Matthew 2:1-12 The Extended Family Portrait - Revision history

Wakefien: /* Herod the Great was born in 73 BC and solidified his reign over Judea in 37 BC. */

2024-12-15T03:39:15Z

‎Herod the Great was born in 73 BC and solidified his reign over Judea in 37 BC.

Wakefien: /* Prophecy and the Accessibility of Jesus - must have been familiar with some prophecies but not Micah 5:2 */

2024-12-15T03:37:30Z

‎Prophecy and the Accessibility of Jesus - must have been familiar with some prophecies but not Micah 5:2

Wakefien: /* Setting the Stage: */

2024-12-15T03:34:16Z

‎Setting the Stage:

Wakefien: /* Herod's Recognition of the Messiah */

2024-12-11T15:45:36Z

‎Herod's Recognition of the Messiah

Wakefien: /* Herod the Great was born in 73 BC and was named King of Judah in 37 BC. */

2024-12-11T15:44:56Z

‎Herod the Great was born in 73 BC and was named King of Judah in 37 BC.

Wakefien: /* Image: Family Christmas Pictures */

2024-12-11T15:44:33Z

‎Image: Family Christmas Pictures

Wakefien: /* Sincerity in Submission - The birth of the Savior brings joy for many (9-11). */

2024-12-11T15:06:07Z

‎Sincerity in Submission - The birth of the Savior brings joy for many (9-11).

Wakefien: /* Examining Our Hearts in Worship */

2024-12-11T15:04:27Z

‎Examining Our Hearts in Worship

Wakefien: /* Subterfuge in Self-exaltation — The birth of the Savior inevitably brings fear for some (7-8, 12). */

2024-12-11T15:03:47Z

‎Subterfuge in Self-exaltation — The birth of the Savior inevitably brings fear for some (7-8, 12).

Wakefien: /* Shock at the Significance— The birth of the Savior is an event of local significance (3-6). */

2024-12-11T14:59:29Z

‎Shock at the Significance— The birth of the Savior is an event of local significance (3-6).

@@ Line 41: / Line 41: @@
 ====Herod's Character and Rule====
 =====Herod the Great was born in 73 BC and solidified his reign over Judea in 37 BC.=====
-Matthew also helps us to understand the time period and situation by telling us that all of this happened in the time of King Herod. Herod the Great was born in 73 BC and was named King of Judah in 37 BC. Herod was known for his jealousy and paranoia.
+Matthew also helps us to understand the time period and situation by telling us that all of this happened in the time of King Herod. Herod the Great was born in 73 BC and secured his position as King of Judah in 37 BC. Herod was known for his jealousy and paranoia.
 ====="It is safer to be Herod's pig than his son" - The Roman Historian Suetonius.  This saying plays on a word pun in Greek: hys (pig) and huios (son)=====

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 With the stage set, we are ready to introduce the pivotal fact: a priestly class of magicians and astrologers known as Magi had arrived. These men had come to Jerusalem. What we learn is that worship of Jesus was something not just for Jews but for the whole world.
-====Prophecy and the Accessibility of Jesus - must have been familiar with some prophecies but not Micah 5:2====
+====Prophecy and the Accessibility of Jesus - The wise men must have been familiar with some prophecies but not Micah 5:2====
 These men must not have been familiar with [https://ref.ly/logosref/BibleNIV.Mic5.2 Micah 5:2] ""But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."" since they arrived in Jerusalem, not Bethlehem.

@@ Line 16: / Line 16: @@
 ==Setting the Stage:==
-<p>One of the things I always enjoy when we get to major church holidays is looking at the way different characters are portrayed. One particularly interesting group is the Magi. Not all scholars agree with the details, but the story of wise men from the east is a classic. We don't know the exact identity of these men nor do we know exactly where they came from. We don't know exactly how they knew to expect the King of the Jews to be born. We don't even know how many there were. What we do know is that a group of significant men came from the East and it is that story that we study today. These magi were not Jews but rather gentiles and remind us that Jesus is for everyone.</p>
+<p>One of the things I always enjoy when we get to major church holidays is looking at the way different characters are portrayed. One particularly interesting group is the Magi. Not all scholars agree on the details, but the story of wise men from the east is a classic. We don't know the exact identity of these men nor do we know exactly where they came from. We don't know exactly how they knew to expect the King of the Jews to be born. We don't even know how many there were. What we do know is that a group of significant men came from the East and it is that story that we study today. These magi were not Jews but rather gentiles and remind us that Jesus is for everyone.</p>
 ==Text: [https://ref.ly/logosref/BibleNIV.Mt2.1-12 Matthew 2:1-12] read all at the beginning.==

