“Where Christ was born—The Kingship of Jesus.”

Memory verse: 1 Peter 1:18-19


Matthew 1 tells us HOW Jesus was born; this second chapter tells WHERE. In this chapter He refers to a number of Old Testament verses that prove the kingship of Jesus. The visit of the “wise men” also proves His divine origin. This chapter can be divided into three sections


1. THE HOMAGE SHOWN TO THE KING. 2:1-12

    These “wise men” who studied the stars and sought to understand the times, were Gentiles who had been especially called of God to come and pay homage to the newborn king.

    Herod’s title “King of the Jews” had cost him much, and he feared anyone who threatened his throne. Herod the Great was a ruthless person who even killed his own children to protect the throne. He had nine or ten wives and was known for his treachery and lust. An Edomite, he had a natural hatred for the Jews. Herod did not know God’s Word, but had to ask the scribes. The scribes knew the Word but did not act upon it. The WISE MEN were both hearers and doers of the Word!

    The visit of the wise men is an indication that the Gentiles will someday worship the King when the kingdom is set up on earth. See Isaiah 60:6. Their experience is a wonderful lesson in finding the will of God:

1. They followed the light God gave them.
2. They confirmed their steps by the Word of God.
3. They obeyed God without question, and He led them each step.

NOTE: They went home “another way” (vs 12). ANYONE WHO COMES TO CHRIST WILL GO HOME ANOTHER WAY!!

    Matthew cites Micah 5:2 to show that Christ was born where the prophets said He would be born. God bypassed proud Jerusalem and chose humble Bethlehem. King David had come from Bethlehem, and Christ is David’s son (1:). How many comparisons can you find between David and Christ.

2. THE HATRED AGAINST THE KING. 2:13-18

    Just as Satan had tried to keep Christ from being born, now he tried to destroy Him after He is born. (See Rev. 12:1-4) The flesh always wars against the spirit, and Herod wars against Christ. We cannot help but admire Joseph for his faithfulness in obeying God and caring for Mary and Jesus. Matthew quotes Hosea 11:1 to show that Christ was to come out of Egypt.

3. THE HUMILITY OF THE KING 2:19-23

    Look at how Joseph uses his “sanctified common sense” and does not return to Judea. God affirms this decision, and the family moves to Nazareth. Nazareth was a humble town. “Can there be any good thing come out of Nazareth?” asked Nathaniel in John 1:46. Jesus was a humble King. He emptied Himself and humbled Himself even unto death for our salvation. (See Phil. 2:1-11)

THE CHRONOLOGY OF CHRIST’S BIRTH

These events are probably as follows:

        The night Jesus was born, the shepherds visited Him in the manger. Forty days later he was taken to Jerusalem to be consecrated and His name entered in the register. The family probably returned to Bethlehem and resided in a house (Matthew 2:11). Warned by God, Joseph left Bethlehem and went into Egypt. After Herod was dead, they started back for Bethlehem Judea, but were directed instead to Nazareth in Galilee.