Bible Study Schedule

Weekly Bible Reading Chart
Gospels Law History Psalms Poetry Prophecy Epistles
Week Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Genesis Romans
1 Matthew 1-2 Joshua 1-5 Psalms 1-2 Job 1-2 Isaiah 1-6
1-3 1-2
Genesis Romans
2 Matthew 3-4 Joshua 6-10 Psalms 3-5 Job 3-4 Isaiah 7-11
4-7 3-4
Genesis Joshua 11- Romans
3 Matthew 5-7 Psalms 6-8 Job 5-6 Isaiah 12-17
8-11 15 5-6
Matthew 8- Genesis Joshua 16- Romans
4 Psalms 9-11 Job 7-8 Isaiah 18-22
10 12-15 20 7-8
Matthew 11- Genesis Joshua 21- Psalms 12- Romans
5 Job 9-10 Isaiah 23-28
13 16-19 24 14 9-10
Matthew 14- Genesis Psalms 15- Romans
6 Judges 1-6 Job 11-12 Isaiah 29-33
16 20-23 17 11-12
Matthew 17- Genesis Psalms 18- Romans
7 Judges 7-11 Job 13-14 Isaiah 34-39
19 24-27 20 13-14
Matthew 20- Genesis Judges 12- Psalms 21- Romans
8 Job 15-16 Isaiah 40-44
22 28-31 16 23 15-16
I
Matthew 23- Genesis Judges 17- Psalms 24-
9 Job 17-18 Isaiah 45-50 Corinthian
25 32-35 21 26
s 1-2
I
Matthew 26- Genesis Psalms 27-
10 Ruth Job 19-20 Isaiah 51-55 Corinthian
28 36-39 29
s 3-4
I
Genesis Psalms 30-
11 Mark 1-2 I Samuel 1-5 Job 21-22 Isaiah 56-61 Corinthian
40-43 32
s 5-6
I
Genesis I Samuel 6- Psalms 33-
12 Mark 3-4 Job 23-24 Isaiah 62-66 Corinthian
44-47 10 35
s 7-8
I
Genesis I Samuel 11- Psalms 36-
13 Mark 5-6 Job 25-26 Jeremiah 1-6 Corinthian
48-50 15 38
s 9-10
I
Exodus I Samuel 16- Psalms 39- Jeremiah 7-
14 Mark 7-8 Job 27-28 Corinthian
1-4 20 41 11
s 11-12
I
5-8 25 44 16
s 13-14
I
9-12 31 47 21
s 15-16
II
Exodus Psalms 48- Jeremiah 22-
17 Mark 13-14 II Samuel 1-4 Job 33-34 Corinthian
13-16 50 26
s 1-3
II
Exodus Psalms 51- Jeremiah 27-
18 Mark 15-16 II Samuel 5-9 Job 35-36 Corinthian
17-20 53 31
s 4-5
Exodus II Samuel 10- Psalms 54- Jeremiah 32- II
19 Luke 1-2 Job 37-38
21-24 14 56 36 Corinthian
s 6-8
II
Exodus II Samuel 15- Psalms 57- Jeremiah 37-
20 Luke 3-4 Job 39-40 Corinthian
25-28 19 59 41
s 9-10
II
Exodus II Samuel 20- Psalms 60- Jeremiah 42-
21 Luke 5-6 Job 41-42 Corinthian
29-32 24 62 46
s 11-13
Exodus Psalms 63- Jeremiah 47- Galatians
22 Luke 7-8 I Kings 1-4 Proverbs 1
33-36 65 52 1-3
Exodus Psalms 66- Proverbs 2- Galatians
23 Luke 9-10 I Kings 5-9 Lamentations
37-40 68 3 4-6
Leviticus Psalms 69- Ephesians
24 Luke 11-12 I Kings 10-13 Proverbs 4 Ezekiel 1-6
1-3 71 1-3
Leviticus Psalms 72- Proverbs 5- Ephesians
25 Luke 13-14 I Kings 14-18 Ezekiel 7-12
4-6 74 6 4-6
Leviticus Psalms 75- Philippian
26 Luke 15-16 I Kings 19-22 Proverbs 7 Ezekiel 13-18
7-9 77 s 1-2
Leviticus Psalms 78- Proverbs 8- Philippian
27 Luke 17-18 II Kings 1-5 Ezekiel 19-24
10-12 80 9 s 3-4
Leviticus Psalms 81- Proverbs Colossian
28 Luke 19-20 II Kings 6-10 Ezekiel 25-30
13-15 83 10 s 1-2
Leviticus II Kings 11- Psalms 84- Proverbs Colossian
29 Luke 21-22 Ezekiel 31-36
16-18 15 86 11-12 s 3-4
I
Leviticus II Kings 16- Psalms 87- Proverbs
30 Luke 23-24 Ezekiel 37-42 Thessalon
19-21 20 89 13
ians 1-3
I
Leviticus II Kings 21- Psalms 90- Proverbs
31 John 1-2 Ezekiel 43-48 Thessalon
22-24 25 92 14-15
ians 4-5
II
Leviticus I Chronicles Psalms 93- Proverbs
32 John 3-4 Daniel 1-6 Thessalon
25-27 1-4 95 16
ians
Numbers I Chronicles Psalms 96- Proverbs I Timothy
33 John 5-6 Daniel 7-12
1-4 5-9 98 17-18 1-3
Numbers I Chronicles Psalms 99- Proverbs I Timothy

34 John 7-9 Hosea 1-7
5-8 10-14 101 19 4-6
Numbers I Chronicles Psalms 102- Proverbs II Timothy

35 John 10-12 Hosea 8-14
9-12 15-19 104 20-21 1-2
Numbers I Chronicles Psalms 105- Proverbs II Timothy

36 John 13-15 Joel
13-16 20-24 107 22 3-4
Numbers I Chronicles Psalms 108- Proverbs

37 John 16-18 Amos 1-4 Titus
17-20 25-29 110 23-24
Numbers II Chronicles Psalms 111- Proverbs

38 John 19-21 Amos 5-9 Philemon
21-24 1-5 113 25
Numbers II Chronicles Psalms 114- Proverbs Hebrews

39 Acts 1-2 Obadiah
25-28 6-10 116 26-27 1-4
Numbers II Chronicles Psalms 117- Proverbs Hebrews

40 Acts 3-4 Jonah
29-32 11-15 118 28 5-7
Numbers II Chronicles Proverbs Hebrews
41 Acts 5-6 Psalms 119 Micah
33-36 16-20 29-30 8-10
Deuteron II Chronicles Psalms 120- Proverbs Hebrews

42 Acts 7-8 Nahum
omy 1-3 21-24 121 31 11-13
Deuteron II Chronicles Psalms 122- Ecclesiaste

43 Acts 9-10 Habakkuk James 1-3
omy 4-6 25-28 124 s 1-2
Deuteron II Chronicles Psalms 125- Ecclesiaste

44 Acts 11-12 Zephaniah James 4-5
omy 7-9 29-32 127 s 3-4
Deuteron
II Chronicles Psalms 128- Ecclesiaste
45 Acts 13-14 omy 10- Haggai I Peter 1-3
33-36 130 s 5-6
12
Deuteron
Psalms 131- Ecclesiaste Zechariah 1-
46 Acts 15-16 omy 13- Ezra 1-5 I Peter 4-5
133 s 7-8 7
15
Deuteron
Psalms 134- Ecclesiaste Zechariah 8-
47 Acts 17-18 omy 16- Ezra 6-10 II Peter
136 s 9-10 14
19
Deuteron
Nehemiah 1- Psalms 137- Ecclesiaste
48 Acts 19-20 omy 20- Malachi I John 1-3
4 139 s 11-12
22
Deuteron
Nehemiah 5- Psalms 140- Song of Sol Revelation 1-
49 Acts 21-22 omy 23- I John 4-5
9 142 1-2 6
25
Deuteron
Nehemiah Psalms 143- Song of Sol Revelation 7-
50 Acts 23-24 omy 26- II John
10-13 145 3-4 11
28
Deuteron
Psalms 146- Song of Sol Revelation
51 Acts 25-26 omy 29- Esther 1-5 III John
148 5-6 12-17
31
Deuteron
Psalms 149- Song of Sol Revelation
52 Acts 27-28 omy 32- Esther 6-10 Jude
150 7-8 18-22
34
Matthew 1:1-17 Matthew 1: 18-25
The King has Come! Immanuel God is with Us!
Matthew 2:1-12 Matthew 2:13-23
The Real Living Nativity Jesus, The Early Years
Matthew 3:1 -12 Matthew 3:13-17
Preparing The Way Of The Lord The Baptism Of Jesus
The Temptation of Jesus Jesus begins His public ministry
Becoming Fishers of Men Christ the Traveler and Healer

The Sermon On The Mount The Beatitudes Part 1
Matthew 5: 3-12 Part 2 Matthew 5: 13-16
Christ the Teacher "The Beatitudes" Our call to flavor, light and preserve
Matthew 5: 17-20 Matthew 5: 21-26

