THE BOOK OF MATTHEW

CHAPTER 2

The Pilgrimage of the “Magi” is often referred to as “wise men”.

Matthew 2 emphasises the role of divine guidance, highlighting the journey of faith that Mary, Joseph, and the Magi undertook and the prophecies fulfilled.

It encourages believers to seek, like the Magi, to recognise the true king, and respond to divine guidance, like Joseph.

It also serves as a reminder of God’s protective nature and the power of faith against human oppression.

Visit of the Magi (verses 1-2)

In Bethlehem, Jesus was born during the reign of Herod the Great.  Wise men (Magi) from the East arrive in Jerusalem, seeking the “King of the Jews” whose birth was signified by a star.

Herod’s reaction (Verses 3-8)

Hearing this, King Herod is disturbed, as are the people of Jerusalem.  He consults the chief priests and scribes, who affirm that the Messiah is prophesied to be born in Bethlehem.

Herod secretly meets the Magi and sends them to Bethlehem, deceitfully expressing his desire to worship the newborn King.

The Magi find Jesus (Verses 9-12)

Guided by the star, the Magi find Jesus with Mary and Joseph.  They worship Him, presenting gifts of gold, frankincense and Myrrh.

Warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their country by another route.

Flight into Egypt (verses 13-15)

An angel warns Joseph in a dream to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus because Herod seeks to kill the child.  They stay there until Hero’s death, fulfilling the prophecy,” Out of Egypt I called My Son.”

Massacre of the Innocents (Verses 16-18)

Enraged by the Magi’s avoidance, Herod orders the massacre of all boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who are two years old and under.

This fulfils the prophecy of Jeremiah, a voice heard in Ramah, Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted.

Return to Nazareth (Verses 19- 23)

After Herod’s death, an angel tells Joseph it’s safe to return to Israel.  However, because Archelaus (Herod’s son) reigns in Judea, they settle in Nazareth in Galilee.

This fulfils the prophecy that Jesus would be called Nazarene. 

Matthew 2 uncovers the early life of Jesus Christ, featuring the devotion of the Magi, the paranoia of King Herod, and the protective measures of Joseph and Mary.  This chapter depicts Jesus as the fulfilment of prophetic scriptures, weaving a story of divine intervention, faith, and survival against tyranny.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN?

• The Vist of the Magi

The Magi, wise men from the East, followed a star to find the newborn King of the Jews.  Their journey signifies the recognition of Jesus’s” kingship by the Gentiles.

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem.  (Matthew 2:1)

• Herod’s deception and fear

King Herod’s reaction to the news of Jesus’s birth was one of fear and deceit.   He saw Jesus as a threat and sought to destroy Him.   When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.   (Matthew 2:3)

• Fulfilment of prophecy

Matthew 2 emphasises the fulfilment of the Old Testament prophecies, such as Jesus being born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) and the weeping in Ramah (Jeremiah 31: 15).

So, he got up, took the child and His mother by night, and withdrew to Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod.  This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called My Son” (Matthew 2: 14-15)

• Divine Protection

God’s guidance and protection are evident as He warns Joseph in dreams to flee to Egypt and later to return to Israel.  After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt.  (Matthew 2:19)

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

• Seek Jesus with Diligence

Like the Magi, we should earnestly seek Jesus, recognizing His Lordship and offering our best to Him.

• Discernment in the face of deception

Be aware of the Herods in our lives- those who may seek to deceive or distract us from God’s purposes.

• Trust in God’s sovereignty

Trust that God is in control and that He fulfils His promises, even when circumstances seem dire.

• Obedience to God’s guidance

Be attentive and obedient to God’s leading, as Joseph was, even when it requires significant changes or sacrifices.

PRAYER POINTS

• Thanksgiving for Jesus’s Birth: Praise God for the Gift of His Son and the fulfilment of His promises. 

Thank God for Victory (Psalm 144)

• Guidance and protection: Pray for God’s guidance and protection in our lives, as He provided for Joseph and Mary.  Psalm 25

• Discernment and wisdom:  Ask for discernment to recognize and resist deception in our spiritual journey.      

Prayer for understanding Psalm (119:33-40)

Trusting the Law of the lord.   Psalm (119:41-48)

• Obedience to God’s Will:  Seek a heart of obedience to follow God’s leading, even when it requires sacrifice. 

