Bible Study Summary - Upcoming Sunday's Scriptures

Sermon – “Christmas Around the World: Russia”

Matthew 2:1-12

-          The ancient world was fascinated by the night sky. Many studied the stars.  The stars in heaven gave clues to what was happening on earth.

-          Magi – Probably Zoroastrian priests from what we refer to as modern day Iran.  They made a several month journey.

-          What was the star of Bethlehem?  Maybe it was the planets Jupiter (kingly planet) & Saturn (Jewish planet) which lined up three times in 7 B.C.

-          Why does Matthew tell us this story?  To show that Jesus is the true King and Herod is a false King. 

-          Herod:  He died soon after  Jesus’ birth and his son, Herod Antipas continued the reign through Jesus’ lifetime.

-          The idea of a Jewish Messiah was that he would be King for the whole world – See Psalm 72 & Isaiah 11:1-10.

-          The gifts the magi brought were typical gifts people would give in the ancient world.

-          Later in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus the King will confront King Caesar’s representative, Pilate.  There are some parallels with this story and the Magi story.  1) Pilate offers Jesus gifts – crown of thorns and a throne/cross. 2) Pilate is warned in a dream to not harm him. 3) Pilate’s soldiers are first Gentiles since the Magi to refer to Jesus as a King.  4) Instead of a bright star there is darkness on Good Friday.

-          What does it mean to call Jesus, a King?  Your King?

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