@@ Line 127: / Line 127: @@
 ===Often, those who oppose God know exactly what they are doing (7-8).===
-====Herod's Recognition of the Messiah====
+====Herod's Recognition of the Messiah - The Wise men's title and Herod's title in verses 2 and 4====
 <p>I want you to notice something before we get directly into verses 7 and 8. Notice what the Magi call Jesus in verse 2 and notice what Herod by implication calls Jesus in verse 4. The Magi ask for a king, but Herod recognizes the request is actually more profound—they are looking for the Messiah.</p>

@@ Line 40: / Line 40: @@
 ====Herod's Character and Rule====
-=====Herod the Great was born in 73 BC and was named King of Judah in 37 BC.=====
+=====Herod the Great was born in 73 BC and solidified his reign over Judea in 37 BC.=====
 Matthew also helps us to understand the time period and situation by telling us that all of this happened in the time of King Herod. Herod the Great was born in 73 BC and was named King of Judah in 37 BC. Herod was known for his jealousy and paranoia.

@@ Line 9: / Line 9: @@
 =Introduction=
-==Image: Family Christmas Pictures==
+==Image: What does your extended family visit bring out in you?==
 ==Need: We must recognize that the King of the Universe is also our personal king.==

@@ Line 169: / Line 169: @@
 == ''Sincerity'' in ''Submission ''  - The birth of the Savior brings joy for many (9-11).==
-The gifts presented to Jesus—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—each represents an aspect of Jesus' identity. Like the Magi, we are encouraged to present our best to Him, recognizing His kingship and priesthood. The gifts symbolize our call to worship and consecrate our lives to Him, emulating their reverence.
+<p>The gifts presented to Jesus—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—each represents an aspect of Jesus' identity. Like the Magi, we are encouraged to present our best to Him, recognizing His kingship and priesthood. The gifts symbolize our call to worship and consecrate our lives to Him, emulating their reverence.</p>
 === God Guided the Wise Men to the Savior (9-10) ===
-It is not a long journey from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, only about 6 miles or a two-hour walk. And Bethlehem was not a large city but a small town. But that did not change God's provision of guidance. The star they had seen appears and guides them to the very house where Jesus is staying. God is still in complete control.
+<p>It is not a long journey from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, only about 6 miles or a two-hour walk. And Bethlehem was not a large city but a small town. But that did not change God's provision of guidance. The star they had seen appears and guides them to the very house where Jesus is staying. God is still in complete control.</p>
 The Magi respond to God's provision by submitting in following the star and being filled with what Matthew describes as "great joy". A lot of people debate exactly what this star was and how it came to be. I will tell you that I truly don't know, and every explanation I have seen has significant problems that I cannot solve. Here is what I know. God guided the wise men; they submitted to God's guidance, He provided the guidance, and they rejoiced. In my own life when I submit to God's guidance, I am always surprised at how he guided and the joy it brought. There is a great contrast here between the Magi who submit to God and are able to rejoice and Herod who rebels against God and is found to be a raving lunatic! So, what now?
@@ Line 179: / Line 180: @@
 The text tells us that when the Magi came to the house and found Mary and Jesus they fell on their knees and worshipped. Worship is the proper response to a Savior. Their worship is enhanced with specific gifts that have been brought to the Savior.
-I don't know if the Magi understood the significance of the gifts, but there are no accidents with God.
+====I don't know if the Magi understood the significance of the gifts, but there are no accidents with God.====
 * Gold — Representative of Christ's deity and royalty.
@@ Line 185: / Line 186: @@
 * Myrrh - a resinous gum from trees native to Arabia often used in embalming.
-But more than the metaphorical meanings associated with these gifts, these gifts represent the blessings of the world to the King because the nations are blessed by the King. Finally, these gifts certainly provided Mary and Joseph the financial resources to be able to survive flight to Egypt. I suspect the Magi never realized that their gifts in worship were the means through which the one they worshipped was able to survive!
+<p>But more than the metaphorical meanings associated with these gifts, these gifts represent the blessings of the world to the King because the nations are blessed by the King. Finally, these gifts certainly provided Mary and Joseph the financial resources to be able to survive flight to Egypt. I suspect the Magi never realized that their gifts in worship were the means through which the one they worshipped was able to survive!</p>
 === Image: You never know how your gifts will be used. A tract in Kenya ===