Jesus fulfills the Law on our behalf Beware that Anger Kills
Lust is Adultery! Marriage is Sacred and Binding
Matthew 5:38-42
Matthew 5: 33-37
Responding to Evil
Integrity verses Oaths
Matthew 5: 43-48 Matthew 6: 1- 4
Loving your Enemies Charity that Pleases God
The Model Prayer Fasting that Delights God
Matthew 6:19-24
Matthew 6: 25-34
Getting our Hearts Centered On What Is
Why do we Worry?
Important
Matthew 7: 1- 6 Matthew 7: 7-12
Why would you Judge? Keep Asking!
The Way is Narrow! Does He know you?
Building your Life on the Rock of the Word! Jesus Heals a Leper
Matthew 8: 5- 13 Matthew 8: 14-17
Jesus Heals a Soldier's Servant Jesus the Healer
The Cost of Discipleship Storms Cannot Buffet those in Christ
Two Demon-Possessed Men Healed Jesus' Authority over Sin
Jesus the Physician Jesus is Questioned about Fasting
Jesus Restores Life Jesus Restores Health
The Compassion of Jesus! The Twelve Apostles
The First Mission The Coming of Persecutions
The Fear and Awe of God Christ brings Division
Matthew 11: 20-30
Matthew 11: 1-19
The God Who Judges, the God Who Holds
John the Baptist: More Than a Prophet
Us!
Jesus is Lord over the Sabbath! Hypocrisy in action!
A House Divided Cannot Stand! The Audacity in Asking for a Sign!
The Parable of the Sower The Parable of the Mustered Seed and Leaven
The Value of Christ's Kingdom John the Baptist is Martyred
The Shepherd Feeds His Sheep Jesus Walks on Water
Defilement from Hypocrisy The Showing up of Faith
Seeking a Sign Who do you say I am?
Matthew 16: 21-28 Matthew 17:1-13
Following Him! The Transfiguration!
From the Mountain to the Valley! The Call for Caring
The Call to Deal with Sin The Problem of Unforgiveness
Marriage and Divorce Stripping Ourselves of What Holds Us
The Parable of the Vineyard Real Greatness is in Serving and Following
Hosanna in the Highest! Jesus' Authority!
The Parable of the Wicked Tenants The Parable of the Wedding Feast
The God of the Living! Woe to Hypocrites!
The Signs of the Times! The coming of the Son of Man!
Matthew 25: 1- 14 Matthew 25: 14- 30
The Parable of the Virgins The Parable of the Talents
Matthew 25: 31- 46 Matthew 26: 1- 16
The Sheep and the Goats The Scheme to Kill Jesus
Matthew 26: 17- 46 Matthew 26: 47- 75
Supper and Betrayal Arrest and Betrayal
Matthew 27: 1- 26 Matthew 27: 27- 44
Jesus is handed over! Jesus is Executed!
Matthew 27: 45- 66 Matthew 28: 1- 20
Jesus Dies and is Buried! Jesus is Risen!
Matthew Chapter 1
1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his
brethren;
3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom
begat Aram;
4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat
Salmon;
5 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed
begat Jesse;
6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had
been the wife of Urias;
7 And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;
8 And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;
9 And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;
10 And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat
Josias;
11 And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried
away to Babylon:
12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel
begat Zorobabel;
13 And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;
14 And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;
15 And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;
16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is
called Christ.
17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from
David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the
carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was
espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the
Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick
example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto
him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary
thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall
save his people from their sins.
22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the
prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call
his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him,
and took unto him his wife:
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his
name JESUS
Matthew Chapter 2
1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king,
behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the
east, and are come to worship him.
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem
with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together,
he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of
Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently
what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young
child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and
worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in
the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his
mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their
treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they
departed into their own country another way.
13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in
a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into
Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child
to destroy him.
14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into
Egypt:
15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of
the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding
wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the
coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had
diligently inquired of the wise men.
17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to
Joseph in Egypt,
20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of
Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.
21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of
Israel.
22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father
Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a
dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled
which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
Bible Study Notes

Matthew 1:1-17
By Dr. Richard J. Krejcir
The King has Come!
General Idea: The Genealogy of Jesus Christ that births our King! Jesus is the One
whom all of humanity needed and longed for, who all of Judaism expected and the
Scriptures pointed to, and this is the proof. Joy to the world, let us receive our King!
Matthew starts his gospel with a seemingly dry and boring discourse to which we
may say, "What's up with this string of names?" We do not even give a thought or a
glance to what personal or ecclesiastical benefit can be had here or what spiritual
insight can be gleaned. However, this is a list of people-people like us who testify to
how God works through the ages, through various people and through
circumstances. This even tells us how God redeems and works with and through
not only the people we may expect Him to, but also the unlikely people we would
perhaps never consider as worthy. Jesus comes from an incredible line of diverse
people, such as Patriarchs and kings whom we might expect; in addition, listed
beside Him are righteous people as well as those who were improbable, dubious,
and even wicked, such as captives, the obscure, and the insignificant-even traders,
prisoners, adulterers, murderers, and harlots.
Matthew 1:1-17 is a pedigree seemingly unfit for a champion K-9, yet fit for the
Ultimate LORD, Savior, and King of the Universe. It is a testimony and a testament
of how God keeps His great promises, and shows Christ's right to the Kingship of
the world through the lineage of David. Jesus is the King! And, the King has arrived!
He is birthed, humble and supernatural. Spurgeon gives this passage and Book of
Matthew the title, "The King Has Come," to which we must respond, my God and
my King! This is the anticipation from the very beginnings of God's introduction into
humanity, through Adam and Eve's failure and sin, and God's promises to bring
redemption through their descendants-a Savior to save us from our fall into sin.
Here is that list (Gen. 3).
1. Matthew is the only one of the four Gospels that begins with the genealogy of
Jesus. A key point for us is that God made promises-and God keeps His promises!
a. Genealogy / Generation means "origin" also it can mean history and record (Gen.
2:4; 5:1).
b. Jesus the King, who was also the son of David and of Abraham, fulfilled that
promise! Abraham is the one whom God used to initiate His promise and plant His
seed. It was a linage of faith from the Patriarchs and their descendants, birthing a
nation that was to honor the One, True, Sovereign God. Judaism was meant to
show who God was and how all can know Him through the priesthood, law, the faith
of obedience, and the heart. It was a call to show the carnal world His Way by faith
and obedience, and finally bringing The Way-Christ, as Savior and Lord (Gen 12:1-
3).
c. Matthew starts his Gospel with the same phrase as Genesis 2:4, a hallmark to
grab the attention of his Jewish audience.
d. Some may consider this passage dry and arduous; however, 2 Tim. 3:16-17 tells
us that all Scripture is profitable:
i. It is profitable for doctrine!
ii. It is profitable for instruction in righteousness!
iii. Thus, we have great things to learn, even from this seemingly obscure passage.
2. Why does Matthew begin with this genealogy? Mainly, because Matthew wrote
for the Jews; so, this genealogy is of paramount importance to convince Jews that
Jesus has the right to be and, in fact, is the Messiah, the promised King, and
Deliverer. Since Mark wrote for the Romans, Luke wrote for the Greeks, and John
wrote for the world and the new church, they did not need to do that (Gen. 5, 10, 1
Chron. 1-9).
a. The father of / Begot/ beget, a verb that means as modern translators have
stated, the father of.
b. Matthew's aim was to show how Jesus fulfilled Jewish prophecy (Matt. 1:22-23;
2:4-6,14-15,17-18,23)
c. The Messiah had to be a descendant of Abraham (Gen 22:18)
d. The Messiah had to be a descendant of David (Isa. 11:1-2)
e. If Jesus had not been a descendant of David, He could not have been the
Messiah!
3. This passage, written in the Greek, is in a poetic and metrical form. The
genealogy is divided into three sections of fourteen names each, covering over
2000 years in a rich, rhythmic sequence, perhaps for easy memorization (1:17)
a. Generations means an age or period not always a literal 40 year period or equal
periods of time or a timeline of a persons life, hence the time discrepancy.
b. Abraham to David is 1000 years
c. David to the Babylonian captivity is 400 years
d. Babylonian captivity to Jesus is 600 years.
e. Jesus' "legal" right to David's throne is established.
f. It is very unusual that women are mentioned! This would be the start of liberation,
how God uses unlikely people, and the relationship of Christ to stained and sinful
humanity.
i. Tamar, a "pretend" harlot who represented Judas's failure through sin and incest.
That tells us Christ is the friend of sinners, giving us hope and redemption!
ii. Rahab, a prostitute, one God would use even though society threw her away.
iii. Ruth, who was of unclean Gentile blood, but whose lineage birthed David,
showing that God s a friend of the humble, poor, and obscure, and He favors faith
over pedigree.
iv. Ruth, a non-Jew, who was under a curse ("Moab," Duet. 23:3-5) and who
"corrupted" the royal blood line with Gentile blood.
v. David, the favored king, whose heart was after His, but who sinned grievously
and suffered the consequences, and how God accepted his repentance.
vi. Bathsheba, an adulteress who fell to sin, but who received the great promise to
be in the lineage of the Messiah (2 Sam 11)!
vii. A lineage of faithful kings of character, all of whom struggled with sin,
unfaithfulness to God and country, and were not perfect, as well as those who were
as bad as can be-even unspeakably evil.
viii. A lineage of the forgotten, those whose contributions have been lost, those who
made no contribution, prisoners and captives, the poor and the ordinary that shows
us that God does not forget; we can either be prisoners of sin or liberated with hope;
Christ gives us the key.
4. There are several theories regarding the difference between the genealogies of
Luke and Matthew. The prevailing Evangelical view is that Matthew shows Joseph's
lineage, and Luke shows Mary's, descending from David through his son Nathan.
The "problem" is that Luke starts with Joseph, who is the adoptive parent and Jesus
inherited his "physical" heritage. The reality is that both sets of genealogies are
"gap" genealogies that only show a survey of key individuals to make the point that
Jesus is descended from David and has the right to the throne. Matthew's point is
that Jesus is Jewish and has the "legal" right to be Messiah.
a. Luke goes back to Adam (Luke 3:23-38), while Matthew comes through Solomon
and goes to Abraham. This suggests that there are "gaps" between the names, or
that they are abridged, especially when you take into account the time passages
versus the life spans. Only principle names were used, and that is why they are
different. Obviously, not all of the names of people could be used. Such omissions
were the normal practice in Jewish genealogies as minor figures were deleted to
make room for established, essential connections.
b. The most likely scenario is that Matthew does not give direct ancestors, but rather
the names of those who are "legally" in line to the throne, while Luke gives direct
ancestry names. Both start with David. One is from the "flesh" while the other is
from the "legal."
c. Salvation is not by birth or lineage; it is by what God has done and by the faith He
gives that we receive; Christ had to intervene in history and in us personally.
What can we learn today from an obscure list of ancient names, of which only a few
may be familiar? These names are all born of promise and purpose, with mixed
character and maturity, who struggled with carnality and life. None of these people
were perfect; even David was an adulterer and murderer. All of them made both
good and bad decisions, struggling with following their own will or being surrendered
over to God. Some glorified God and some lived to themselves, just as we do
personally and collectively as people today. Even Christian leaders and pastors
have the same standards and call to be of faith and to obey. God works it all out for
His glory as stated in Romans, chapter eight. God is indeed a friend to all who will
call Him Lord. He is a friend to sinners, the obscure, the poor, and the friendless-His
hand is always reaching out. Perhaps, this passage is a small glance into the
mystery and wonder of God's Grace and incarnation, and how He intercedes and
loves. It all points us to Christ, the One who saved us and the One whom we
worship and trust as Lord over all-with our lives too!
Take this key point to heart and into the streets of your life: God is the God of
promises. God made promises, and God keeps His promises! This means for you
too! We all have hope beyond all hope, reason, and purpose! We have faith that is
deeper and wider than we could ever imagine, a gift that we did not earn or deserve.
Jesus the King, who was also the son of David and the son of Abraham, fulfilled that
promise and demonstrated this faith! In addition, when you accepted Him, you
became part of the promise and faith fulfilled.
Faith is not inherited! We cannot get it from our parents or our church, even though
our lineage may be passed down for generations. Faith is personal and relational to
Christ for each individual person who is in community with the Church, and it is to
be real! As parents, we are responsible for bringing our children up in His light and
character, but we are also responsible for receiving His grace and modeling His
faith!
· We can have the faith and confidence that God does keep His word!
· We can trust Him with all of our needs, worries, and problems, even if we do not
understand what God is doing!
· God transcends time. Therefore, when we are going though trials and tribulations,
He is there-before, during, and after-carrying us through! Likewise, we can emulate
Christ by keeping our promises to our faith, and our behaviors toward others around
us!
· We are reminded of God's mercy!
Jesus is the ultimate humbler; He humbled Himself by taking on the likeness of a

