Bible Pathways 10/01/04
October 1
Read Matthew 1 - 3
In Today's Reading:
Ancestry of Jesus; His birth; wise men; flight into Egypt; ministry of John; baptism of Jesus; first apostles called
The birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18).
The amazing wise men from the east, perhaps from Babylon, 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 (Daniel 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 worshiped Him (Matthew 2:11). Finding the prophesied King in the house as a young Child rather than a babe in the manger indicates several months or more had passed since the birth of Jesus.
The wise men had come to worship Him (2:2). Their worship included three gifts (2:11). First, they offered gold, the most fitting gift for the King of kings, and the 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 a fitting gift for a priest, for this King would be our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14), who also makes intercession for us (Romans 8:34) before God. They also offered myrrh, which signified that He was destined to die; myrrh was often 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 dwelled in . . . Nazareth (where Jesus lived until He was about 30 years old) (Matthew 2:23).
Word Studies:
1:18 espoused = betrothed or engaged; before they came together = she was a virgin; 2:16 mocked of = deceived, tricked; coasts = surrounding regions; 3:8 fruits meet for repentance = a life that proves your change of heart; 3:15 suffer it to be = allow it to be; it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness = it is necessary for us to do all that God requires.
Cross References:
For Matthew 1:23: See Isa. 7:14. Matt. 2:6: See Mic. 5:2. Matt. 2:15: See Hos. 11:1. Matt. 2:18: See Jer. 31:15. Matt. 3:3: See Isa. 40:3.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by a family that loves Jesus · The Arabic International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mary Hoffmeyer · BP Staff: Dr. John A. Hash · Government Officials: Rep. Devin Nunes (CA) and Justice William Rehnquist · Country: Sweden (9 million) in northern Europe · Major language: Swedish · Religious freedom · 66% Protestant; 2% Roman Catholic; .7% Eastern Orthodox · Prayer Suggestion: Keep the Word of God and pray to Him who has given you an open door into His presence (Revelation 3:8).
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 15:1