@@ Line 159: / Line 159: @@
 ====Examining Our Hearts in Worship====
-So what should we do? Well, I think we should examine our hearts and intentions in worship of Christ. When extended family comes to visit, it is often helpful to develop a plan. What are we going to do if such and such happens? Where can we get some alone time? How will we recharge?
+<p>So what should we do? Well, I think we should examine our hearts and intentions in worship of Christ. When extended family comes to visit, it is often helpful to develop a plan. What are we going to do if such and such happens? Where can we get some alone time? How will we recharge? A visit from extended family, when planned out, can be a wonderful opportunity for growth and quality time, but only if care is taken to examine your heart, motives, and needs.</p>
 ====Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas====

@@ Line 122: / Line 122: @@
 ==''Subterfuge'' in ''Self-exaltation'' — The birth of the Savior inevitably brings fear for some (7-8, 12).==
-Let's dig deeper by exploring the deceptive intentions of Herod, contrasting them with the sincere search of the Magi. While some may feign to honor Jesus, true worship requires sincerity and sacrifice. Jesus exposes false worship.
+<p>Let's dig deeper by exploring the deceptive intentions of Herod, contrasting them with the sincere search of the Magi. While some may feign to honor Jesus, true worship requires sincerity and sacrifice. Jesus exposes false worship.</p>
 Let's dig into Herod's response in verses 7-8 and verse 12.
@@ Line 128: / Line 128: @@
 ===Often, those who oppose God know exactly what they are doing (7-8).===
-====The Magi's Recognition of the Messiah====
+====Herod's Recognition of the Messiah====
-I want you to notice something before we get directly into verses 7 and 8. Notice what the Magi call Jesus in verse 2 and notice what Herod by implication calls Jesus in verse 4. The Magi ask for a king, but Herod recognizes the request is actually more profound—they are looking for the Messiah.
+<p>I want you to notice something before we get directly into verses 7 and 8. Notice what the Magi call Jesus in verse 2 and notice what Herod by implication calls Jesus in verse 4. The Magi ask for a king, but Herod recognizes the request is actually more profound—they are looking for the Messiah.</p>
-====Herod's False Desire to Worship====
+====Herod's False Desire to Worship - verse 8====
 In verse 8, Herod falsely feigns a desire to worship Jesus. The problem that Herod had is a problem that many have. Herod simply didn't want the Messiah.
 The more I interact with people who "do not believe in God," the more I am convinced that they, in fact, do believe in God—they just don't like Him. Most of you in the room here today don't fall into this category of people who don't like God, but I do think there are times when we don't like some aspect of God. We don't like a decision He has made or a direction He has led us. We don't like something He did not give us or something He did give us.
-====Aligning Our Will with God's Will====
+====Aligning Our Will with God's Will - God did not make Robots but because of that we have a responsibility====
 God did not make you into a robot, and so having your own will is not a bad thing, but we should seek to align our will with God's will instead of blatantly turning our backs on God. The advice I have given to many people is that they should tell God how they are feeling, but as they do so, call on God to help them be aligned with His will.
@@ Line 147: / Line 147: @@
 ===There are those who would even seek to thwart God's plans (12).===
-====Herod's Direct Opposition to God====
+====Herod's Direct Opposition to God - if rejecting God is bad then what about those who choose to directly oppose God?====
 One response to God is the response of rejection, and another response is the response of direct opposition. Herod chose to directly oppose God, and verse 12 makes it clear. Herod has nothing good in mind, and the rest of [https://ref.ly/logosref/BibleNIV.Mt2 Matthew 2] confirms this truth. The wise men are warned and return by another way. Herod's direct attack on God is thwarted.
@@ Line 156: / Line 156: @@
 ====Herod's True Nature Exposed====
-This is exactly what happened with Herod. The people knew Herod was a lunatic, but here the real extent of the lunacy emerges. Herod is willing to knowingly oppose even God Himself to keep his power.
+<p>This is exactly what happened with Herod. The people knew Herod was a lunatic, but here the real extent of the lunacy emerges. Herod is willing to knowingly oppose even God Himself to keep his power.</p>
 ====Examining Our Hearts in Worship====