mere man; He was still also fully God when He came to this earth. He is God,
Messiah, the Lord who was foretold and who has come, our Lord, our Savior and
the King (Phil. 2:5-8; Heb. 2:9-18)!
The Essential Inductive Questions (for more Inductive questions see Inductive
Bible Study):
1. What does this passage say?
2. What does this passage mean?
3. What is God telling me?
4. How am I encouraged and strengthened?
5. Is there sin in my life for which confession and repentance is needed?
6. How can I be changed, so I can learn and grow?
7. What is in the way of these precepts affecting me? What is in the way of my
listening to God?
8. How does this apply to me? What will I do about it?
9. What can I model and teach?
10. What does God want me to share with someone?
Additional Questions:
1. Have you ever researched your family tree? How far back can you trace your
family? What does knowing your family history tell you about whom you are? What
did your family pass on to you (consider genetics, behaviors, culture, etc.)?
2. Who were the significant spiritual people who influenced your faith and journey
with Christ? What did they pass on to you?
3. Does this passage seem dry and boring? Why?
4. Why does Matthew begin with the genealogy of Jesus? Why is it important?
5. How can knowing the stories behind the people in this genealogy-all of the
adventures, faith, struggles, and such-inspire you?
6. How does knowing that God works through diverse people, regardless of wealth,
culture, or position, give you hope and assurance?
7. How assured are you that Christ will keep His great promises? How does this
help you keep promises, and trust in Him and His promises?
8. Matthew shows Christ's right to the Kingship of the world. Does He have this right
in you? What have you done with His Kingship-Lordship in you?
9. Before reading this study, did you see or consider that there are great things to
learn even from this seemingly obscure passage? How can this help motivate your
Bible reading?
10. How important to your faith is Jesus' "legal" right to be the Messiah?
11. What do you think about the role of women in a culture that considered them
lower than farm animals, and that even harlots and an adulteress are used in the
royal line? How does this give you more faith?
12. What can be learned today from an obscure list of ancient names, of which only
a few may be familiar?
13. How can this passage help you know that God makes promises and God keeps
His promises through all generations?
14. Can you trust Him with all of your needs, worries, and problems, even if you do
not understand what is going on?
15. God transcends time. Therefore, when we are going though trials and
tribulations, He is there-before, during, and after-carrying us through. How does this
give you hope in times of distress?
16. What reminds you of God's mercy? Why can't faith be inherited?
17. How have you been reminded of God's mercy? How can you witness and take
in the promise o have hope beyond hope, and a reason and purpose for your life?
18. How can you emulate Christ by keeping your promises to your faith and your
behaviors/characters to others around you?
19. Jesus is the ultimate humbler: He humbled Himself by taking on the likeness of
a mere man; He was still also fully God when He came to this earth. Knowing this,
how can you live your life with an attitude of humility?
20. Read Phil. 2:5-8. How will your life, your actions, and your behaviors be
changed with this passage rooted in your mind and heart?
"Wonder suppressing all wonders; the Word by whom all things were made, was
Himself made flesh, and dwelt among us!" (Spurgeon)
Matthew 1: 18-25
Immanuel God is with Us
General Idea: Matthew's account of the birth of Jesus is of One who is different
from any human being who ever has or ever will exist. A person is normally
conceived by two human parents who are born in sin and without divine
intervention. Christ was not just born; He came into our world as a man-as a baby,
no less! He was brought into this world as any baby would be, with the extreme
exception that Mary did not have normal sexual relations to conceive Him! Jesus
was conceived by the Spirit, He was pre-existent, and He was sinless. He has the
title and name of Immanuel, meaning "God with us," inferring that He is our
salvation. For us, this means that Jesus is with us, because as God, He was, and is
able to take our sins upon Himself and appease God's wrath because of our sin. He
is "God with us," because He walked, lived, worked, and existed in all aspects as
any human ever has. He became identified as one of us while still remaining God,
the Creator of us! Jesus is both God and man; He is not a hybrid like Hercules, nor
a percentage of one over the other; He is fully God and fully human. He was birthed
into history and into this world, yet, He was not from it!
Context: Matthew 1: 18-25 is about Jews, at the time of Christ, who thought a royal
king would come to save them; that is why they accused Him of blasphemy. Even
though they knew the Scriptures, they refused to accept the Word or Him, and held
to their presumptions instead! People will accept a human Jesus, but not a divine
Jesus-the same problem we have today, both in our presumptions and our
acceptance of truth!
This passage is also about the humanity and struggles of Jesus' human mother and
adoptive father. A scandalous beginning and great struggle for a new marriage and
family, it fulfilled prophecy even while countering cultural ideals. Mary was dealing
with personal shame and at the same time the wonders of giving birth-the birth of
our Lord, no less. Joseph was dealing with family and cultural dishonor, but decided
to obey God and trust in Him, not his cultural peer pressure. This passage is also a
picture of how God provides us with opportunities and situations to better ourselves,
but we may not see them because we are either not looking or we are so consumed
by our past experiences, expectations, or hurts that we refuse to look or strive.
Word Meanings and Commentary:
1. Mary: A virtuous and wondrous women to be chosen for this extreme of tasks.
She was perhaps between twelve and fourteen years old; Joseph was much older-
at least between eighteen to over forty years old. Their marriage was almost
certainly prearranged through their parents, as was the custom. (For more
information see theological note below.) Matthew places the focus on Joseph for his
Gospel, while Luke focuses on Mary.
a. Pledged to be married: Engagement in first century Judaism was as binding as a

marriage, hence the words here of husband and wife, as they were pledged to each
other, perhaps from a family agreement or barter. The couple would not have had
sexual relations without great scandal and shame as well as the loss of family
property and cultural rights. It is unlikely that they would ever have been alone
together (Deut. 22:24).
b. Joseph: Little is known about Joseph other than his occupation of being a
carpenter, his character as being just and wise, and as one who trusted in God.
Joseph is clearly shown to us in this passage as a great and honorable man by his
affectionate consideration for Mary and reverence for God. God picked him to be
Jesus' "step-father!" Joseph went with Mary to Bethlehem; he was there when
Jesus came into this world (Luke 2:4-16), and when Jesus was presented at the
Temple (Luke 2:33). He was the head of a family that included Jesus plus up to
seven other sons and daughters (sorry Catholics, this is what the Word says: Matt.
13:55-56)! He also took Jesus and Mary to Egypt and back to Nazareth, and worked
as a carpenter.
c. Mary deserved to be divorced from her engagement, perhaps even the death
penalty by public stoning, or at the very least, to be publicly shamed for being
pregnant before the final marriage and without Joseph's aid (Deut. 22:23-24).
d. The language of Matthew suggests Joseph died before Jesus began His public
ministry (Matt. 13:54-57). John suggests that Joseph was alive, but again does not
outright say it in John 6:42. Matthew does not absolutely tell us this, but why else
would Jesus put His mother in the care of John if Joseph were not around (John
19:26-27)?
2. Found to be with child through the Holy Spirit: This refers to what is called the
"Virgin Birth." Jesus' birth was an unprecedented miracle! This is vital to our faith
and practice and the understanding of the Gospel (Matt. 1:18-25, Luke 1:26-56; 2:4-
7; John 1:1-9). If Jesus is God, then He could not have been born as a normal baby
by a mother who was younger than He! He could not have been comparable to
"normal" babies. Thus, He was not merely born, but came into this world though the
birth canal as His passage of choosing (Matt. 28:20; Is. 7:14; John 18:37; 1 Pet.
1:19).
a. If Jesus had a human father, then the Bible is untrustworthy, there would be no
reason for His supernatural life, and He would have no ability to save us!
b. Without the "Virgin Birth" we have no deity, no miracles, and no salvation. Thus,
this is an essential doctrine, and if the Bible and Christ are true, the Virgin Birth
must be true also! Otherwise, He could never have conquered death and Satan, or
have taken our place of suffering and death.
i. Liberal thinking rejects the Virgin Birth, because liberal thinking is that there were
a lot of Virgin Birth myths floating around, so Matthew must have just incorporated
one of them. Of course, there are a lot of fakes, because Satan is the great deceiver
and will go out of his way to make counterfeits even the Caesar's Virgin Birth stories
to prove his godhood. (Of course, they all really died but did not come back!)
ii. Fifty-six (56%) percent of seminary students (Barna.org) reject the Virgin Birth!
Never base your theology on a majority vote or opinion! Always look to Him and His
Word!
iii. People may reject the Virgin Birth and/or Christ Himself, but this does not negate
who He is, His Nature, or His office! By His Resurrection from the dead, He proved
true to His Name. Wrong thinking will always be proven wrong!
c. Righteous man: Referred to being zealous in keeping the law. This also meant he
obeyed God beyond commonsense, and is a role model for us all!
d. Divorce her quietly: Joseph was willing to bear ridicule from his family and village.
He could have signed the "legal papers" or made an announcement at the town's
gate to the elders (Deut 22:23-24).
e. A dream: The phrase refers to a practice that God sometimes uses to speak to
people, and was used to convince Joseph to keep his vows to Mary and trust in God
during this time (Gen. 37:5-11; Dan. 1:17; 2:19-45; Luke 1: 26-35).
f. Son of David: This is a title for Jesus, referring to His being the Messiah (Is. 11:1-
3; Jer. 23:1-6; Matt. 9:27; 12:23; 15:22; 20:30-31; Luke 18:38).
3. The name Jesus means "Yahweh is Salvation," as in God is salvation, our

