Bible Pathways - Oct. 1, 2006

Matthew 1

In Today's Scripture 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 espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost (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 worshipped 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 after 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 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 maketh 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 dwelt in . . . Nazareth (where Jesus lived until He was about 30 years old) (Matthew 2:23; Luke 3:23).

Word Studies:

1:18 espoused =b> engaged; came together =b> had physical relations, she was a virgin; 2:16 mocked of =b> deceived; coasts =b> surrounding regions; 3:8 fruits meet for repentance =b> a life that proves your change of heart; 3:15 Suffer it to be =b> Allow it to be; it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness =b> it is necessary for us to do all that God requires.

Cross References:

For Matthew 1:23: See Isaiah. 7:14. Matthew 2:6: See Micah 5:2. Matthew 2:15: See Hosea 11:1. Matthew 2:18: See Jeremiah 31:15. Matthew 3:3: See Isaiah 40:3.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for our Military worldwide · The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Rick Hash · Government Officials (Listed on their Birthdays): Rep. Devin Nunes (CA) and Justice William Rehnquist Country: Morocco (30 million) on the northwestern coast of Africa Major languages: Arabic and French Government very hostile to Christians and missions 99+% Muslim; .5% Christian Prayer Suggestion: Intercede in prayer for others, knowing that God hears your prayer (II Chronicles 30:18-20).

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 1:23