@@ Line 75: / Line 75: @@
 ==''Shock'' at the ''Significance''— The birth of the Savior is an event of local significance (3-6).==
-Herod's fear at the news of Jesus' birth reminds us that Jesus has local influence in addition to global influence. The local ruling powers were troubled when confronted with Christ's kingship. We are challenged to consider how the arrival of King Jesus might disrupt our lives and to stand firm in their faith despite opposition.
+<p>Herod's fear at the news of Jesus' birth reminds us that Jesus has local influence in addition to global influence. The local ruling powers were troubled when confronted with Christ's kingship. We are challenged to consider how the arrival of King Jesus might disrupt our lives and to stand firm in their faith despite opposition.</p>
 ===The Messiah was promised to come from the line of David and was incredibly significant to the Jews (3, [https://ref.ly/logosref/BibleNIV.Is9.6-7 Isaiah 9:6-7]).===
 ====Herod's Disturbance at the News of Jesus====
-Some more details on Herod are helpful as we consider this next passage of Scripture. The text tells us that "When King Herod heard this he was disturbed." The title "King" is significant. Later in the text, Herod will be simply called by his name (as in verse 7), but right now Matthew wants to draw our attention to the contrast between the one "born king of the Jews" and "King Herod."
+<p>Some more details on Herod are helpful as we consider this next passage of Scripture. The text tells us that "When King Herod heard this he was disturbed." The title "King" is significant. Later in the text, Herod will be simply called by his name (as in verse 7), but right now Matthew wants to draw our attention to the contrast between the one "born king of the Jews" and "King Herod."</p>
-====The Contrast Between Herod and the Messiah====
+=====The Contrast Between Herod and the Messiah - Look at Isaiah 9:6-7=====
 In order to better understand this contrast, let's look at [https://ref.ly/logosref/BibleNIV.Is9.6-7 Isaiah 9:6-7]:
 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this."
-The rightful ruler of the Jews was to be a king descended from the line of David.
+=====The rightful ruler of the Jews was to be a king descended from the line of David.=====
-====Herod's Illegitimacy as King====
+====Herod's Illegitimacy as King - Herod was not the rightful King, in fact he was a descendent from Esau not a descendent of Jacob let alone David.====
 Now a little more on Herod. Herod was not a rightful king of the Jews. Specifically, he was not a descendant of Jacob, let alone David. Herod was an Edomite, that is, a descendant of Esau, Jacob's brother. For this reason, most of the Jews showed a great deal of hatred for Herod despite the things he had done for the region, like updating the temple.
-If somebody had been born King of the Jews, this was locally significant, as there was a candidate to usurp the power to which Herod so tightly clung.
+=====If somebody had been born King of the Jews, this was locally significant, as there was a candidate to usurp the power to which Herod so tightly clung.=====
-====The Local Impact of Jesus' Birth====
+=====On the grand scale, Jesus was the Savior, but locally, accepting Jesus might have radically changed the power that Herod and other Jewish leaders held so tightly, and so all Jerusalem was disturbed at this news.=====
 ===The Messiah was destined to rule (4-6).===
 ====Reflecting on the Messiah's Rule====
-We already looked at the text of [https://ref.ly/logosref/BibleNIV.Is9 Isaiah 9] and were reminded that the Messiah was destined to rule, but I want to just take a moment and reflect on the significance of Messiah's rule.
+<p>We already looked at the text of [https://ref.ly/logosref/BibleNIV.Is9 Isaiah 9] and were reminded that the Messiah was destined to rule, but I want to just take a moment and reflect on the significance of Messiah's rule.</p>
 ===Image: People like origin stories.===
@@ Line 109: / Line 108: @@
 The origin story of Jesus is incredibly significant.
-[https://ref.ly/logosref/BibleNIV.Mic5.2 Micah 5:2]:
+=====[https://ref.ly/logosref/BibleNIV.Mic5.2 Micah 5:2]:=====
 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."
-Jesus was born in insignificance in a minor outlying town to a poor family, but he was destined to save the world. Jesus gets us because he was not born in wealth. Jesus is locally accessible.
+=====Jesus was born in insignificance in a minor outlying town to a poor family, but he was destined to save the world. Jesus gets us because he was not born in wealth. Jesus is locally accessible.=====
-====The Disruptive Nature of Jesus====
+====The Disruptive Nature of Jesus - the local significance of Jesus means he disrupts.====
-But here is the thing: the local significance of Jesus means he disrupts. What do I mean by that? Jesus is not a ruler sitting in an ivory tower making decisions of no import or significance.
+But here is the thing: the local significance of Jesus means he disrupts.
-No, Jesus disrupts that model. Jesus calls on us to have a complete paradigm shift as we accept this ruler of global significance who asks each of us individually to change too!
+=====No, Jesus disrupts that model. Jesus calls on us to have a complete paradigm shift as we accept this ruler of global significance who asks each of us individually to change too!=====
 ===MTR: Submit to Jesus even if He disrupts your plans and ambitions.===