Savior's Name to be! This was a common name, which was a declension of Joshua.
For Jesus, this was a title of His office and Nature over and above a name to be
called. It had extra significance because God intervened and gave this name, when
the family lineage was usually used to give a person a name with a meaning behind
it (Jer. 23:5-6; Matt. 2:6; 15-23; 7:21-23; 28:19-20)
a. His birth and name were foretold centuries beforehand! (Is. 7:14; 9:6; 42:8)
b. In contrast, as Joshua led the nation of Israel into the "promised land" of
Israel/Canaan, Jesus leads the people of God into the Promised Land of Salvation
and eternity.
c. He will save His people from their sins: This is His "office," meaning salvation and
faith will be through Jesus Christ as God now gives humanity a new Covenant (Jer.
31:31-37). We are saved from the consequences of sin, the wrath of God, and our
guilt by His blood interceding on our behalf (Matt. 1:21; John 3:16-17; Rom. 5:8-9;
8:1-2,12-14; 1 Thess. 1:9-10; Heb. 4:14-16; 7:24-25; Rev. 7:13-17)
d. Fulfill: Matthew uses this term twelve times to make the point that this is the
Messiah, then proves that he has indeed fulfilled the Old Testament requirements
(Matt:1:22; 2:15, 23; 3:15; 4:14; 5:17; 8:17; 12:17; 13:14, 35; 21:4; 27:9). The
events of Jesus' life, death, Lordship, and Salvation in the New Testament were
predicted in accurate details and are a powerful testimony and proof for the
infallibility of the Bible by its exactness.
e. Through the prophet: Controversies arise from the Isaiah passages, as many
liberal scholars assume it alludes to Isaiah's son or perhaps Hezekiah's. However,
none of Isaiah's sons had this name, and Hezekiah predates this passage and
prophecy. Other good scholarship points out that this would be for an unborn king or
a theme that will liberate Israel after the captivity. These may be true, but often
Hebrew prophecy has double meanings-one for the time in which it was written, but
in addition, points to a future fulfillment as the books of Daniel and Revelation attest
to. The bottom-line is that God used this prediction of Isaiah, so it means what it
means; Jesus was predestined, He is here, and He is with us.
f. Immanuel: Meaning "God with us" (Is. 7:14; 9:6; 10:21; 11:1; Matt. 1:23). His
Name is also His nature; God is with us, for He is God indeed (John 1:1-3,14; 4:9-
10; 8:56-59; 17:5; Rom. 1:3-4;Phil. 2:5-11;Col. 1:17; 2:9; 1 Tim. 3:16;Heb. 2:17-18).
g. Jesus was born into the world, yet was not from it. That is, He did not come from
it (since He created it), nor is He corrupted by it, lest He be corrupted by sin. Jesus
Christ is God incarnate!
i. Jesus must also be born/formed into you (John 3:7; Gal. 2:20; 4:19)!
ii. Have you allowed Jesus into all aspects of your life? Are you surrendered and
poured out to be His Bethlehem?
iii. For Him to be in you, you must yield all of your rights and will to Him!
iv. Then Christ can use you to "form" others around you. We cannot do the work of
God unless we are the people of God, as Christ is formed in us!
h. When Joseph woke up: This involves more than just awakening from a sleep, but
engaging in the call and responsibility that God has given and being obedient,
trusting, and loving (Luke 2:1-7; Col. 4:14).
i. He had no union with her until she gave birth: Another point Matthew uses to
make his point (Luke 1:26-35).
Thoughts and Applications:
Jesus is Transcendent, Omnipresent, Omniscient, and Omnipotent. Although He is

Sovereign, at the same time, He tells us that He is Immanuel, which means "God is
with us." This describes God in the most powerful and profound language the Jews
have and/or that we have: God, THE God who walks besides us and holds us. His
name, Immanuel, is also His attribute and nature, for He is God and is fully able to
save us by substituting Himself in our place, living a sinless life, and taking God's
wrath upon Himself so we would not be lost forever. He is a God who indeed carries
us through both the trials of life and through our jubilations, too (Isaiah 7:14; Psalm
24:7-8; Prov. 1; Matt. 1:23; John 1:1-3,14; 4:9-10; 8:56-59; 17:5; Rom. 1:3-4; Phil.
2:5-11; Col. 2:9; 1 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 2:17-18).
In Matthew 22: 42, Jesus asks "Who do you say I am?" is answer to us is Immanuel
which also means that Christ was birthed in history; by so doing, He must also be
birthed into you and evident in you! His Immanuel means He is touching you,
discipling you so He is fully engaged in your heart and mind, and so He is Supreme
in you, too. Your transformation and Fruit are the evidences of Christ carrying you.
For Him to carry you, He must be evident in you!
The Essential Inductive Questions (for more Inductive questions see Inductive
Bible Study):
1.What does this passage say?
2.What does this passage mean?
3.What is God telling me?
4. How am I encouraged and strengthened?
5. Is there sin in my life for which confession and repentance is needed?
6.How can I be changed, so I can learn and grow?
7.What is in the way of these precepts affecting me? What is in the way of
my listening to God?
8.How does this apply to me? What will I do about it?
9.What can I model and teach?
10. What does God want me to share with someone?
Additional Questions:
1. What was your father like? What qualities did you inherent from him?
2. How does the birth of the Lord impact you, considering the way He came in to
this world as a helpless baby? How is Jesus Supreme in you? How do you know it
and show it?
3. What do you think of Joseph's character, and his reaction to Mary's pregnancy?
How does God provide you with opportunities and situations to better yourself?
What gets in the way of your seeing them? What about our habits of not looking or
being so consumed by past experiences, expectations, and/or hurts that we refuse
to strive in our faith?
4. Joseph was willing to bear ridicule from his family and village because of Mary.
He could have put her away, but he did not. Why?
5. The Bible does not have much more to say about Joseph; so, what do you think
his relationship with Jesus might have been like?
6. When someone says the name of Jesus, what comes to your mind? How does it
feel when someone uses it in vain as a swear word?
7. Are you ready to receive the reality of who Jesus is? How did Joseph decide to
obey God and trust in Him rather than in his cultural peer pressure? What does this
mean for you?
8. Would you have a strong foundation for your faith and hope? How did Mary and
Joseph deal with their scandalous beginning and struggles while countering some of
their cultural ideals?
9. What do you need to do to keep in constant view of your Savior's name

