an infant Savior. (Spurgeon) Herod, often called Herod the Great ruled from 37-4BC. He was a ruthless ruler and even executed his wife, his mother in law and some of his sons. He was a descendant of Esau (not Jacob) and was an Edomite. Most Jews despised him for this and never truly accepted him as king. He was married at least 9 times in order to fulfill his lusts and advance his political ties. Pride, greed, power and position can cause people to act in very sinful ways and often brings forth hostility, especially when your power and position are being threatened. What title did King Herod want to bear alone? Who threatened that title? Going back to our text, who did King Herod call for advice and guidance and what did he ask them? What was their answer and what did they quote? Read Micah 5:2 and verse 6 to find how they answered Herod and what support they gave to their answer. Clearly they knew God s Word and those spoken of through the prophets. Did they follow God s Word and seek Jesus too, so that they could worship him? Explain your answer and tie this to head knowledge and heart change. Matthew Chapter 2 Day 2

Read v. 7. How did Herod respond? A ACTING on God s Word The responses of the Magi and Herod are typical of the ways people respond to Jesus today. What factors might cause people to respond to Jesus in such radically different ways? We saw today the evil trappings and beginnings of greed, pride and power. What is rooted in all three of these? Describe a time in your life when one of these brought forth a hostile relationship or situation. How was it resolved? What did you learn? We can either revere Jesus as King and our actions and attitudes will be reflected or we revere ourselves as King (or Queen) and anything that rises up against us brings forth hostility. Hostility or Homage. In what area is God calling you today to lay down your hostility in a certain area and instead turn your heart to that of worship? Bring it before the Lord today. The Gentile Magi came from miles to worship the Messiah, Jesus. The Jews, knowing who He was from the prophets, and being that much closer, never traveled the extra distance to bow down and worship the King of the Jews. What does this tell you about their different heart conditions? How are you seeking King Jesus each day? Will you go the distance? If you haven t been seeking Him, repent today and purpose in your heart and before God to seek Him diligently. Matthew Chapter 2 Day 2

D on God s Word I am so thankful that the King of Kings has come and that I have the privilege to worship Him openly. Praise Him for the freedom we have here in America. Praise Him for the comforts we have been given. The persecution and hostility we face is minimal. Praise Him for the gift of His Word, the gift of your voice raised in song, the gift of Jesus. Write the chorus here of your favorite praise and worship song. Close in prayer NOTES Matthew Chapter 2 Day 2

The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord s perfections and meditating in his temple. Psalm 27:4 DAY 3: Honor and Hostility - Part 2 Matthew 2: Prophecy Fulfilled: Preservation of the King R E RECEIVING God s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 2:1-23 Today s Scripture Focus: Matthew 2:7-12 E EXPERIENCING God s Word Who did Herod secretly call and why? What does Herod do and what is his motive? As we observe him, what character traits are coming to the surface? Does he truly desire to worship Jesus also? How were the Magi lead to Jesus? Who gave them guidance as they travelled? There is much debate and commentary on what the star actually was. Some say it was 1.) A meteor, supernova or comet 2.) a supernatural occurence or 3.) the Shekinah glory of God leading them to Jesus. It s purpose although is crystal clear: it heralded the birth of Jesus, the Messiah. What did the Magi do upon entering Jesus house? What does their action testify to regarding their hearts? What was presented to Jesus? Matthew Chapter 2 Day 3

What do you see as significant about their gifts? Read Isaiah 60:1-12 and note any similarities you see here compared to Matthew and the wise men (remember Gentiles) bringing gifts to the King. After they met and worshipped Jesus, where did they go and how did they know to go there? What did God do for them and for Jesus, ultimately for all of us? A ACTING on God s Word Do the Magi s provide any kind of example for you to follow? Explain. God always leads His people. He lead the Israelites out of Egypt and when hostility rose against them and Pharoah and his army chased them, God protected them. When King Saul sought David s life, what did God do? He protected David and guided him to safety. God guides and God protects his people. When was the last time you experienced God s protection? How did He protect you? Share your experience. Matthew Chapter 2 Day 3

