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Matthew Chapter
Two
Matthew 2
Thus born, thus characterised by the angel and fulfilling
the prophecies that announced the presence of Emmanuel, He is formally
acknowledged King of the Jews by the Gentiles, who are guided by the will of
God acting on the hearts of their wise men. [1] That is to say, we find the Lord, Emmanuel,
the Son of David, Jehovah the Saviour, the Son of God, born King of the Jews,
recognised by the heads of the Gentiles. This is the testimony of God in
Matthew's Gospel, and the character in which Jesus is there presented.
Afterwards, in the presence of Jesus thus revealed, we see the leaders of the
Jews in connection with a foreign king, knowing however as a system the
revelations of God in His word, but wholly indifferent to Him who was their
object; and this king, the fierce enemy of the Lord, the true King and Messiah,
seeking to put Him to death.
The providence of God watches over the child born unto Israel,
employing means that leave the responsibility of the nation its full place; and
that accomplish at the same time all the intentions of God with regard to this
only true remnant of Israel, this only true source of hope for the people. For,
out of Him, all would fall and suffer the consequences of being connected with
the people.
Gone down into Egypt to avoid the cruel design of Herod
to take away His life, He becomes the true Branch; He recommences (that is,
morally) the history of Israel in His own Person, as well as (in a wider sense)
the history of man as the second Adam in relation with God: only that for this
His death must come in-for all, no doubt, for blessing. But He was Son of God
and Messiah, Son of David then. But to take His own place as Son of man He must
die (see John 12). It is not only the prophecy of Hosea, "out of Egypt
have I called my Son", which thus applies to this true beginning of Israel
in grace (as the beloved of God), and according to His counsels (the people
having entirely failed, so that without this, God must have cut them off). We
have seen, in Isaiah, Israel the servant giving place to Christ the Servant,
who gathers a faithful remnant (the children whom God has given Him while He
hides His face from the house of Jacob), that become the nucleus of the new
nation of Israel according to God. Chapter 49 of that prophet gives this
transition from Israel to Christ in a striking manner. Moreover this is the
basis of all the history of Israel, looked at as having failed under the law,
and being re-established in grace. Christ is morally the new stock from which
they spring (compare Isaiah 49:3, 5). [2]
Herod being dead, God makes it known to Joseph, in a
dream, commanding him to return, with the young child and its mother, into the
land of Israel. We should remark, that the land is here mentioned by the name
that recalls the privileges bestowed by God. It is neither Judea nor Galilee;
it is "the land of Israel." But can the Son of David, in entering it,
approach the throne of His fathers? No: He must take the place of a stranger
among the despised of His people. Directed by God in a dream, Joseph carries
Him into Galilee, whose inhabitants were objects of sovereign contempt to the
Jews, as not being in habitual connection with Jerusalem and Judea, the land of
David, of the kings acknowledged by God, and of the temple, and where even the
dialect of the language common to both betrayed their practical separation from
that part of the nation which, by the favour of God, had returned to Judea from
Babylon.
Even in Galilee Joseph establishes himself in a place,
the very name of which was a reproach to one who dwelt there, and a blot on his
reputation.
Such was the position of the Son of God when He came into this world,
and such the relationship of the Son of David with His people, when, by grace
and according to the counsels of God, He stood amongst them. On the one hand,
Emmanuel, Jehovah their Saviour, on the other, the Son of David; but, while
taking His place among His people, associated with the poorest and most
despised of the flock, sheltered in Galilee from the iniquity of a false king,
who, by help of the Gentiles of the fourth monarchy, was reigning over Judea,
and with whom the priests and rulers of the people were in connection; the
latter, unfaithful to God and dissatisfied with men, proudly detesting a yoke
which their sins had brought upon them, and which they dared not shake off, although
they were not sufficiently sensible of their sins to submit to it as the just
infliction of God. Thus is it that the Messiah is presented to us by this
evangelist, or rather by the Holy Ghost, in connection with Israel.
[1] The
star does not lead the wise men from their own country to Judea. It pleased God
to present this testimony to Herod and to the leaders of the people. Having
been directed by the word (the meaning of which was declared by the chief
priests and scribes themselves, and according to which Herod sent them to
Bethlehem), they again see the star which they had seen in their own country,
which conducts them to the house. Their visit also took place some time after
the birth of Jesus. No doubt they first saw the star at the time of His birth.