IMMANUEL (God with us) and JESUS (God is Savior)?
10. How have you experienced Jesus as IMMANUEL in your life?
11. Having become flesh, God understands our human plight, so we can never say
to Him, but Lord you do not understand…. So, how can this affect your prayer life?
12. Are you willing to obey Jesus as the One who was "God with us", and through
whom "God is Savior?"
13. His Name is also His nature ("God is with us" Matt. 1:23). How can this fact
empower you further in your spiritual growth? What about your interpersonal
relationships?
14. Jesus saved us. That means He substituted Himself in our place, lived a sinless
life, and took God's wrath upon Himself so we would not be lost forever. Has this hit
you in your realization of what Christ went through for you-the magnitude and depth
of His life and suffering that was given for you?
15. Why is the Virgin Birth important?
16. Why would people, especially pastors, deny the Virgin Birth?
17. If you deny the Virgin Birth, how do you reconcile forgiveness of sins and His
atonement for you?
18. Jesus was born into the world yet was not from it. What does this mean for your
salvation?
19. Have you allowed Jesus into all aspects of your life? Are you surrendered and
poured out to be His Bethlehem?
20. For Christ to be in you, you must yield all of your rights and will to Him. So, how
can you start to implement this more fully in your life? What can you do to be better
at knowing and showing that Jesus is supreme in you?
Theology Thought:
Mary, Mary quite contrary: Very little is said of Mary in the Scriptures; thus, many
people draw from extra sources to fill in the gaps. These sources come from
tradition and proclamations, but are not rooted in any historical account of the time-
and certainly not in Scripture. Such traditions include that Mary was born without sin
so she could conceive a sinless Son, that she was a perpetual virgin and thus had
no other children, and so forth. She is so revered by some that they believe they
can pray to her and she will give their prayers to Jesus, neutering His position as
sole Redeemer and bridge between the Father's wrath and our sin. These traditions
have snowballed to the point that some are calling Mary "co-redemptress," that she
is able to bear our sins in conjunction with her Son, Christ. There have been many
high level discussions in the Catholic Church regarding this, but fortunately, clearer
thinking has prevailed-so far.
So, what does the Word of God say about Mary? We know the birth account of
Jesus in Matthew and Luke and how she was chosen of God and told by the Angel
Gabriel that she was to bear God's Son. She nurtured and raised Jesus; she had
other sons and daughters, which would disprove any other views of her virginity. (Of
course, the other response is that the brothers and sisters were Joseph's kids from
a previous marriage; perhaps people watch too many sitcoms on TV!) The language
in Greek makes it very clear that they were Mary's and Joseph's kids. You would
have to do massive Scripture slaughter to say otherwise (first born Son means more
are to come, or else the Greek would have the equivalent of "Only Son"! Luke 2:7),
but such thinking puts tradition on par with the Word of God, so the arguments just
end up going in circles.) Mary was there during Jesus Ministry, at His crucifixion,
and was a leader in the early church.
So, does she deserve our adoration? Yes, she does, as she was blessed of women
and queen of mothers, deserving our respect and honor; we are to admire her,
because after all, she was the mother of our Savior! And no, we are not to worship,
pray to, or consider her anything other than a great woman who was most blessed.
Just consider her anxiety (and the faith to overcome it) from angelic visitations,
being pregnant without relationships, the family and possibly public ridicule, then to
see her Son die the most heinous death conceivable. All too often as an
overreaction, Protestant groups have "thrown the baby out with the bath water," as
a reaction to Mary; we tend to ignore her all together, but this is wrong thinking, too.
(Matt. 1-3; 12:46; 13:55-56; Mark 3:31; 6:3; Luke 1-2; 8:19; John 19:25-27; Acts 1:4)
Do not take me wrong; I am not Catholic "bashing." Many, many Catholics are dear
brothers and sisters in the Lord and they are a legitimate Christian denomination
that is holding with the core essential doctrines of faith to which we all believe and
adhere. I have visited Catholic parishes that preached the Word and were as solid
as could be considering their over-zealous and unbiblical traditions; on the other
hand, I have visited and consulted protestant churches that I felt I had to cry out,
run-do not walk to the nearest exit! Make no mistake; I will always decisively
disagree with any view from any source that contradicts Scripture!
Mary is certainty the most blessed of women, but, obeying the Word of God is even
more of a blessing!Most Christians, especially Catholics, forget that Jesus had an
earthly family, too (Matt. 13:55).
Matthew 2:1-12
The Real Living Nativity
General Idea: This passage depicted for many centuries to countless people the
classic Christmas scene. Wise men guided by a star sought out the new King. An
uproar occurs that causes Joseph to flee with his new wife and child far away from
his home, work, relationships, religious community and family. All because Christ is
God incarnate and demands a response from His creation. So we all respond to
Him in various ways. The response to Christ's birth in 5 BC: The universe
responded with a star, the gentiles responded with honor, and the Jewish rulers
responded by trying to kill Him. How do you respond?
Where is the new born king of the Jews, the visitors asked? The very same question
is asked of us, where is He in us and in our church? Is Jesus just a mere baby that
is under our domain or is He the LORD sitting on high? How we see Jesus and how
we worship Him in our hearts and minds will govern how you are in life and how you
grow in Him. This is the question that spawns, how will your church be, how will it
grow spiritually with conviction and discipleship, or decline from Him and be a
meager club? If so, all you will be doing is keeping the natives happy and content
while God goes unnoticed and dishonored and people go unfulfilled and unfed by
His Word and Spirit. Herod was deeply disturbed of Jesus, even as a baby. Yet,
Jesus comes to disturb! He comes to wake us up from our meager life and
complacency and thus convict us of our sin so to lead us with His love, care and
grace to the wonders of life and the eternity to come. So do we give Him our
treasure or our distain of contempt? Do we allow our being to be disturbed so we
are convicted and grow, or do we recoil in complacency, or hate and pride?
1.The visit Of the Magi/Wise Men occurred when Jesus was between 1 month and 2
years old. Herod died in 4BC, thus Jesus was born in 5 to 6BC (Matt. 2:16; Luke
2:22-39). The honored family was now living in a house in Bethlehem, and not in
their hometown of Nazareth as it is over 50 miles way, a tough several day journey
from Jerusalem with a newborn. The birth most likely occurred in the springtime
(defiantly not in the cold of winter! The date of Christmas was moved to December
25th in the 4th century to get rid of the pagan holiday of â€˜Winter Solutes') around
when we celebrate Easter, when the census was taken along with the Passover.
This was the only way to gather all the heads of the Jewish households to
Jerusalem, as most would have traveled there anyway. The Romans were very
efficient and this would have killed two birds with one stone.
a.A scene of many â€œnativity setsâ€ through the centuries, the honor of the birth
of the True King. The Magi were not kings themselves, but scientists, philosophers
and advisors to kings. They were from the Persia/ Babylonian areas (modern Iran
and Iraq) where Abraham was from and Daniel and the Jews lived in captivity for 70
years. Thus, they would have been well acquainted with the Scriptural predictions
from their former Jewish captives, from Daniel's, and Balaam's prophecy (Nub. 24).
Some people think they were a group of three priests and astrologers from Persia or
Babylon and their names were Melchior, Balthasar, and Caspar and were later
baptized by Thomas; but this is not found in Scripture but in legend and myth! The
â€˜astrologers' if they were that, since there is no Biblical evidence, they may have
not have been looking for a â€˜star sign', but just saw something they never seen
before, such as the pillar of fire in Exodus. Some had suggested that they been
given special revelation from God, but this too is not found in Scripture!
b.In the first century period no king in the near east could rise to power without
being discipled and then crowned by the Magi! Thus they held considerable power
and influence (Dan 5, Acts 8:4-25). The word Magi is the root for magic, which leads
to all kinds of needless and unfounded speculation regarding them.
c. The Roman Empire was a â€˜western empire' that was isolated from the east.
Thus the Meads and Persians were the biggest threat, because of isolation and
political differences and thus were violent enemies and were always fighting, and
that fighting took place in Palestine, the in-between land! So when Herod heard that
the Magi were in town he was rattled! Because they had absolute power and choice
on what the Persians did, from war to setting up kings. And they were looking for a
new king, which further terrified the insecure Herod who spent a lifetime of killing his
family, sons and all potential enemies. Hence his extreme reaction and panic by the
killing of all the young children.
d. The presence of the "three wise men" is the picture of what Christmas is too
many people. But the number is not given to us, there could have been 3 or 4 or 2
or 10...
2.The baby Jesus who needed an occasional diaper change and a breast to be fed
from, was still fully God and Creator and to be worshiped!
a.Their journey would have taken several months, thus they were not there when
Jesus was born, but came month's later, sorry nativity sets! (By the way while you
are removing the wise men until March, tear off the angels wings too! Nowhere in
Scripture are Angels described with wings, this comes from renaissance paintings
and Christmas pageants. Only Seraph and Cherub's and such have wings, the
angels who hang around the throne room of God. Sorry to be a wet blanket to your
Christmas ideas, just trying to be Biblical, of course my wife will not let me remove
the wings off our nativity set. We always must be careful not to take tradition and
fiction as fact! (Acts 17:11)
b.Gifts were given to Him! (Remember that the quality of gifts does not necessarily
imply the quantity of givers!) These gifts most likely made their flight to Egypt
possible, as they were poor and did not have the recourses for such an expensive
journey!
c.Worship was honored to Him! The wise men were able to go beyond their cultural
misgivings and knew that Jesus was worthy to be worshiped and that is the point
here! Where the officials of Judaism were not!
3.The â€˜Star' â€œcor-chaâ€ in Hebrew meant something that shined or blazed

forth, it can mean a star as in the heavens, an angel, or some kind of light that leads
such as the burning bush or the star of Joshua (Nub. 24:17).
a.Scripture alludes to the fact the star stood still in the sky, whereas stellar
phenomena always move, unless of course God acts upon it.
b.Some have suggested that the star was the planet Jupiter, which such
astronomical events are often associated with the birth of kings as is a conjunction
of Jupiter and Saturn or comet. But the only astronomical evidence (I asked a friend
who is an astronomer at Cal Tech) is a possible supernova which is now the
â€˜Crab Nebula' as observed by the Chinese and Babylonians around the time of
5BC. But again stellar phenomena always move, the star of the Magi stayed in
place!
c.Thus, the most likely scenario is the star was God's glory shinning/peeking out of
heaven and not an actual supernova or some other astronomical event as people
have suggested.
d.Herod KNEW! He made the connection, and furiously sought to find out as
shrewdly as possible to find this Messiah, so he can protect his throne. The High
Priests and the Jewish leaders knew too! They were the political power and rulers,
who by pride, ignorance or fear, chose to destroy God's Messiah rather than
worship Him!
The principle point of the visit of the Magi is, "We have come to WORSHIP Him"
(Matt. 2:2, 11). It is a picture to God's sovereignty even as a helpless infant, He was
worshiped. He is the Eternal God and Creator and sits on the throne of Haven; He is
our Savior and Lord. Three pagan kings saw this, do you? Does your church? Or do
we just seem Him as a helpless baby in a manger so cute and so uncontrived? We
have to see Christ as Lord, not just as a mere cute cuddly baby. A baby is
dependant and in need, it is no threat or hazard or conviction. We control a baby,
and the baby is totally dependent on us as caretakers and protectors. Christ was a
baby in His human form; However, He is no longer a baby! Yet, He is in many
Christian minds, perhaps for the aforementioned reasons. As a baby, we can control
Him and not worry of His conviction or precepts. So, Adore Jesus as a baby,
worship Him as Lord. But do not ever think of Him as merely a baby that you have
power or control over, for His is still sovereign and our God!
The Magi were a superb example of spiritual diligence! Consider the cost and time
and danger to travel back then. That they believed without all the resources we
have today! Are we willing to sacrifice or at the very least be diligent to find Christ, to
serve Christ and to worship Christ? Even though we live in a callous and
unbelieving world, let us be diligent and contrite as the Wise men were! True
servants of the Lord can be found in unlikely places, and those who we expect to be
the true servants such as the chief priests and scribes can be fakes (John 1:11; 2
Tim. 2:19)!
Questions:
1.What Christmas traditions do you and your family have?
2.Does this study put a damper on your vision of the first Christmas or give you
more inspiration and wonder?
3.Do you have people who are wise that you can go to for advice and guidance?
4.Is Jesus as a baby more appealing and comforting to you or as a â€œmanâ€

teaching the truths of the Kingdom? Why?
5.Why do some people like Jesus only as a baby?
6.How do you respond to Christ as Lord?
7.What do you think about how people responded to Jesus' birth? Place the
emphases on the differences between the way the gentiles responded and how the
Jewish rulers responded.
8.In what ways have you seen the Magi depicted in churches and department
stores?
9.How should you regard the Magi?
10. Why would some Christian's overemphasize their role saying they received
special revelation?
11. Describe a typical nativity set by drawing a picture or imagine one, then
rearrange it how the Bible records the events. How do you feel about it? Does it
challenge you beyond you acceptance and traditions?
12. What other beliefs do you think you may have that you drew from Christian
culture or the secular perception of Christianity and how is it really? Conceder
Easter, family traditions, even your church service and prayer lifeâ€¦
13. Why did Herod react the way he did?
14. Jesus as a baby who needed all the things a baby needs, diaper changes and a
breast to be feed from, was still fully God and Creator and to be worshiped. How is
this humbling? Why did He do this?
15. Why would pagan gentiles leave their home and travel to a distant land that
would take over a year for a round trip, and be very expensive in harsh conditions to
see a foreign King?
16. Do you think the Magi realized the baby was God?
17. What would cause you to leave everything for a harsh expensive journey?
18. True servants of the Lord can be found in unlikely places, and those who we
expect to be the true servants such as the chief priests and scribes can be fakes.
So how can you tell who is speaking truth and who is putting on a show?
19. What can you learn from the Magi? Even though we live in a callous and
unbelieving world, how can you be diligent as the Wise men were?
20. Are you willing to sacrifice or at the very least be diligent to find Christ, to serve
Christ and to worship Christ?
Matthew 2:13-23
Fight and Flight: Jesus, "The Early Years"
General Idea: Jesus always invokes a response, if not in this life, then, in the life to
come, from every person who has ever lived. We either accept Him or reject Him;
we will fight against Him, or devote our lives to please Him. Herod had the incredible
opportunity to be one of the first people to give such a response; however, he chose
fear and deception as his appropriate reaction to the newborn King. The response
we give will echo for eternity, so, make sure it is the correct one! Responses also
have consequences for us, as well as those around us. For Joseph and his family, it
meant fleeing to a foreign land, away from family, friends, and work, all that he
knew. It required great faith and trust twice, once to flee, and then to come back.
a. We do not know much of Jesus' early years, as neither Mark nor John share
much about this period of Jesus' life. Only Matthew and Luke record something
about the first thirty years. Matthew's concern was to point out the events, predicted
by the prophets, which prove Jesus to be the Messiah, as his audience was the
Jews. Even though we do not know much of our Lord's earthly life, we have all we
need.
1. As we look at church history, we can see how such narrative events tend
to be over dramatized, and even worshiped, taking away from the primary
purpose of Christ. Thus, the Lord must have known our tendency to
diverge from what is important, as He only leaves us information we need.
2. There is also Apocryphal (Scripture not included in the cannon for various
reasons) works, such as the Gospel of Thomas, and the Pseudepigrapha,
which are books claiming to be Scripture, but proven to be of false
authorship. In this case, these were written over 200 years later, and
refuted without contest by the early church. The Infancy Narratives,
record many events of Jesus' early life. However, they have little to no
historical validity, as they were written much later, in the Second and
Third Centuries, and not accepted by the early church.
b. The Fight. Herod responded to the new King with fear and deception. He saw
Jesus as the ultimate threat to his throne. This was not true, as Jesus' throne
was the universe and eternity, and Herod's kingdom was geographical and
temporary. If he had worshiped as the Magi did, perhaps he would have been
blessed and would not have died early by the same deception he dished out,
and the last time, from his own wife!
1. The Chief Priests and leaders also invoked their response, and they
knew that that the newborn King was the Messiah, yet, they also saw
Him as a threat and not the God they were to serve and worship. They
knew the truth, but chose to fight Him.
1. What good is Scripture if you do not apply it to your life? The Leaders
knew, but would not travel the short distance to see the true King.
c. The Flight. Joseph was told by the angel to flee to Egypt, because Herod was
seeking to kill Jesus.
1. One of history's most heinous acts was the massacre of children by the
very ones who knew the Messiah had come, and dared to think they
could change the outcome!
2. Joseph was directed by dreams, a common way that Angels