It says in verse 10 that when the Magi saw God s divine direction before them (the star) they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy! When was the last time you responded to God s direction that way. What can you learn from the Magi and their response. How are you seeking God s direction today? Rejoice that He leads and asks you to follow. Are you following Him in all areas? If not, why? What is holding you back? D on God s Word Praise God that He desires to lead us to good things. Things that benefit us and are for our good and His glory. Journal all the ways that He has led you recently and praise Him for holding you so closely. Truly His Word is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. As we allow Him to light the way, our feet will not falter. Praise Him for His almighty protection. Close in Prayer NOTES Matthew Chapter 2 Day 3

The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord s perfections and meditating in his temple. Psalm 27:4 DAY 4: God s Provision, Our Obedience Matthew 2: Prophecy Fulfilled: Preservation of the King R E RECEIVING God s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 2:1-23 Today s Scripture Focus: Matthew 2:13-23 E EXPERIENCING God s Word Look at Matthew 1:20; 2:13 and 2:19. What do you see happening in all three of these verses? What does this say about how God sometimes speaks to us. Look at Matthew 1:24, 2:14, and 2:21. How did Joseph respond to the Angel of the Lord each time? Does it appear that he questioned God in anyway or reasoned in his mind what he should do? How does this speak to you today regarding God s direction and our response? Read the following verses on obedience and write what is promised when we obey. Exodus 19:5 Exodus 23:22 Deuteronomy 28:2 Job 36:11 Jeremiah 7:23 Matthew Chapter 2 Day 4

We have talked about God as our guider, our protector and now our provider. We know that Joseph and Mary had limited financial resources. Just before the Angel of the Lord told Joseph to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt, who visited them? What did they bring? How does this play into God s provision for Joseph and Mary to travel to Egypt? How did He make the way possible? Why do you think Joseph was directed to go to Egypt? (Hint: v. 15) A ACTING on God s Word God says in 1 Samuel 15:22 So Samuel said: Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. God is clear in His word that He desires obedience and that obedience is blessed by Him. What is God calling you to do right now, that you have been dragging your feet regarding and not obeying? Be honest with yourself as God sees all and nothing is hidden from him. Whatever He is asking you to do, tell him that you will do it and then follow through. Obedience is an act of submission and an act of worship. We see that while Joseph immediately obeyed, there is nothing recorded of Mary s protesting. Think for a minute what this might have looked like. In a dream, probably at night, Joseph hears from an angel of the Lord and is given direct and specific orders. He wakes us and that night leaves with Mary and Jesus, still a very small baby. Mary doesn t have time to pack up the house. She must pack a minimal amount and doesn t know if she will be returning to that house ever again. Both she and Joseph obey, without complaining, without hesitation, without a moving truck! How does this speak to you today? What if you were asked to do the same? Could you do it? Would you do it? Are you attached to your house and your things or are you attached to Jesus above all? Are there any changes God is asking you to make either with your attitude or your actions? Matthew Chapter 2 Day 4

D in God s Word Praise God today for His provision for you and your family. Praise Him for all that He has given, especially His one and only son, Jesus Christ. Thank Him for the least of all things, to the greatest of all things! Close in Prayer NOTES Matthew Chapter 2 Day 4

The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord s perfections and meditating in his temple. Psalm 27:4 DAY 5: Prophecy Fulfilled Matthew 2: Prophecy Fulfilled: Preservation of the King R E RECEIVING God s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 2:1-23 Today s Scripture Focus: Matthew 2:13-23 E EXPERIENCING God s Word We have covered a lot of ground this week and have a little more to cover today. Don t lose heart, sweet sister. Keep up the good work. God will bless your diligent study of His Word. Let s dig in together. Today we are going to hone in on the word fulfilled. Jesus is the Messiah and He has come, fulfilling all that was spoken through the prophets, hundreds of years before. He was and is the long awaited Savior. Let s take a look at the prophecies fulfilled within these last verses. Find the three times you see the word fulfilled in verses 13-23 and record the verses in the space below. What three things were fulfilled through Jesus Christ? Verse What fulfilled? 1. 2. 3. Look at Hosea 11:1 and record what it says. What is the significance to this prophecy in relation to Jesus and Joseph being told to take his family to Egypt? Who was this prophecy originally intended for? Who fulfilled it a second time? Matthew Chapter 2 Day 5

