2. Notes_Gospel of Matthew_NABRE Chapter 2
Read Chapter 2: The Gospel According to Matthew
മത്തായി അദ്ധ്യായം- 2 P. O. C ബൈബിള്
Matthew Chapter 2
The Visit of the Magi and the Flight to Egypt
- This chapter tells the story of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and the events that followed.
Arrival of the Magi (Wise Men):
- The Magi, astrologers from the East, saw a special star and came to Jerusalem seeking the newborn King of the Jews.
- Herod, the reigning king, and the people of Jerusalem were troubled by this news.
Consultation with Religious Leaders:
- Herod gathered the chief priests and scribes to inquire about the birthplace of the Messiah.
- They referred to the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).
Herod's Deception:
- Herod secretly consulted the Magi about the time the star appeared and sent them to find the child.
- He deceitfully planned to destroy the newborn King.
Adoration of the Magi:
- The Magi followed the star to find Jesus in Bethlehem.
- They worshipped Him, presenting gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Warning in a Dream:
- The Magi, warned in a dream, avoided Herod and returned home by a different route.
The Flight to Egypt:
- An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, instructing him to take Jesus and Mary to Egypt to escape Herod's threat.
- Joseph obeyed, fulfilling the prophecy, "Out of Egypt I called my son" (Hosea 11:1).
Massacre of the Infants:
- Herod, enraged by the Magi's deception, ordered the massacre of all male infants in Bethlehem under two years old.
Return from Egypt:
- After Herod's death, an angel directed Joseph to return to Israel, but he avoided Judea due to Archelaus's rule.
Settlement in Nazareth:
- Joseph settled in Nazareth, fulfilling the prophecy, "He shall be called a Nazorean."
Key Verses - Matthew 2:10-11:
- 10They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
11and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Reflection and Application:
- The story highlights the divine guidance through dreams and fulfillment of prophecies.
- It emphasizes worship, obedience to God's leading, and God's protection in times of danger.
Memory Bible Verse - Matthew 2:11:
- "On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh."
Joseph, the husband of Mary, mother of Jesus, also had crucial dreams like the dreams of the Old Testament joseph.
The 4 dreams of Joseph in the gospel of Matthew:
1. The angel of the Lord assuring him of Mary's miraculous pregnancy (Matthew 1:20-24)
2. An angel again warning him to flee to Egypt to avoid King Herod's massacre of children (Matthew 2:13-15)
3. The notification to return to Israel from Egypt after King Herod's death (Matthew 2:19-21)
4. Final dream guiding him to settle in the region of Galilee (Matthew 2:22-23).
Lessons from the dreams of Joseph:
• Guiding him to fulfill his role in protecting and caring for Mary and Jesus
• Ensuring the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
• These dreams emphasize Joseph's righteousness, obedience, and the divine nature of Jesus' conception and birth.
The 4 Prophesies Fulfilled in Matthew Chapter 2:
1. The Birthplace Prophecy (Micah 5:1):
- Prophecy: "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet..."
- Fulfillment: The chief priests and scribes confirm that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:1).
2. The Star Prophecy (Numbers 24:17):
- Prophecy: "We saw his star at its rising..."
- Fulfillment: A new star is believed to have appeared at the birth of a ruler (Numbers 24:17). This star led the magi to Jesus.
3. The Exodus Prophecy (Hosea 11:1):
- Prophecy: "Out of Egypt I called my son."
- Fulfillment: Joseph is warned in a dream to flee to Egypt with Jesus, fulfilling the prophecy of the child being called out of Egypt (Hosea 11:1).
4. The Suffering in Ramah Prophecy (Jeremiah 31:15):
- Prophecy: "A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children..."
- Fulfillment: Herod's massacre of infants in Bethlehem fulfills the prophecy of Rachel weeping for her children in Ramah (Jeremiah 31:15).
Conclusion:
- This chapter underscores the significance of Jesus' birth, the fulfillment of prophecies, and the recognition of His kingship by the Magi. It also portrays the challenges faced by the Holy Family and the divine guidance that ensured their safety.
- The magi were wise men who followed a special star to find and honor baby Jesus.
- King Herod felt threatened by the news of a new king and tried to harm Jesus.
- The magi brought valuable gifts to honor Jesus: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
- An angel warned Joseph in a dream, and they fled to Egypt to protect Jesus from Herod's harm.
- Herod, in his anger, ordered the killing of baby boys in Bethlehem, fulfilling a sad prophecy.
- After Herod's death, Joseph and his family returned, settling in Nazareth, fulfilling God's plan.
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