Herod makes his calculations according to the moment of the star's appearance,
which he had carefully ascertained from the lips of the wise men. Their journey
must have occupied some time. The birth of Jesus is related in chapter 1. The
first verse of chapter 2 should be read, Now Jesus having been born"; it
speaks of a time already past. I would also remark here that the Old Testament
prophecies are quoted in three ways, which must not be confounded:-"that
it might be fulfilled", "so that it was fulfilled"; and,
"then was fulfilled." In the first case it is the object of the
prophecy; Matthew 1:22, 23 is an instance. In the second it is an
accomplishment contained in the scope of the prophecy, but not the sole and
complete thought of the Holy Ghost; Matthew 2:23 may serve as an example. In
the third it is simply a fact which corresponds with the quotation, which in
its spirit applies to it, without being its positive object-chapter 2:17, for
instance I am not aware that the first two are distinguished in our English
translation. Where the sense may require it, I shall hope to point out the
difference.
[2] In
verse 5 Christ assumes this title of Servant. The same substitution of Christ
for Israel is found in John 15. Israel had been the vine brought out of Egypt.
Christ is the true Vine.
── John Darby《Synopsis of Matthew》
Matthew 2
Chapter Contents
The wise men's search after Christ. (1-8) The wise men
worship Jesus. (9-12) Jesus carried into Egypt. (13-15) Herod causes the
infants of Bethlehem to be massacred. (16-18) Death of Herod, Jesus brought to
Nazareth. (19-23)
Commentary on Matthew 2:1-8
(Read Matthew 2:1-8)
Those who live at the greatest distance from the means of
grace often use most diligence, and learn to know the most of Christ and his
salvation. But no curious arts, or mere human learning, can direct men unto
him. We must learn of Christ by attending to the word of God, as a light that
shineth in a dark place, and by seeking the teaching of the Holy Spirit. And
those in whose hearts the day-star is risen, to give them any thing of the
knowledge of Christ, make it their business to worship him. Though Herod was
very old, and never had shown affection for his family, and was not himself
likely to live till a new-born infant had grown up to manhood, he began to be
troubled with the dread of a rival. He understood not the spiritual nature of
the Messiah's kingdom. Let us beware of a dead faith. A man may be persuaded of
many truths, and yet may hate them, because they interfere with his ambition,
or sinful indulgences. Such a belief will make him uneasy, and the more
resolved to oppose the truth and the cause of God; and he may be foolish enough
to hope for success therein.
Commentary on Matthew 2:9-12
(Read Matthew 2:9-12)
What joy these wise men felt upon this sight of the star,
none know so well as those who, after a long and melancholy night of temptation
and desertion, under the power of a spirit of bondage, at length receive the
Spirit of adoption, witnessing with their spirits that they are the children of
God. We may well think what a disappointment it was to them, when they found a
cottage was his palace, and his own poor mother the only attendant he had.
However, these wise men did not think themselves baffled; but having found the
King they sought, they presented their gifts to him. The humble inquirer after
Christ will not be stumbled at finding him and his disciples in obscure
cottages, after having in vain sought them in palaces and populous cities. Is a
soul busy, seeking after Christ? Would it worship him, and does it say, Alas! I
am a foolish and poor creature, and have nothing to offer? Nothing! Hast thou
not a heart, though unworthy of him, dark, hard, and foul? Give it to him as it
is, and be willing that he use and dispose of it as it pleases him; he will
take it, and will make it better, and thou shalt never repent having given it
to him. He shall frame it to his own likeness, and will give thee himself, and
be thine for ever. The gifts the wise men presented were gold, frankincense,
and myrrh. Providence sent these as a seasonable relief to Joseph and Mary in
their present poor condition. Thus our heavenly Father, who knows what his
children need, uses some as stewards to supply the wants of others, and can
provide for them, even from the ends of the earth.
Commentary on Matthew 2:13-15
(Read Matthew 2:13-15)
Egypt had been a house of bondage to Israel, and
particularly cruel to the infants of Israel; yet it is to be a place of refuge
to the holy Child Jesus. God, when he pleases, can make the worst of places
serve the best of purposes. This was a trial of the faith of Joseph and Mary.
