Matthew 2 - 7.2.26

SCRIPTURE - Matthew 2: The Return to Nazareth

19 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”

21 So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23 and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.

OBSERVATION

The book of Matthew’s focus is on:

·        Visit of the Wise Men/Magi (philosophers/astronomers) from the East who followed a star and fulfilled the prophecy of the birth of Jesus as the promised Messiah. 

·        King Herod's fear of losing power when he heard of the prophesy and when he couldn’t find baby Jesus, he ordered that all babies born in the past two years be killed. The massacre of the infants reveals the harsh realities of Herod's tyranny and the cost of God’s divine purpose to send our savior.

·        Joseph, the father of Jesus, and how God spoke to him in protecting his “son”, and he took Mary and baby Jesus, and escaped to Egypt then to Nazareth.

·        And after Herod had died again God spoke to Joseph and he brought them back to live in a town called Nazareth which fulfills the prophecy that Jesus would be called a Nazarene, emphasizing His humble beginnings.

APPLICATION

When we think about that time in history:

Gift of prophesies: Given to only certain men God chose who believed and searched for the promised messiah.

Birth of baby Jesus, the promised Messiah:  It is hard to imagine living under rulership of a satanical king that ordered killing babies when he heard of the birth of the Messiah.

Joseph's obedience that demonstrates faith and protection for his family: fleeing/moving to Egypt then Nazareth.  A country where, perhaps, no family or friends lived and having to find work to support his family.

AND today I think of all the responsibility husbands and fathers have in protecting and leading their families-- and how mothers take great care of their children and their homes and help by working, as well. 

Children are our blessings.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, such a precious story of how welcomed YOU were into the world and how your family took such great care of you. And of the “wise” men who believed in the books your prophets had written.  I am humbled on bended knees of all you and your family went through.  A precious baby boy that grew up in hearing GOD’s word in the temple; taught GOD’S word; healed people who asked or that you found in your journeys.  And how you knew what would happen to you to complete the prophesy of our savior. Thank you Lord Jesus, let me never forget all you went through.  And all your family and your disciples went through.  ALL WITH SUCH PASSION.  Lord Jesus, I want passion to tell others of you! I love your precious words in our bible.  Lord, I want to hear you, I want to KNOW YOU MORE!  I love this song.

Lord, I Want To Know You -- (words and music by Luke Mercer)
I really want to know You.  I really want to know You, know You, know You, Lord in a very real way.

LORD, thank you for the blessings of my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. I know you are with me, and my family as we go into our day…thank you my Father! 

AMEN

- Charleen Zakarian