Tuesday, March 6, 2007

Matthew 2 Study Guide PT. 1

Tomorrow night, March 7th, we will begin studying chapter two for our Matthew bible study. Here are some thoughts, observations, and questions to help you along with your preparation for tomorrow night.

1. Matthew 2:1, 6 mentions Jesus being born in Bethlehem. Bethlehem, though a small and insignificant city compared to Jerusalem, has played an important part in the history of the Kingdom of Israel. One would do well to find out what Bethlehem means. Furthermore, can you remember who was married in Bethlehem in the OT and who was born and anointed King there?

2. Matthew 2 also has the all too familiar story of the magi. I ask you to please disabuse yourselves of any notions you may have regarding these magi and reconsider what you may have been taught about them in Sunday School. Along these same lines, stop and think if these magi have any connection to the magi in the Babylonian Kingdom (Daniel 2:48) or to Balaam' s prophecy in Numbers 24:15-19, specifically Numbers 24:17. Perhaps these three magi are Jewish proselytes?

3. King Herod is a prime figure in this narrative. One would do well to pick up a good bible dictionary and read about the life of King Herod. Often in this narrative we just blow by his name and don't think twice about him. Here is an opportunity to stop and read up concerning him. If you want even more detail concerning his life, read the accounts of Josephus in Antiquities Books 14-16 here

4. In Matthew 2:6 Christ is referred to as Ruler and Shepherd. Stop and think upon the significance of Christ as Shepherd. Can you think of Christ being referred to as Shepherd in any other passages of Scripture?

I hope this helps you. Please, as always, take your time reading this passage of Scripture. There is no reason to be in a rush. As you read stop and pray to God for help understanding the passage and to thank him for his glorious actions through history.

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