communicated to Biblical personalities. (Angels are not chubby nice
winged personalities that you see in Hallmark stores or movies, who fly
around playing harps! Angels, or "messengers," are non-sexual and non-
corporal beings whose very presence will cause one to have a heart
attack! Every time they manifest themselves, they first put the person
they are visiting at ease, unless they are in disguise. In addition, they do
not have wings or halos!)
1. The actual stay in Egypt was short, maybe one or two years. Church
tradition says they stayed in the same town as another Joseph did
"Heliopolis" (Gen. 41:45)
2. Then they returned to their home in Nazareth by the leading of an angel,

and again via a dream. Although Matthew does not name their residence,
Luke does (Luke 2:39)
3. All of these events were prophesied hundreds of years prior: (Ps. 2:2-3;
22:6,8; 69:11,19; Isa. 11:1; 53:2-4; Jer. 23:5; 31:15; Hos. 11:1; Zec. 3:8;
6:12)
a. In Hos.11:1, God is calling out His Son, as He called out Israel in

the Exodus. This points to Jesus, God's plan of redemption for
humanity.
b. Jer. 31:15 refers the return of Israel from the exile. Rachel (Gen.
37:28; 42:15) represents motherhood, her children leaving home,
and God's children leaving their land. When God punishes Israel
or us, it hurts Him more than it hurts us! Thus, the departure of
Jesus to Egypt is like the exile of Israel.
c. He shall be called a Nazarene refers to the prophets and people of

God who will be hated by those who refuse to acknowledge God.
They will take their fear and hatred out on His servants, as they
did to the prophets, Christ, and sometimes us! The other Jews
despised the Nazarenes. (John 1:46; 7:42; 52)
4. Leaders, and people in general, are often opposed to anything that goes
against their will and plans, especially God's rule (Mt. 2:1-3,16; 4:12; 14:1-
12; 26:3-4; 27:1)
a. They/we plot against Jesus
b. They/we attempted to cover up His call/resurrection (Mt. 28:11-15)
c. They/we try to prevent the spread of the Word (Acts 4:1-3,18;

5:40; 24:1-5)
5. Since Jesus was persecuted, we should not be surprised if the same

should happen to us!
a. Jesus warned that such might happen (John 15:18-20; 2 Tim. 3:12).
b. Satan will do anything to stop Christ's Word (Ps. 2:1-12; 1 Pet.

5:8;- Rev. 12:3-5,17; 17:12-14; 20:7-9).
c. To grow in maturity, we should be willing to endure suffering for

our Lord (1 Pet. 2:21).
d. Jesus' harsh beginnings did not prevent Him from fulfilling His mission and
ministry
1. When bad things, or unexpected turn of events overtake us, we should

look to our Lord, be encouraged, and then persevere, because our eyes
are on Him and not our circumstances.
2. The example of Jesus' humility ought to inspire, motivate, and encourage

us to accept the character of Christ, and live it out in our lives, especially
in our relations to those around us! (Ps. 84:10; Php. 2:5-8; 1 Pet. 5:5-7)
Questions:
1. As a child, how would you have felt to have to leave your school and friends to
follow your parents to a job change?
2. Jesus invokes a response from every person who has ever lived. So, what has
been yours from early childhood up to now, and what will it be in the future?
3. What has been your pattern of faith, acceptance, and devotion to Jesus over the
years, from fighting against Him to devoting your life to please Him?
4. Do you think it is important to know what Jesus was like as a child and
teenager? If so, how would it affect your faith and acceptance? How could it
distract you and the church from Christ's real message?
5. Do you believe that even though we do not know much of our Lord's earthly life,
we have all that we need to know?
6. Herod responded to the new King with fear and deception. In what ways have
you seen people respond to Jesus?
7. Why was Jesus seen as the ultimate threat?
8. How is Jesus seen as a threat today?
9. Jesus' throne is the entire universe and eternity, and our thinking is
geographical and temporary. So, how could you benefit from a better
understanding of who Jesus is, your relationship to the world, and your spiritual
growth?
10. Why would someone who knows the truth of Christ, or has heard it, choose to
fight and reject Him?
11. How have you rejected or challenged Jesus' Lordship over you?
12. What good is Scripture if you do not apply it to your life?
13. How have you seen Angels depicted in the media and the church? How does
this compare with the reality of who they really are?
14. Do you think you have ever had, or known someone who has had an encounter
with an Angel?
15. How does it affect your faith to know that all of these events were prophesied
hundreds of years before they were fulfilled?
16. Leaders, and people in general are often opposed to anything that goes against
their will and plans, especially God's rule. So, how can you make sure that your
decisions are in line with God's truth and Will?
17. Since Jesus was persecuted, why should we not expect the same thing to
happen to us?
18. Jesus' harsh beginnings did not prevent Him from His mission and ministry. So,
how can you stay focused on your call when times get tough?
19. How can the example of Jesus' humility inspire, motivate, and encourage you to
accept the character of Christ and live it out in your life, especially in your
relationship to those around you?
20. Are you willing to humbly serve, and even suffer persecution for Jesus?
The response we give will echo for eternity. Make sure it is the correct one!
Theology Thought
Herod: The Herods were a line of Jewish kings who were empowered by the
Romans. They governed Judea from around 50 BC to the end of the First Century.
The name is Greek, and they were Jewish, to what percentage is not known. Little is
known of them other than their tendency to be shrewd and militaristic. Some believe
they trace their kingship to the Maccabees, who ruled Israel during the in-between
period of the two Testaments, as laid out in the apocryphal books, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
Maccabees. Others have said they started governing in various roles after the
Babylonian exile. The first Herod we know about is Antipaer, grandfather of Herod
the Great. He was a soldier who rose to power, and politically manipulated his
status with the Romans to hold onto his power. His son, also named Antipaer,
served an exemplary career with Julius Caesar, which earned him Roman
citizenship.
Herod the Great helped rebuild the Temple, and expanded the city of
Jerusalem from 20 BC until 62 AD. Incredible structures, fortress, harbors, and
cities continued to be built past his death in 4 BC. His great accomplishment, the
rebuilding of the Temple, was destroyed in 70 AD, thus only existing after
completion for around seven or so years! Conversely from his great buildings and
cities, he was unspeakably evil, murdering his own family, including most of his
sons! Along with his fervent building campaigns for the Jews, he also built many
pagan idols and shrines! He was very cunning, and manipulative, fitting in perfectly
with the Roman aristocracies. His biggest act of cruelty was the killing of all the
children in Bethlehem, and in the surrounding areas! His surviving sons fought over
the kingdom, forcing Augustus Creaser to step in and divide up the kingdom three
ways, and removed the title of king" to the title of "governor." Herod Antipas, "that
fox" in Luke 13:31-32, who had the ripe province of Jerusalem, was in power for
over 30 years, and was the one who had John the Baptist beheaded, and who
mocked Jesus (Mark 6:14-29; Luke 23:7-12). Herod Agrippa, Antipas' son, and
Herod the Great's grandson, was the one who tried Paul (Acts 25:13-26:32).
Matthew 2:1-12
The Real Living Nativity
General Idea: This passage depicted for many centuries to countless people the
classic Christmas scene. Wise men guided by a star sought out the new King. An
uproar occurs that causes Joseph to flee with his new wife and child far away from
his home, work, relationships, religious community and family. All because Christ is
God incarnate and demands a response from His creation. So we all respond to
Him in various ways. The response to Christ's birth in 5 BC: The universe
responded with a star, the gentiles responded with honor, and the Jewish rulers
responded by trying to kill Him. How do you respond?
Where is the new born king of the Jews, the visitors asked? The very same question
is asked of us, where is He in us and in our church? Is Jesus just a mere baby that
is under our domain or is He the LORD sitting on high? How we see Jesus and how
we worship Him in our hearts and minds will govern how you are in life and how you
grow in Him. This is the question that spawns, how will your church be, how will it
grow spiritually with conviction and discipleship, or decline from Him and be a
meager club? If so, all you will be doing is keeping the natives happy and content
while God goes unnoticed and dishonored and people go unfulfilled and unfed by
His Word and Spirit. Herod was deeply disturbed of Jesus, even as a baby. Yet,
Jesus comes to disturb! He comes to wake us up from our meager life and
complacency and thus convict us of our sin so to lead us with His love, care and
grace to the wonders of life and the eternity to come. So do we give Him our
treasure or our distain of contempt? Do we allow our being to be disturbed so we
are convicted and grow, or do we recoil in complacency, or hate and pride?
1.The visit Of the Magi/Wise Men occurred when Jesus was between 1 month and 2
years old. Herod died in 4BC, thus Jesus was born in 5 to 6BC (Matt. 2:16; Luke
2:22-39). The honored family was now living in a house in Bethlehem, and not in
their hometown of Nazareth as it is over 50 miles way, a tough several day journey
from Jerusalem with a newborn. The birth most likely occurred in the springtime
(defiantly not in the cold of winter! The date of Christmas was moved to December
25th in the 4th century to get rid of the pagan holiday of â€˜Winter Solutes') around
when we celebrate Easter, when the census was taken along with the Passover.
This was the only way to gather all the heads of the Jewish households to
Jerusalem, as most would have traveled there anyway. The Romans were very
efficient and this would have killed two birds with one stone.
a.A scene of many â€œnativity setsâ€ through the centuries, the honor of the birth
of the True King. The Magi were not kings themselves, but scientists, philosophers
and advisors to kings. They were from the Persia/ Babylonian areas (modern Iran
and Iraq) where Abraham was from and Daniel and the Jews lived in captivity for 70
years. Thus, they would have been well acquainted with the Scriptural predictions
from their former Jewish captives, from Daniel's, and Balaam's prophecy (Nub. 24).
Some people think they were a group of three priests and astrologers from Persia or
Babylon and their names were Melchior, Balthasar, and Caspar and were later
baptized by Thomas; but this is not found in Scripture but in legend and myth! The
â€˜astrologers' if they were that, since there is no Biblical evidence, they may have
not have been looking for a â€˜star sign', but just saw something they never seen
before, such as the pillar of fire in Exodus. Some had suggested that they been
given special revelation from God, but this too is not found in Scripture!
b.In the first century period no king in the near east could rise to power without
being discipled and then crowned by the Magi! Thus they held considerable power
and influence (Dan 5, Acts 8:4-25). The word Magi is the root for magic, which leads
to all kinds of needless and unfounded speculation regarding them.
c. The Roman Empire was a â€˜western empire' that was isolated from the east.
Thus the Meads and Persians were the biggest threat, because of isolation and
political differences and thus were violent enemies and were always fighting, and
that fighting took place in Palestine, the in-between land! So when Herod heard that
the Magi were in town he was rattled! Because they had absolute power and choice
on what the Persians did, from war to setting up kings. And they were looking for a
new king, which further terrified the insecure Herod who spent a lifetime of killing his
family, sons and all potential enemies. Hence his extreme reaction and panic by the
killing of all the young children.
d. The presence of the "three wise men" is the picture of what Christmas is too
many people. But the number is not given to us, there could have been 3 or 4 or 2
or 10...
2.The baby Jesus who needed an occasional diaper change and a breast to be fed
from, was still fully God and Creator and to be worshiped!
a.Their journey would have taken several months, thus they were not there when
Jesus was born, but came month's later, sorry nativity sets! (By the way while you
are removing the wise men until March, tear off the angels wings too! Nowhere in
Scripture are Angels described with wings, this comes from renaissance paintings
and Christmas pageants. Only Seraph and Cherub's and such have wings, the
angels who hang around the throne room of God. Sorry to be a wet blanket to your
Christmas ideas, just trying to be Biblical, of course my wife will not let me remove
the wings off our nativity set. We always must be careful not to take tradition and
fiction as fact! (Acts 17:11)
b.Gifts were given to Him! (Remember that the quality of gifts does not necessarily
imply the quantity of givers!) These gifts most likely made their flight to Egypt
possible, as they were poor and did not have the recourses for such an expensive
journey!
c.Worship was honored to Him! The wise men were able to go beyond their cultural
misgivings and knew that Jesus was worthy to be worshiped and that is the point
here! Where the officials of Judaism were not!
3.The â€˜Star' â€œcor-chaâ€ in Hebrew meant something that shined or blazed

