Mathew Chapter 2: The Magi, Herod, Flight, and Prophecy Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What action did Herod take upon learning about the Magi's mission?

Ordered the death of all male children aged two and under in Bethlehem (correct)

Offered them rewards to find Jesus

Requested them to bring Jesus to him

Invited them to a banquet at his palace

Why did Joseph, Jesus' earthly father, flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus?

To visit relatives living there

To escape King Herod's plan to kill male children in Bethlehem (correct)

To meet with other religious leaders

To fulfill a prophecy in Hosea 11:1

Which Old Testament prophecy was fulfilled by the Magi's visit as mentioned in Matthew chapter 2?

Isaiah 60:3 (correct)

Jeremiah 31:15

Psalm 72:10

Hosea 11:1

How did King Herod react upon realizing the Magi did not return to him?

Issued an edict to kill male children in Bethlehem Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Jesus returning from Egypt to Israel as mentioned in Matthew chapter 2?

It fulfilled a prophecy in Jeremiah 31:15 Signup and view all the answers

Which theme is highlighted in Matthew chapter 2 through the flight into Egypt and God's protection over Jesus?

Fear Signup and view all the answers

Why were the Magi significant in the context of Jesus' birth?

They were astrologers who followed a star to find Jesus and symbolized Jesus' royal, divine, and prophetic roles. Signup and view all the answers

What event is directly triggered by Herod's fear of the threat that Jesus posed to his throne?

The death of male children in Bethlehem Signup and view all the answers

Why was King Herod fearful upon hearing about the birth of a potential king of the Jews?

He was afraid the new king would overthrow him and take his throne. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the gifts brought by the Magi to Jesus?

They were symbols representing Jesus' future roles as a king, priest, and prophet. Signup and view all the answers

How did King Herod respond to the news of a new 'king of the Jews' being born?

He felt threatened and sought to eliminate any competition to his throne. Signup and view all the answers

Why did King Herod consult with Jewish religious leaders after hearing about the newborn king?

To verify if they foretold a new ruler in their religious texts. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Jewish religious leaders play in King Herod's plans regarding the newborn king?

They guided Herod by referring him to prophecies about the Messiah's birthplace. Signup and view all the answers

What action did King Herod take after learning that the Magi did not return to inform him about finding the newborn king?

He ordered all male children in Bethlehem under two years old to be killed. Signup and view all the answers

What event led Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus to flee to Egypt?

A threat from King Herod to kill baby Jesus. Signup and view all the answers

How did King Herod react after realizing that the Magi had deceived him by not returning?

He sent spies to follow Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus to Egypt. Signup and view all the answers

How did prophecy play a role in shaping the events surrounding baby Jesus' birth?

Prophecy guided the Magi in their journey to find baby Jesus. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mathew Chapter 2: The Magi, Herod, Flight, and Prophecy

In the opening verses of Mathew chapter 2, we delve into the early life of Jesus Christ, shedding light on significant events that unfolded after His birth. These events reveal the impact of Jesus' coming on both the religious leaders of the time and the prophecies that heralded His arrival.

The Magi Visit

The chapter opens with the arrival of the Magi, or wise men, from the East. They were not Jewish, nor were they kings, but rather astrologers or scholars who followed the stars and interpreted their movements. The Magi's journey to Bethlehem was guided by a star, likely a conjunction of planets, which led them to believe a king had been born in Judea.

These men brought with them gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These were not just any gifts; they were precious offerings traditionally given to a king, a priest, and a prophet, respectively. The Magi's visit symbolizes the recognition of Jesus as a royal figure, a divine intercessor, and a prophet.

King Herod's Reaction

The visit of the Magi prompts King Herod, a devout Jew and a puppet-king appointed by Rome, into action. Herod, fearful of any potential usurper to his throne, summons the Jewish religious leaders, the scribes and the Pharisees, for help in finding the newborn king of the Jews. Consequently, they guide Herod to the prophecies contained in the Old Testament, which Herod subsequently uses to locate Bethlehem.

Herod's actions demonstrate his paranoia and his willingness to commit any act to maintain his power. This sets the stage for the imminent arrival of Jesus to be met with hostility from both the Gentile and the Jewish leaders.

The Flight into Egypt

After the Magi's visit, Herod learns of their mission and that they have not returned home. This leads him to issue an edict, ordering the death of all male children aged two and under in Bethlehem and its surrounding villages. This heinous act is a direct response to Herod's fear of the threat Jesus posed to his throne.

Joseph, Jesus' earthly father, is warned in a dream by an angel of Herod's plan. As a result, Joseph flees with Mary and Jesus to Egypt, where they remain until Herod's death. This flight is a stark example of Jesus' vulnerability, as well as God's protection over His Son.

Prophecy Fulfillment

Throughout Mathew chapter 2, we are reminded of the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The Magi's visit heralds the arrival of the Messiah, foretold in Isaiah 60:3 and Psalm 72:10. King Herod's reaction demonstrates the fulfillment of the prophecy in Jeremiah 31:15, which foretold the death of children in Bethlehem. The flight into Egypt fulfills the prophecy in Hosea 11:1, where God promises to rescue His people from their enemies. The overall narrative of Mathew chapter 2 is woven together through these, and other, Old Testament scriptures.

Jesus' Childhood

The chapter concludes with a brief mention of Jesus' childhood, stating that He returned to Israel from Egypt and lived in a town called Nazareth with His mother and stepfather, Joseph. This brief mention foreshadows Jesus' future life, as well as the events that follow in Mathew, where Jesus begins His ministry.

In essence, Mathew chapter 2 contains a potent combination of elements: prophecy, fulfillment, fear, and protection. These themes are woven together to create a narrative that highlights Jesus' arrival, the threat He poses to the establishment, and God's provision for His Son.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the significant events in Mathew chapter 2, including the visit of the Magi, King Herod's reaction, the flight into Egypt, and the fulfillment of prophecies related to Jesus Christ's early life. Explore themes of prophecy, fulfillment, fear, and protection in this quiz.