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

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.