But their faith, being tried, was found firm. If we and our infants are at any
time in trouble, let us remember the straits in which Christ was when an
infant.
Commentary on Matthew 2:16-18
(Read Matthew 2:16-18)
Herod killed all the male children, not only in
Bethlehem, but in all the villages of that city. Unbridled wrath, armed with an
unlawful power, often carries men to absurd cruelties. It was no unrighteous
thing with God to permit this; every life is forfeited to his justice as soon
as it begins. The diseases and deaths of little children are proofs of original
sin. But the murder of these infants was their martyrdom. How early did
persecution against Christ and his kingdom begin! Herod now thought that he had
baffled the Old Testament prophecies, and the efforts of the wise men in
finding Christ; but whatever crafty, cruel devices are in men's hearts, the
counsel of the Lord shall stand.
Commentary on Matthew 2:19-23
(Read Matthew 2:19-23)
Egypt may serve to sojourn in, or take shelter in, for
awhile, but not to abide in. Christ was sent to the lost sheep of the house of
Israel, to them he must return. Did we but look upon the world as our Egypt,
the place of our bondage and banishment, and heaven only as our Canaan, our
home, our rest, we should as readily arise and depart thither, when we are
called for, as Joseph did out of Egypt. The family must settle in Galilee.
Nazareth was a place held in bad esteem, and Christ was crucified with this
accusation, Jesus the Nazarene. Wherever Providence allots the bounds of our
habitation, we must expect to share the reproach of Christ; yet we may glory in
being called by his name, sure that if we suffer with him, we shall also be
glorified with him.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on Matthew》
Matthew 2
Verse 2
[2]
Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in
the east, and are come to worship him.
To do him homage — To
pay him that honour, by bowing to the earth before him, which the eastern
nations used to pay to their monarchs.
Verse 4
[4] And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people
together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
The chief priests —
That is, not only the high priest and his deputy, with those who formerly had
borne that office: but also the chief man in each of those twenty-four courses,
into which the body of priests were divided, 1 Chronicles 24:6-19. The scribes were those
whose peculiar business it was to explain the Scriptures to the people. They
were the public preachers, or expounders of the law of Moses. Whence the chief
of them were called doctors of the law.
Verse 6
[6] And
thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of
Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
Thou art in nowise the least among the
princes of Judah — That is, among the cities belonging to the
princes or heads of thousands in Judah. When this and several other quotations
from the Old Testament are compared with the original, it plainly appears, the
apostles did not always think it necessary exactly to transcribe the passages
they cited, but contented themselves with giving the general sense, though with
some diversity of language. The words of Micah, which we render, Though thou be
little, may be rendered, Art thou little? And then the difference which seems
to be here between the prophet and the evangelist vanishes away. Micah 5:2.
Verse 8
[8] And
he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young
child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and
worship him also.
And if ye find him, bring me word - Probably
Herod did not believe he was born; otherwise would not so suspicious a prince
have tried to make sure work at once?
Verse 10
[10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Seeing the star —
Standing over where the child was.
Verse 11
[11] And
when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his
mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their
treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
They presented to him gifts — It was customary to offer some present to any eminent person whom they
visited. And so it is, as travellers observe, in the eastern countries to this
day.
Gold, frankincense, and myrrh — Probably these were the best things their country afforded; and the
presents ordinarily made to great persons. This was a most seasonable,
providential assistance for a long and expensive journey into Egypt, a country
where they were entirely strangers, and were to stay for a considerable time.
Verse 15
[15] And
was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken
of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
That it might be fulfilled — That is, whereby was fulfilled. The original word frequently signifies,
not the design of an action, but barely the consequence or event of it.
Which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet — on another occasion: Out of Egypt have I called my Son - which was now
fulfilled as it were anew; Christ being in a far higher sense the Son of God
than Israel, of whom the words were originally spoken. Hosea 11:1.
Verse 16
[16] Then
Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and
sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the
coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he
had diligently enquired of the wise men.
Then Herod, seeing that he was deluded by the
wise men — So did his pride teach him to regard this
action, as if it were intended to expose him to the derision of his subjects.
Sending forth — a
party of soldiers: In all the confines thereof - In all the neighbouring
places, of which Rama was one.
Verse 17
[17] Then
was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
Then was fulfilled — A
passage of Scripture, whether prophetic, historical, or poetical, is in the
language of the New Testament fulfilled, when an event happens to which it may
with great propriety be accommodated.