Obedience to the Law of the Lord (Psalm 119: 9-16)

 Determination to obey the law of God (Psalm 119: 25- 32)

Note: If you are struggling with any of these.  I have mentioned where to find it and pray it daily.  Your heart and your conscience know better where you lack or what you lack.  You can note it.

As we study Matthew 2, may we be inspired by the faithfulness of those who sought Jesus and challenged by the responses of those who opposed Him.  Let us strive to be diligent seekers of Christ, trusting in God’s sovereign plan for our lives.

Are you ready with your Prayer Book?  Before I sit to read the Bible, I spend some time singing worship songs.  You can do it, too.  This time should be only for your Father.   You wouldn’t like anyone ignoring you when you speak to them or not giving you any attention.  Am I right?  How would you feel?  Same. He is a living God.  In simple words, no distractions.  He wouldn’t like to be ignored, too.

 A certain timing, and no matter what, you will always strive to be there.  And your father will be waiting for you at that time. 

Before I begin to read the Bible.  This is what I start with

PRAYER FOR READING THE BIBLE

Father God,

Take more of me and give me more of you.

Father, help me to pray for hours daily.

Build in me the hunger and thirst for your word,

Gracious Lord,

Thank you for your written word.

Thank you for giving us a way to learn what is right and do what is right,

By providing us with your scriptures.

Thank you for all the encouragement and comfort you provided through your words.

Please help me to read and study the Bible more often.

I desire to study your word, so please cause your Holy Spirit to be my reminder.

To read your word daily.

Your word is food and nourishment for my soul, and it refreshes the spirit.

Make me hungry for your word, always.

Prepare my heart and give me an understanding when I read your word.

Open my mind and reveal the truth of your words to me by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Help me grow in the knowledge of your word.  I pray that you also help me to do as your word says, help me to live a righteous life by your word.

And help me to be able to share your words with others. In Jesus’s name I pray.

Amen.

Remember:  God loves you. More than your imagination.  If today you are suffering or sick due to any reason, there is a loop.  I pray God will reveal to you.  I have written contents as to why blessings are delayed, what is behind them, the wrong decisions you made, the negative words you spoke on yourself, curses, generational curses, and how to discern between God’s voice and the evil one.

For example, the Holy Spirit will tell you to spend time with your father and read the word because the Holy Spirit never speaks out of the Bible.  But Satan will always speak the opposite.  “It’s no use, you are tired, God will understand, Go watch Netflix.  Everything he says is just the opposite of the Bible.  He is the Father of lies.

God says you are victorious, He will say you are not.  See your circumstances.  How can you be victorious? 

The circumstances my brothers and sisters are created by Satan.  Because he wants you to doubt God.  And separate you from His presence.  So that he can devour you. 

I have never written so much; my fingers are paining, my back is aching, my eyes are heavy, but the spirit of God is telling me not to stop.  Tell my children.  They need to know.  To save them from the traps of the evil one.

My children suffer because they don’t read the word.  Remember, Jesus also defeated Satan because He knew the Scriptures very well. Satan couldn’t trick Him.

The choice is yours.  Till my last breath, I will strive to save as many souls as possible from going to hell by sharing the word of God.  This is the choice I have made.

Notice carefully, my brothers and sisters: when you sit to read the Word of God, you start to feel exhausted and lethargic, and that is the time when all sorts of distractions will come to your mind.

But when you sit to watch Television, you will sit for hours you will not feel exhausted.  Why? Because Satan doesn’t want you to come in contact with God and the truth.

Because if He allowed it.  Won’t you be free from the slavery of bondage?  Satan wants to rule you.  Why? He hates God.  Because God loves us so much.  He forgives us.  Satan is not forgiven.  I have written an entire content about Satan and the fallen angels.

 God wants his children to be happy, healthy and free.  Silence your inner self first.  Because unless you don’t.  You can’t listen to his voice.  It will take time.  But I know you can do it.

“WE CAN DO ALL THINGS IN CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS US.” NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE.”

Last but not least, instead of giving your kids mobile and video games.  Download the app Super Book.  You can watch it with the entire family.

 If you are old and have a problem reading, you can listen to it. And it’s easy to understand for anyone.  There are many more bible quizzes that will help you know how much you know the bible or still need to know and learn. 

I am not promoting it.  I have also written how to train your kids.  Why is Satan after your Kids? How to teach the kids to read and understand the Bible.