But, You Bethlehem

Matthew 2:1-12

Key Verse 2:6

" 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.' "

Skim through the passage. What efforts did the Magi make in order to go and meet the object of worship? Did their efforts pay off? What can we learn from them? 

Read verses 1-2. According to the Magi, Jesus is born the "king of the Jews". What does this title mean to the people of Israel? To the Gentile believers? (Daniel 7:26-28; John 18:35-37) 

The Magi said, "We have come to worship him." What does their message indicate about Jesus born in Bethlehem? (John 4:22; Psalm 95:1-7a; John 4:24-26)

 

Read verses 3-6. What does the "Christ" mean? Where was he prophesied to be born? (Micah 5:2) What does the fulfillment of the prophecy indicate about Jesus? 

Read verses 5-6 again and think about the expression, "a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel." What does the occupation "shepherd" mean to the people of Israel (Genesis 48:15; 49:24; Psalm 23; Micah 5:2; 7:14)? What does this title (shepherd) tell us about the meaning of Jesus' birth?

Read verses 7-8. What does this passage tell us about King Herod? 

Read 9-12. How did their worship go? What did they do after worship? What does their example indicate about the way to worship?

---