Bible Pathway - Oct. 1, 2010
Read Matthew 1
Highlights:
Jesus fulfills all prophecy concerning the promised Messiah: a descendant of Abraham and of David (Matt. 1:1-16), and His Miraculous birth (1:18-25). Herod is troubled by the news of Wise Men (2:1-3). The enemy attempts to destroy God's Plan of Salvation (2:13-18).
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 (Matt. 1:18).
The amazing wise men from the east, perhaps from Babylon then, were led by a star to Jerusalem, where they inquired: 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 (2:1-2). It is probable that these men had studied the prophecies of Daniel who, during the captivity, gave a detailed explanation of the number of years before the Messiah would be born (Dan. 9:25-26).
It must have taken the wise men some length of time after the birth of Christ to arrive in Bethlehem, since we read: When they were come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him (Matt. 2:11). Finding the prophesied King in the house as a young Child rather than as a babe in the manger indicates several months or more had passed after the birth of Jesus during which He had grown out of infancy.
The wise men had come to worship Him (2:2). As a part of their worship they presented to Him three gifts (2:11). First, they offered gold, a fitting gift for the King of kings, and Lord of lords (I Timothy 6:15). Then, they offered frankincense, a sweet perfume used on the Altar of Incense in the Temple, symbolic of prayer ascending to God. It was an appropriate gift for a priest, for this King would become our High Priest (Heb. 4:14), who also maketh intercession for us (Rom. 8:34) before God. They also offered myrrh, which signified in advance that He was destined to die; myrrh was frequently used as a burial spice (John 19:39).
In the providence of God, their gifts also provided adequate resources for Joseph and Mary's journey and stay in Egypt, where they remained 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 (Matthew 2:15; Hosea 11:1). Then they dwelt in the city called Nazareth where Jesus lived until He was about 30 years old (Matthew 2:23; Luke 3:23).
Thought for Today:
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope (Ps 16:9).
Word Studies:
1:18 espoused engaged; came together had physical relations, she was a virgin; 2:16 mocked of received by; coasts surrounding regions; 3:8 fruits meet for repentance life that confirms your change of heart; 3:15 Suffer it to be allow it to be; fulfil all righteousness to all that God requires.
Cross References:
For Matt. 1:23: See Is. 7:14. Matt. 2:6: See Micah 5:2. Matt. 2:15: See Hos. 11:1. Matt. 2:18: See Jer. 31:15. Matt. 3:3: See Is. 40:3.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for our Military worldwide • International Broadcasts for October sponsored by Mary Hoffmeyer; in honor of Rick Hash • Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • Government Official: Rep. Devin Nunes (CA) • Country: Central African Republic (3 million) in the center of the African continent • Major languages: French and Sangho • Religious freedom • 47% Protestant; 34% Roman Catholic; 12% animist; 3% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for His love (Ps. 63:3).
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Timothy 2:12