Herod set out to deceive the Magi and now he was deceived by them. They never came back and told Herod where Jesus was, as Herod never intended to worship Jesus. He intended to kill him. According to v. 16, what does Herod do in his anger and response to being deceived? How was Jesus protected? Read verse 17 & 18 and then read Jeremiah 31:15 and write the next prophecy that was fulfilled in Jesus s birth. These prophecies have dual fulfilment, that is a prophecy that is fulfilled more than once. Primarily these words refer to the distress of the mothers in Judah following their sons captivity in Babylon in 586 BC. As their sons were being carried away to Ramah in Benjamin, near Jerusalem, their future and that of the Jews was uncertain. Rachel s tomb (Jacob s wife who died while giving birth to Benoni (Benjamin), was near Bethlehem. Rachel was considered by many to be the mother of the nation Israel. As Jeremiah prophesied during the Jewish captivity, he must have been reminded of Jacob s sorrow when Rachel died. The prophecy again is fulfilled as the Jewish mothers at the time are seeing their little baby boys being slaughtered at the hand of Herod and crying out in agony and grief. Remember, at this time, Joseph, Mary and Jesus are safely in Egypt. What do we learn about Herod in verse 19? Why is this important for Jesus and his earthly family? Describe what happened again with Joseph and his action that followed. Matthew Chapter 2 Day 5

What happened as Joseph entered Israel? Why was his response warranted? Who protected him and his family again? How was he protected? Who warned him this time? What was his response? Archelaus was one of Herod s sons who was ruling over the territories of Judea, Samaria and Idumea. Herod had willed the title of King to Archelaus. Archelaus was as wicked as his father and known for tyranny, murder, instability and insanity. Where did Joseph take his family? Write the 3rd prophecy we see fulfilled in verse 23. What do you find different about this prophecy? Look closely...what do you notice about who spoke it? Was it a prophecy of one or many? There is no direct Old Testament quotation for Matthew 2:23. But let s look at the possible links. Psalm 22:6: The Messiah will be Isaiah 53:3: He was and by men John 1:45-46: Jesus of, the son of Joseph. Can come out of? Putting these three together, how does Matthew 2:23 fit with Jesus being from Nazareth? One more possible fulfillment: Read Isaiah 11:1: And a shall grow out of his roots. Read Isaiah 4:2: In that day, the of the shall be beautiful and glorious; Matthew Chapter 2 Day 5

Branch is a messianic term. They are figurative words for the descendants of the household of David, the Seed of the woman promised in Genesis 3:15, Jesus Christ Himself. The Hebrew word for Nazarene is netzer, which means a branch or shoot. Jesus was the branch or sprout of the Lord. However we look at it, being from Nazareth and being called a Nazarene were both signs of reproach and applied to Jesus by his enemies. Let s summarize all we learned this week. Fill in the blanks below. The first letter has been given to you. Throughout this chapter we see: Jesus _P by God and Joseph s obedience. Jesus being W by the Magi. Jesus birth causing H in many around him. Jesus F prophecy. Why do you think God planned for every detail of Jesus life to be foretold and fulfilled in Scripture? A ACTING on God s Word The King has come and in his coming has fulfilled all that was spoken of Him through the prophets. Isn t prophecy amazing and helps to ground your faith even more. What God says, so shall He do! He is a God of His Word. Are you a woman of your word? Do you do what you say you will do? Think about a time you said you d do something and you didn t. What was the effect? Now think about a time you told someone you would do something and you did it. How was that relationship strengthened? What message was sent to that individual by your Yes being yes and your no being no? (Matthew 5:37) Matthew Chapter 2 Day 5

When you think about God being true to His word, always, how does that strengthen your faith. How does prophecy strengthen your faith? D in God s Word Thank God today for prophecy. Thank Him for being unchanging. Thank Him for giving us His one and only son, Jesus Christ. The evil that came against him could not be prospered. God is bigger. God is mightier. God will accomplish what He chooses. Thank Him for His sovereignty. Thank Him for His protection. May we be like the Magi and each day, upon seeing Jesus, rejoice, with exceedingly great joy! Close in Prayer NOTES Matthew Chapter 2 Day 5