Verse 18
[18] In
Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are
not.
Rachel weeping for her children — The Benjamites, who inhabited Rama, sprung from her. She was buried near
this place; and is here beautifully represented risen, as it were out of her
grave, and bewailing her lost children.
Because they are not — that is, are dead. The preservation of Jesus from this destruction, may
be considered as a figure of God's care over his children in their greatest
danger. God does not often, as he easily could, cut off their persecutors at a
stroke. But he provides a hiding place for his people, and by methods not less
effectual, though less pompous, preserves them from being swept away, even when
the enemy comes in like a flood. Jeremiah 31:15.
Verse 22
[22] But
when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father
Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a
dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
He was afraid to go thither — into Judea; and so turned aside into the region of Galilee - a part of
the land of Israel not under the jurisdiction of Archelaus.
Verse 23
[23] And
he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which
was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
He came and dwelt in Nazareth — (where he had dwelt before he went to Bethlehem) a place contemptible to
a proverb. So that hereby was fulfilled what has been spoken in effect by
several of the prophets, (though by none of them in express words,) He shall be
called a Nazarene - that is, he shall be despised and rejected, shall be a mark
of public contempt and reproach.
── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on
Matthew》
Chapter
2. Wise Men worship the King
King
in Heaven
King
on Earth
I.
Led by the Star in the East
1. Inquiry in
2. Heavenly Enlightenment
3. Return by Another Way
II.
Present Three Gifts
1. Gold – Divinity
2. Frankincense – Resurrection
3. Myrrh – Crucifixion
III.
The Escape of Baby 3esus
1. Flee to
2. The Killing of All Boys
3. Life at
── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》
The Visit Of The Wise Men (2:1-12)
INTRODUCTION
1. Common to many nativity scenes commemorating the birth of Jesus is the presence of "three wise men"... a. Implied is that these men, three in number, visited Jesus while still in the manger b. Is this what the Bible really teaches? 2. Matthew is the gospel writer who records this visit... a. Which is found in Mt 2:1-12 b. Which serves as the text for our study today [This story of "The Visit Of The Wise Men" is both interesting and ofpractical value. Having read the text, let's first note some...] I. INTERESTING FEATURES OF THIS STORY
A. FOR WHAT MATTHEW DOESN'T TELL US... 1. Who exactly were these "wise men from the East"? a. Some think they were a group of priests from Persia b. Others believe they were astrologers from Babylon 2. How many were there? a. No actual number is given b. Three types of gift are mentioned (Mt 2:11), but quality of gifts does not necessarily imply the quantity of givers! 3. What was the nature of the "star"? a. Was it an actual "star"? b. Was it the planet Jupiter, often associated with the birth of kings c. Was it a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in the Sign of the Fish? d. Was it a comet acting erratically? 4. How did these wise men connect the star with the birth of the king of the Jews? a. Had they been taught by Jews of the Dispersion to expect the Messiah? b. Had they been given special revelation from God not recorded in the Scriptures? B. FOR WHAT LEGENDS HAVE RISEN... 1. That these wise men were "three kings from the Orient" 2. That their names were Melchior, Balthasar, and Caspar 3. That they visited Baby Jesus together with the shepherds the night of His birth a. But it was some time later (up to two years!) - Mt 2:1,16 b. They visited Mary and the child in a house, not a stable! - Mt 2:11 4. That they were later baptized by Thomas [The facts are the Biblical record says little about WHO these men were. Perhaps because the emphasis is upon WHAT they did: "We havecome to WORSHIP Him." (Mt 2:2,11) What is important is that Jesus is
worthy of worship, which can only mean that He is truly DEITY (cf. "Immanuel", or "God with us")! But there are other lessons that can be gleaned from "The Visit Of TheWise Men"...]
II. LESSONS TO BE LEARNED
A. IT IS EASY FOR FICTION TO BE TAKEN AS FACT... 1. We have seen what people have done with the story of Jesus' birth a. Making the number of the wise men to be three b. Having them visit Jesus in the stable 2. There are other examples a. Making the "forbidden fruit" in the Garden to be an "apple" b. Depicting baptism in the Bible as pouring or sprinkling -- We need to be like the Bereans (Ac 17:11), and make sure we get the facts straight! B. THERE MAY BE TRUE SERVANTS OF GOD IN PLACES WHERE WE MIGHT NOTEXPECT TO FIND THEM...