forth, it can mean a star as in the heavens, an angel, or some kind of light that leads
such as the burning bush or the star of Joshua (Nub. 24:17).
a.Scripture alludes to the fact the star stood still in the sky, whereas stellar
phenomena always move, unless of course God acts upon it.
b.Some have suggested that the star was the planet Jupiter, which such
astronomical events are often associated with the birth of kings as is a conjunction
of Jupiter and Saturn or comet. But the only astronomical evidence (I asked a friend
who is an astronomer at Cal Tech) is a possible supernova which is now the
â€˜Crab Nebula' as observed by the Chinese and Babylonians around the time of
5BC. But again stellar phenomena always move, the star of the Magi stayed in
place!
c.Thus, the most likely scenario is the star was God's glory shinning/peeking out of
heaven and not an actual supernova or some other astronomical event as people
have suggested.
d.Herod KNEW! He made the connection, and furiously sought to find out as
shrewdly as possible to find this Messiah, so he can protect his throne. The High
Priests and the Jewish leaders knew too! They were the political power and rulers,
who by pride, ignorance or fear, chose to destroy God's Messiah rather than
worship Him!
The principle point of the visit of the Magi is, "We have come to WORSHIP Him"
(Matt. 2:2, 11). It is a picture to God's sovereignty even as a helpless infant, He was
worshiped. He is the Eternal God and Creator and sits on the throne of Haven; He is
our Savior and Lord. Three pagan kings saw this, do you? Does your church? Or do
we just seem Him as a helpless baby in a manger so cute and so uncontrived? We
have to see Christ as Lord, not just as a mere cute cuddly baby. A baby is
dependant and in need, it is no threat or hazard or conviction. We control a baby,
and the baby is totally dependent on us as caretakers and protectors. Christ was a
baby in His human form; However, He is no longer a baby! Yet, He is in many
Christian minds, perhaps for the aforementioned reasons. As a baby, we can control
Him and not worry of His conviction or precepts. So, Adore Jesus as a baby,
worship Him as Lord. But do not ever think of Him as merely a baby that you have
power or control over, for His is still sovereign and our God!
The Magi were a superb example of spiritual diligence! Consider the cost and time
and danger to travel back then. That they believed without all the resources we
have today! Are we willing to sacrifice or at the very least be diligent to find Christ, to
serve Christ and to worship Christ? Even though we live in a callous and
unbelieving world, let us be diligent and contrite as the Wise men were! True
servants of the Lord can be found in unlikely places, and those who we expect to be
the true servants such as the chief priests and scribes can be fakes (John 1:11; 2
Tim. 2:19)!
Questions:
1.What Christmas traditions do you and your family have?
2.Does this study put a damper on your vision of the first Christmas or give you
more inspiration and wonder?
3.Do you have people who are wise that you can go to for advice and guidance?
4.Is Jesus as a baby more appealing and comforting to you or as a â€œmanâ€

teaching the truths of the Kingdom? Why?
5.Why do some people like Jesus only as a baby?
6.How do you respond to Christ as Lord?
7.What do you think about how people responded to Jesus' birth? Place the
emphases on the differences between the way the gentiles responded and how the
Jewish rulers responded.
8.In what ways have you seen the Magi depicted in churches and department
stores?
9.How should you regard the Magi?
10. Why would some Christian's overemphasize their role saying they received
special revelation?
11. Describe a typical nativity set by drawing a picture or imagine one, then
rearrange it how the Bible records the events. How do you feel about it? Does it
challenge you beyond you acceptance and traditions?
12. What other beliefs do you think you may have that you drew from Christian
culture or the secular perception of Christianity and how is it really? Conceder
Easter, family traditions, even your church service and prayer lifeâ€¦
13. Why did Herod react the way he did?
14. Jesus as a baby who needed all the things a baby needs, diaper changes and a
breast to be feed from, was still fully God and Creator and to be worshiped. How is
this humbling? Why did He do this?
15. Why would pagan gentiles leave their home and travel to a distant land that
would take over a year for a round trip, and be very expensive in harsh conditions to
see a foreign King?
16. Do you think the Magi realized the baby was God?
17. What would cause you to leave everything for a harsh expensive journey?
18. True servants of the Lord can be found in unlikely places, and those who we
expect to be the true servants such as the chief priests and scribes can be fakes.
So how can you tell who is speaking truth and who is putting on a show?
19. What can you learn from the Magi? Even though we live in a callous and
unbelieving world, how can you be diligent as the Wise men were?
20. Are you willing to sacrifice or at the very least be diligent to find Christ, to serve
Christ and to worship Christ?
Are you willing to sacrifice or at the very least be diligent to find Christ, to
serve Christ and to worship Christ?
Matthew 2:13-23
Fight and Flight: Jesus, "The Early Years"
General Idea: Jesus always invokes a response, if not in this life, then, in the life to
come, from every person who has ever lived. We either accept Him or reject Him;
we will fight against Him, or devote our lives to please Him. Herod had the incredible
opportunity to be one of the first people to give such a response; however, he chose
fear and deception as his appropriate reaction to the newborn King. The response
we give will echo for eternity, so, make sure it is the correct one! Responses also
have consequences for us, as well as those around us. For Joseph and his family, it
meant fleeing to a foreign land, away from family, friends, and work, all that he
knew. It required great faith and trust twice, once to flee, and then to come back.
a. We do not know much of Jesus' early years, as neither Mark nor John share
much about this period of Jesus' life. Only Matthew and Luke record something
about the first thirty years. Matthew's concern was to point out the events, predicted
by the prophets, which prove Jesus to be the Messiah, as his audience was the
Jews. Even though we do not know much of our Lord's earthly life, we have all we
need.
1. As we look at church history, we can see how such narrative events tend
to be over dramatized, and even worshiped, taking away from the primary
purpose of Christ. Thus, the Lord must have known our tendency to
diverge from what is important, as He only leaves us information we need.
2. There is also Apocryphal (Scripture not included in the cannon for various
reasons) works, such as the Gospel of Thomas, and the Pseudepigrapha,
which are books claiming to be Scripture, but proven to be of false
authorship. In this case, these were written over 200 years later, and
refuted without contest by the early church. The Infancy Narratives,
record many events of Jesus' early life. However, they have little to no
historical validity, as they were written much later, in the Second and
Third Centuries, and not accepted by the early church.
b. The Fight. Herod responded to the new King with fear and deception. He saw
Jesus as the ultimate threat to his throne. This was not true, as Jesus' throne
was the universe and eternity, and Herod's kingdom was geographical and
temporary. If he had worshiped as the Magi did, perhaps he would have been
blessed and would not have died early by the same deception he dished out,
and the last time, from his own wife!
1. The Chief Priests and leaders also invoked their response, and they
knew that that the newborn King was the Messiah, yet, they also saw
Him as a threat and not the God they were to serve and worship. They
knew the truth, but chose to fight Him.
1. What good is Scripture if you do not apply it to your life? The Leaders
knew, but would not travel the short distance to see the true King.
c. The Flight. Joseph was told by the angel to flee to Egypt, because Herod was
seeking to kill Jesus.
1. One of history's most heinous acts was the massacre of children by the
very ones who knew the Messiah had come, and dared to think they
could change the outcome!
2. Joseph was directed by dreams, a common way that Angels

