Matthew 2
Matthew 2 describes the events following the birth of Jesus, focusing on the visit of the wise men, the flight to Egypt, and the massacre of the innocents. The chapter illustrates how prophecies about the Messiah’s life were fulfilled, underscoring divine protection and purpose amidst opposition. Each part reveals how Jesus’ early life aligns with God's plan, foreshadowing the challenges and victories He will encounter.
Matthew 2:1 (NKJV)
1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,
After Jesus’ birth, wise men from the East arrived in Jerusalem seeking the newborn King. Their journey reflects both a divine calling and the significance of Jesus’ birth extending beyond Israel. The wise men, likely astronomers or scholars from Persia or Arabia, followed a star, symbolizing their recognition of a significant event. Their arrival and inquiry also bring Jesus to the attention of the current ruler, Herod.
Matthew 2:2 (NKJV)
2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
The wise men openly declare their purpose: to worship the newborn “King of the Jews.” Their knowledge of His birth is rooted in observing a star, a celestial sign aligning with ancient prophecies. This acknowledgment of Jesus as a king, despite His humble birth, indicates His divine identity and future impact. The phrase “come to worship” signifies their reverence, foreshadowing Jesus’ universal significance.
Matthew 2:3-4 (NKJV)
3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
Herod, known for his paranoia and cruelty, is disturbed by the news of a potential rival. His concern leads him to gather the religious leaders for information. Herod’s reaction reflects his fear of losing power, while the mention of “all Jerusalem” being troubled may indicate anticipation of the turmoil his actions could bring. The gathering of priests and scribes to determine the birthplace of the Messiah highlights that this event aligns with Jewish prophecies.
Matthew 2:5-6 (NKJV)
5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:
6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;
For out of you shall come a Ruler
Who will shepherd My people Israel.’”
The religious leaders confirm that Bethlehem is the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah, referencing Micah 5:2. Bethlehem, though small and humble, holds significance as the origin of a ruler who will guide Israel. This prophecy emphasizes the Messiah’s pastoral role, indicating He will lead and care for the people like a shepherd, contrasting with Herod’s oppressive rule. It underscores God's choice of humble origins to fulfill His plans.
Matthew 2:7-8 (NKJV)
7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”
Herod secretly meets with the wise men to ascertain the timing of the star’s appearance, hoping to determine Jesus' age. Pretending to share their desire to worship, he sends them to Bethlehem with instructions to report back. This deceitful plan reveals Herod’s true intent: to eliminate a potential threat to his rule. His actions foreshadow the lengths he will go to secure his position, contrasting sharply with the genuine worship of the wise men.
Matthew 2:9-10 (NKJV)
9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.
The wise men continue their journey, guided once again by the star, which miraculously leads them directly to Jesus. This divine guidance signifies God’s active role in directing them to the Messiah. Their joy upon seeing the star underscores the fulfillment of their quest and their anticipation of encountering the child they’ve come to honor. Their journey represents genuine faith and persistence in seeking God’s promises.
Matthew 2:11-12 (NKJV)
11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
Upon finding Jesus, the wise men honor Him with valuable gifts—gold, symbolizing kingship; frankincense, representing divinity; and myrrh, foreshadowing His suffering. Their act of worship and gifts reflect both their reverence and recognition of Jesus’ unique identity. Warned in a dream about Herod’s intentions, they avoid returning to him, showing obedience to God’s protection. This obedience preserves the Messiah from immediate danger and fulfills God’s plan.
Matthew 2:13-15 (NKJV)
13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.”
14 When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt,
15 and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”
After the wise men’s visit, an angel warns Joseph in a dream to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus to escape King Herod's plan to kill the child. Joseph obeys immediately, and they remain in Egypt until Herod's death. When Herod dies, another angel instructs Joseph to return to Israel with his family. Their return to Nazareth fulfills the prophecy from Hosea 11:1, which states, "Out of Egypt I called My Son." This prophecy originally referred to Israel’s exodus from Egypt, but Matthew applies it to Jesus, showing that His return from Egypt, after Herod’s death, symbolically fulfills Israel's story. Jesus, as the true Israel, embodies the role of God's obedient Son, completing what Israel could not—perfect obedience and the fulfillment of God's salvation plan.
Matthew 2:16-18 (NKJV)
16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.
17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying:
18 “A voice was heard in Ramah,
Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children,
Refusing to be comforted,
Because they are no more.”
Herod’s fury leads to the tragic massacre of Bethlehem’s young boys, fulfilling Jeremiah’s prophecy of mourning in Ramah. This ruthless act highlights Herod’s desperation to maintain power at any cost. The mourning of “Rachel” symbolizes Israel’s sorrow, echoing earlier losses and foreshadowing the suffering Jesus Himself will eventually endure. Despite this tragedy, God’s plan for Jesus continues, illustrating His sovereignty even in times of deep sorrow.
Matthew 2:19-23 (NKJV)
19 Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
20 saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.”
21 Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel.
22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee.
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.”
After King Herod dies, an angel instructs Joseph in a dream to return to Israel with Mary and Jesus, as Herod’s threat is no longer a danger. However, upon hearing that Herod's son, Archelaus, reigns over Judea, Joseph fears for their safety and is again warned by God in a dream. He then travels to Galilee and settles in the town of Nazareth. Matthew explains that this move fulfills the prophecy, "He shall be called a Nazarene," which reflects Jesus' identification with a humble, often despised town. While no specific Old Testament verse states this exactly, it symbolically fulfills prophecies of the Messiah's humble beginnings and rejection, in line with Isaiah 53:3. The mention of Nazareth also may connect to the "Branch" prophecies in Isaiah 11:1, associating Jesus with the messianic figure who would emerge from humble origins.