1. The Lord may have many "hidden ones" (i.e., hidden to our knowledge) like the wise men 2. Their history on earth may be as little known as that of Melchizedek, Job, Jethro 3. We must not assume that God's people consists only of those we know about, listed in "our" directories a. There can be many faithful Christians in other countries b. We may not know about them, but God does! - 2 Tim 2:19 -- Though unknown to us, we can still pray for them! C. IT IS NOT ALWAYS THOSE WHO HAVE THE MOST RELIGIOUS PRIVILEGES,WHO GIVE CHRIST THE MOST HONOR...
1. One would think the chief priests and scribes would have been the first to go to Bethlehem was born a. But no, it was a few unknown strangers from a distant land b. As John wrote in his gospel, "He came to His own, and Hisown did not receive Him" - Jn 1:11
2. Sadly, the same is often true today a. Those in the Lord's church often show less love and adoration than those in the denominations of men b. Children of Christian parents often show less interest than many children of non-Christians D. THERE MAY BE KNOWLEDGE IN THE HEAD, WHILE THERE IS NO GRACE INTHE HEART...
1. The chief priests and scribes were quick to provide Herod the answer to his question a. But as far as we know, they did not act on such knowledge b. They did not go to Bethlehem believe in Him 2. What about us today? a. We may knowledge in the head (we know the truth), but do we have grace in our hearts (do we act on it)? b. We need to always grow in grace and knowledge - 2 Pe 3:18 E. THE WISE MEN ARE A SPLENDID EXAMPLE OF SPIRITUAL DILIGENCE... 1. Consider what it must have cost them to travel a. In money b. In time c. In dangers 2. What about our diligence? Are we willing to pay the price... a. To find Christ? b. To serve Him? c. To worship Him? -- They traveled at great costs and risk to worship Jesus; many Christians won't even take the time to attend a gospel meeting or a second service on Sunday! F. THE WISE MEN ARE A STRIKING EXAMPLE OF FAITH... 1. They believed in Christ... a. When they had never seen Him prior to their journey b. When the scribes and chief priests were unbelieving c. When all they saw was a little child on a mother's knee! 1) Without miracles to convince them (except the star) 2) Without much teaching to persuade them -- Yet they "fell down and worshipped Him" 2. This is the kind of faith God delights to honor! a. For God saw fit to record their example of faith for us b. And every time this passage is read, their example of faith is honored! -- As Jesus said later, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yethave believed." - Jn 20:29
CONCLUSION
1. May the faith and diligence of the wise men serve to inspire us to greater service to our Lord! 2. Though the world around us may remain careless and unbelieving, let's not be ashamed to believe in Jesus and confess Him 3. We have much more reason to believe Him and worship Him... a. His miracles, His resurrection from the dead b. His teachings, His death on the cross for our sins Are we willing to make the effort to find, worship, and serve this great King? As stated on a popular bumber-sticker: "Wise men still seek Him" NOTE: Some of the main points for this lesson were taken from
"Expository Thoughts On The Gospels" by J. C. Ryle.
