Matthew 2 Lesson

We read the chapter, reviewed last week’s lesson, drew storyboard of each scene covering Matt. 2.

Some additional insight we discussed…

Read Micah 5:2 and John 7:42 ….read these scriptures and discussed how OT pointed to both David and Christ.  (The kids are very familiar with types and shadows of Christ – we look for these throughout the passages we study – so they can see how the old and new testament weave together….and how scripture interprets scripture).

Bethlehem – small village outside of Jerusalem

                Beth = House of   and        Lehem = Bread         so…..Bethlehem is interpreted as:  “house of bread”

                We read John 6:33-35 where Christ states one of the 7 “I AM’s” that we studied last year.    “I AM the BREAD of Life”

Herod was thought by scholars to be a descendant of Esau – an Edomite  …..  this account took place about 1600 years after Jacob and Esau lived.

Magi were magicians of astrologer of that day from Persia, who had knowledge of scripture from Daniel 5:11 ….Daniel was regarded highly and they still were studying his writings/prophecy 1,000 years later.

There were 3 gifts – not necessarily 3 Magi…..there would have been many people traveling.  One of the gifts was to help them financially.  The other 2 were expensive spices.  One was used for burial.

Magi came to a house – so Jesus’s family had time to move into a house …..Jesus was thought to be close to 2 years old at the time.

Compared Matt. 2:15 to Hosea 11:1 ….out of Egypt I called my son ….. another reference to 2 events ….. one – Israelites coming out of Egypt and two – Jesus coming out of Egypt.

Matt. 2:16 – discussed who Herod killed and why.  There were probably less than 50 males under age 2 in the small town.

Compared Matt. 2:18 to Jeremiah 31:15 ….a voice heard in Ramah….weeping ….   

According to scholars, Ramah and the surrounding area was a launch point during the deportation – when the Southern and Northern kingdoms were taken into captivity.  Children were taken from their Mothers in the OT and again in the NT.  ….. another dual prophecy / type and shadow of what took place with Jesus.

We had great discussions today  …..the kids were all very engaged….. lots of great questions and also great responses from the kids!

God’s Word is a treasure chest that we keep digging through ….. there is so much behind each verse.  Hoping your children are learning that they can “dig for truth” for themselves.