communicated to Biblical personalities. (Angels are not chubby nice
winged personalities that you see in Hallmark stores or movies, who fly
around playing harps! Angels, or "messengers," are non-sexual and non-
corporal beings whose very presence will cause one to have a heart
attack! Every time they manifest themselves, they first put the person
they are visiting at ease, unless they are in disguise. In addition, they do
not have wings or halos!)
1. The actual stay in Egypt was short, maybe one or two years. Church
tradition says they stayed in the same town as another Joseph did
"Heliopolis" (Gen. 41:45)
2. Then they returned to their home in Nazareth by the leading of an angel,

and again via a dream. Although Matthew does not name their residence,
Luke does (Luke 2:39)
3. All of these events were prophesied hundreds of years prior: (Ps. 2:2-3;
22:6,8; 69:11,19; Isa. 11:1; 53:2-4; Jer. 23:5; 31:15; Hos. 11:1; Zec. 3:8;
6:12)
a. In Hos.11:1, God is calling out His Son, as He called out Israel in

the Exodus. This points to Jesus, God's plan of redemption for
humanity.
b. Jer. 31:15 refers the return of Israel from the exile. Rachel (Gen.
37:28; 42:15) represents motherhood, her children leaving home,
and God's children leaving their land. When God punishes Israel
or us, it hurts Him more than it hurts us! Thus, the departure of
Jesus to Egypt is like the exile of Israel.
c. He shall be called a Nazarene refers to the prophets and people of

God who will be hated by those who refuse to acknowledge God.
They will take their fear and hatred out on His servants, as they
did to the prophets, Christ, and sometimes us! The other Jews
despised the Nazarenes. (John 1:46; 7:42; 52)
4. Leaders, and people in general, are often opposed to anything that goes
against their will and plans, especially God's rule (Mt. 2:1-3,16; 4:12; 14:1-
12; 26:3-4; 27:1)
a. They/we plot against Jesus
b. They/we attempted to cover up His call/resurrection (Mt. 28:11-15)
c. They/we try to prevent the spread of the Word (Acts 4:1-3,18;

5:40; 24:1-5)
5. Since Jesus was persecuted, we should not be surprised if the same

should happen to us!
a. Jesus warned that such might happen (John 15:18-20; 2 Tim. 3:12).
b. Satan will do anything to stop Christ's Word (Ps. 2:1-12; 1 Pet.

5:8;- Rev. 12:3-5,17; 17:12-14; 20:7-9).
c. To grow in maturity, we should be willing to endure suffering for

our Lord (1 Pet. 2:21).
d. Jesus' harsh beginnings did not prevent Him from fulfilling His mission and
ministry
1. When bad things, or unexpected turn of events overtake us, we should

look to our Lord, be encouraged, and then persevere, because our eyes
are on Him and not our circumstances.
2. The example of Jesus' humility ought to inspire, motivate, and encourage

us to accept the character of Christ, and live it out in our lives, especially
in our relations to those around us! (Ps. 84:10; Php. 2:5-8; 1 Pet. 5:5-7)
Questions:
1. As a child, how would you have felt to have to leave your school and friends to
follow your parents to a job change?
2. Jesus invokes a response from every person who has ever lived. So, what has
been yours from early childhood up to now, and what will it be in the future?
3. What has been your pattern of faith, acceptance, and devotion to Jesus over the
years, from fighting against Him to devoting your life to please Him?
4. Do you think it is important to know what Jesus was like as a child and
teenager? If so, how would it affect your faith and acceptance? How could it
distract you and the church from Christ's real message?
5. Do you believe that even though we do not know much of our Lord's earthly life,
we have all that we need to know?
6. Herod responded to the new King with fear and deception. In what ways have
you seen people respond to Jesus?
7. Why was Jesus seen as the ultimate threat?
8. How is Jesus seen as a threat today?
9. Jesus' throne is the entire universe and eternity, and our thinking is
geographical and temporary. So, how could you benefit from a better
understanding of who Jesus is, your relationship to the world, and your spiritual
growth?
10. Why would someone who knows the truth of Christ, or has heard it, choose to
fight and reject Him?
11. How have you rejected or challenged Jesus' Lordship over you?
12. What good is Scripture if you do not apply it to your life?
13. How have you seen Angels depicted in the media and the church? How does
this compare with the reality of who they really are?
14. Do you think you have ever had, or known someone who has had an encounter
with an Angel?
15. How does it affect your faith to know that all of these events were prophesied
hundreds of years before they were fulfilled?
16. Leaders, and people in general are often opposed to anything that goes against
their will and plans, especially God's rule. So, how can you make sure that your
decisions are in line with God's truth and Will?
17. Since Jesus was persecuted, why should we not expect the same thing to
happen to us?
18. Jesus' harsh beginnings did not prevent Him from His mission and ministry. So,
how can you stay focused on your call when times get tough?
19. How can the example of Jesus' humility inspire, motivate, and encourage you to
accept the character of Christ and live it out in your life, especially in your
relationship to those around you?
20. Are you willing to humbly serve, and even suffer persecution for Jesus?
The response we give will echo for eternity. Make sure it is the correct one!
Theology Thought
Herod: The Herods were a line of Jewish kings who were empowered by the
Romans. They governed Judea from around 50 BC to the end of the First Century.
The name is Greek, and they were Jewish, to what percentage is not known. Little is
known of them other than their tendency to be shrewd and militaristic. Some believe
they trace their kingship to the Maccabees, who ruled Israel during the in-between
period of the two Testaments, as laid out in the apocryphal books, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
Maccabees. Others have said they started governing in various roles after the
Babylonian exile. The first Herod we know about is Antipaer, grandfather of Herod
the Great. He was a soldier who rose to power, and politically manipulated his
status with the Romans to hold onto his power. His son, also named Antipaer,
served an exemplary career with Julius Caesar, which earned him Roman
citizenship.
Herod the Great helped rebuild the Temple, and expanded the city of
Jerusalem from 20 BC until 62 AD. Incredible structures, fortress, harbors, and
cities continued to be built past his death in 4 BC. His great accomplishment, the
rebuilding of the Temple, was destroyed in 70 AD, thus only existing after
completion for around seven or so years! Conversely from his great buildings and
cities, he was unspeakably evil, murdering his own family, including most of his
sons! Along with his fervent building campaigns for the Jews, he also built many
pagan idols and shrines! He was very cunning, and manipulative, fitting in perfectly
with the Roman aristocracies. His biggest act of cruelty was the killing of all the
children in Bethlehem, and in the surrounding areas! His surviving sons fought over
the kingdom, forcing Augustus Creaser to step in and divide up the kingdom three
ways, and removed the title of king" to the title of "governor." Herod Antipas, "that
fox" in Luke 13:31-32, who had the ripe province of Jerusalem, was in power for
over 30 years, and was the one who had John the Baptist beheaded, and who
mocked Jesus (Mark 6:14-29; Luke 23:7-12). Herod Agrippa, Antipas' son, and
Herod the Great's grandson, was the one who tried Paul (Acts 25:13-26:32).

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Weekly Bible Reading Chart

Gospels Law History Psalms Poetry Prophecy Epistles

Week Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Numbers I Chronicles Psalms 99- Proverbs I Timothy

Numbers I Chronicles Psalms 102- Proverbs II Timothy

Numbers I Chronicles Psalms 105- Proverbs II Timothy

Numbers I Chronicles Psalms 108- Proverbs

Numbers II Chronicles Psalms 111- Proverbs

Numbers II Chronicles Psalms 114- Proverbs Hebrews

Numbers II Chronicles Psalms 117- Proverbs Hebrews

Deuteron II Chronicles Psalms 120- Proverbs Hebrews

Deuteron II Chronicles Psalms 122- Ecclesiaste

Deuteron II Chronicles Psalms 125- Ecclesiaste

Matthew 5:1-2 Matthew 5: 3-12

Matthew 5: 17-20 Matthew 5: 21-26

Bible Study Notes

The King has Come!

i. It is profitable for doctrine!

ii. It is profitable for instruction in righteousness!

c. The Messiah had to be a descendant of Abraham (Gen 22:18)

d. The Messiah had to be a descendant of David (Isa. 11:1-2)

b. Abraham to David is 1000 years

c. David to the Babylonian captivity is 400 years

d. Babylonian captivity to Jesus is 600 years.

e. Jesus' "legal" right to David's throne is established.

· We are reminded of God's mercy!

Jesus is the ultimate humbler; He humbled Himself by taking on the likeness of a

1. What does this passage say?

2. What does this passage mean?

3. What is God telling me?

4. How am I encouraged and strengthened?

5. Is there sin in my life for which confession and repentance is needed?

6. How can I be changed, so I can learn and grow?

9. What can I model and teach?

10. What does God want me to share with someone?

3. Does this passage seem dry and boring? Why?

Word Meanings and Commentary:

a. Pledged to be married: Engagement in first century Judaism was as binding as a

3. The name Jesus means "Yahweh is Salvation," as in God is salvation, our

Thoughts and Applications:

Jesus is Transcendent, Omnipresent, Omniscient, and Omnipotent. Although He is

1.What does this passage say?

2.What does this passage mean?

3.What is God telling me?

4. How am I encouraged and strengthened?

5. Is there sin in my life for which confession and repentance is needed?

6.How can I be changed, so I can learn and grow?

8.How does this apply to me? What will I do about it?

9.What can I model and teach?

10. What does God want me to share with someone?

9. What do you need to do to keep in constant view of your Savior's name

10. How have you experienced Jesus as IMMANUEL in your life?

15. Why is the Virgin Birth important?

The Real Living Nativity

3.The â€˜Star' â€œcor-chaâ€ in Hebrew meant something that shined or blazed

1.What Christmas traditions do you and your family have?

4.Is Jesus as a baby more appealing and comforting to you or as a â€œmanâ€

5.Why do some people like Jesus only as a baby?

6.How do you respond to Christ as Lord?

3.The â€˜Star' â€œcor-chaâ€ in Hebrew meant something that shined or blazed

4.Is Jesus as a baby more appealing and comforting to you or as a â€œmanâ€

3.The â€˜Star' â€œcor-chaâ€ in Hebrew meant something that shined or blazed

4.Is Jesus as a baby more appealing and comforting to you or as a â€œmanâ€