To Think About And Discuss – [1] “There came wise men from the East” —a. Who were they? b. How many were there? c. Where did they come?
[2] “For we have seen His star!” The star being the only symbol of Christ’s birth was very critical to the wisemen. Five questions may be asked about this star --- Of what nature it was?/ When was it first seen?/ Where? How did the Magi know by it that Christ was born? Why were they taught by it rather than by any other means?
For Further Study – [3] Can you identify Old Testament quotes for each chapter in the Book of Matthew? Why does Matthew quote so often from the Old Testament? How can the Old Testament help us better understand who Jesus is and why Jesus came?
[4] “Despite their pagan background and powerful influence in the Babylonian or Persian courts, the Magi recognize and worship the Christ child for who he is. Despite his role as legally installed ruler of Israel and his professed conversion to Judaism, Herod rejects the newborn king and plots to destroy him. He fears that this young boy will threaten his royal position and authority.” --- [Craig Blomberg, Matthew, The New American Commentary, (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992), 22:61]. In what ways we can accept/ reject Christ today? What are the consequences for each course?
[5] The Star which served as the GPS so to speak, plays such a prominent role in this chapter: The Magi’s quest to a newborn King of the Jews! Balaam’s prophecy in Num 24:17–19 had something to say about the rise of a “star out of Jacob and a scepter out of Israel.” Expand on this OT prophecy and Discuss further.
[6] To a Jewish reader, the story of Herod’s fear for his throne and his ruthless political massacre of children “from two years old and under” (Mt 2:16) is reminiscent of Pharaoh’s massacre at the time of Moses’ birth (Ex. 1:22; 2:1-10). Similarly, Jesus’ providential escape to Egypt and subsequent return echoes the story of Moses’ escape from slaughter and of his subsequent exile and return when “those who were seeking your life are dead” (Mt 2:20; cf. Exod 4:19). Had Pharaoh been successful, he could have well threatened to destroy Israel’s future deliverer: The Messiah! But in both cases God intervened! Nothing can thwart God’s plans and purposes! How can this fact help you to want to know God’s will in your life and learn to trust Him to see that will/ plan into fruition?
For Self-Examination – [7] “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2, ESV) Where can we find Jesus today? How can we find Him? When can we find Him? What do we do when we find Him?
For Life Today – [8] “And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him.” (Mt. 2:11a). “Beneath the lowly guise of Jesus, they recognized the presence of Divinity. They gave their hearts to Him as their Saviour, and then poured out their gifts, — “gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” What a faith was theirs! It might have been said of the wise men from the East, as afterward of the Roman centurion, “I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” Matthew 8:10” – (Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, 3:63–64). How many times have you fallen down on your knees in humility when praying to/ worshiping Christ? What kinds of gifts have you brought to Christ?
[9] The Flight into Egypt: What guidelines for obedience can you draw from Joseph's example in Matt 2:13-14, 19-23. What guidelines for depending on God can you draw from this chapter?
[10] “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:10–11, ESV) What helpful insights do you find in these verses regarding the right way to approach God in worship?
For Going Deeper – [11] God willed to instruct the wisemen in accordance with their own knowledge: that they who had passed their lives in the observation of the stars might learn Christ from the stars. Through nature, God is able to teach us, speak to us, and provide for us. How does nature reveal God? How can we can both seek and find God in His creation?
[12] Consider again the major truth expressed in the Star! In Mt 2:2, He used a “star” to direct, disclose the place of Birth to the magi. How does God reveal Himself through Nature? How does Ps. 19:1-2 and Job 12:7-10; 104:24-25; Rom 1:20; Jer. 32:17; Job 38:4-6 expand your understanding of this truth?
For Personal Implications – [13] How could you use this chapter to illustrate to a new Christian the concept of God's protection for His people?
[14] The devotion of the wise men – They fell down, and worshipped Him (Matt. 2:11); They shared their wealth with Jesus— gold, frankincense, and myrrh (v. 11); Their interest was in “giving” instead of receiving; The prospect of worship gave them “joy,” (v. 10); They showed more respect to Christ than to Herod’s command to return and report to him, (v. 8, 12). How can we emulate these attributes?