The Early Years Of Jesus (2:13-23)
INTRODUCTION
1. A remarkable feature concerning the gospel records is their brevity... a. Especially related to the early life of Jesus, following His birth b. Mark and John relate nothing about this period of Jesus' life c. Only Matthew and Luke record something about the first thirty years 2. Other than the visit of the wise men, Matthew records only... a. The flight to Egypt b. The massacre by Herod - Mt 2:16-18 c. The return to Nazareth 3. Why did Matthew record only these three events? Are there any lessons to be gleaned from what we know of the early years of Jesus? [In an effort to answer such questions, let's take a few moments andfirst examine the text of Mt 2:13-23...] I. MATTHEW'S ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY YEARS OF JESUS
A. THE FLIGHT TO EGYPT 1. Precipitated by the angel's warning - Mt 2:13-14 a. Joseph was told to take Mary and the Child to Egypt b. For Herod was seeking to destroy Jesus 2. Remaining there until the death of Herod - Mt 2:15 a. The sojourn and eventual departure from Egypt prophecy - Hos 11:1 b. For the exodus of Israel a type or shadow of the Messiah's own call out of Egypt B. THE MASSACRE OF THE INFANTS... 1. Herod's angry decree - Mt 2:16 a. Having been frustrated in his original plans - Mt 2:7-8,12 b. Ordering the death of all male children, two and under, in Bethlehem 2. Jeremiah's prophecy - Mt 2:17-18 a. This terrible calamity had been foreseen - Jer 31:15 b. For the exile of Israel a type or shadow of the grief that would be experienced again in the region where Rachel was buried C. THE RETURN TO NAZARETH 1. Joseph was directed via dreams - Mt 2:19-22 a. First, to return to Israel b. Then, to go to Galilee instead of Judea , for Herod's son Archelaus was reigning in Judea 2. Residing in Nazareth - Mt 2:23 a. The prophecy "He shall be called a Nazarene" was based upon the words of several prophets ("which was spoken bythe prophets")
b. There are at least two possibilities as to what is meant... 1) "It may be that this term of contempt (Jn 1:46; 7:52) is what is meant, and that several prophecies are to becombined like Psa 22:6,8; 69:11,19; Isa 53:2-4."
- Robertson's Word Pictures 2) "Verse 23 alludes to Isa. 11:1, which states that a "branch" (netser, Heb.) will grow out of the roots of Jesse (cf. Jer 23:5). Under this view, "branch" and "Nazarene" share the same root (nzr, Heb.), and "branch" refers to the coming ruler of Davidic descent. Although they used a different word, other prophets also spoke of the Messiah in terms of the "branch" (Jer. 23:5; Zech 3:8; 6:12), and Matthew could legitimately say that thisprediction was "spoken by the prophets" (vv. 6, 15)."
- Believer's Study Bible [It should be apparent that Matthew selected those events in Jesus' early life which were foretold by the prophets. This assisted him inhis purpose to show his Jewish readers that Jesus was truly the Messiahfor Whom they were looking! Now for a couple of...] II. LESSONS TO BE GLEANED FROM JESUS' EARLY YEARS
A. WORLDLY RULERS ARE OFTEN OPPOSED TO GOD'S RULE... 1. This is seen throughout Jesus' life and the period following a. Herod the Great, upset at His birth - Mt 2:1-3,16 b. Herod Antipas, who had John imprisoned and beheaded - Mt 4:12;14:1-12 c. The leaders of Israel 1) Who plotted against Jesus - Mt 26:3-4; 27:1-2 2) Who attempted to cover up His resurrection - Mt 28:11-15 3) Who sought to prevent the apostles from telling their story - Ac 4:1-3,18; 5:40; 24:1-5 2. We should not be surprised if the same should happen to us today a. Jesus warned that such might happen - Jn 15:18-20 b. Satan will certainly do all that he can to stop us 1) He was behind the efforts to persecute Christ and His church - Re 12:3-5,17; 1 Pe 5:8-9 2) He made use of kings to war against the Lamb and His followers - Re 17:12-14 3) And will do so again - cf. Re 20:7-9 -- But as prophesied, all such efforts are for naught! - cf. Psa 2:1-12
B. HUMBLE BEGINNINGS CAN'T HINDER THE ADVANCE OF GOD'S WILL... 1. Jesus' beginnings did not prevent Him from doing great things a. Even though He lived in exile and relative obscurity at the beginning (in Egypt b. Even though He was raised in a town despised by others (Nazareth 2. The example of Jesus' humility ought to inspire us a. To accept the mind of Christ, especially in relation to our brethren - Ph 2:5-8 b. To accept whatever area of service we might have in life - cf. Psa 84:10 -- For those who humble themselves will be exalted at the right time - cf. 1 Pe 5:5-7 CONCLUSION
1. What we know of Jesus' early years is very little 2. But it is sufficient to confirm that He was truly the Messiah... a. Who would be "despised and rejected by men" - Isa 53:3 b. Against whom "the kings of the earth set themselves" - Psa 2:2-3 3. And it should be sufficient to remind His disciples... a. That we can expect the same treatment - 2 Ti 3:12 b. That we seek to emulate the same example of humility and willingness to suffer for the will of God - 1 Pe 2:21 Are you willing to humbly serve and even suffer persecution for Jesus"the Nazarene"?
－－《Executable
Outlines》