Matthew 2:16-23
When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he became enraged. He sent men to kill all the children in Bethlehem and throughout the surrounding region from the age of two and under, according to the time he had learned from the wise men. Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud wailing, Rachel weeping for her children, and she did not want to be comforted, because they were gone.”
After Herod had died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt saying, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.” So he got up and took the child and his mother and returned to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. After being warned in a dream, he went to the regions of Galilee. He came to a town called Nazareth and lived there. Then what had been spoken by the prophets was fulfilled, that Jesus would be called a Nazarene.
The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
COMMENTS & QUESTIONS
Matthew’s gospel is continually about the clash of worldly kingdoms with God’s Kingdom. This early account sets the stage for greater encounters to come.
In what ways do the kingdoms of the world clash with the Kingdom of God today?
In what way will your loyalty to God’s kingdom be tested today?
In many parts of the world, Christians face persecutions for their faith. Many governments oppose the Christian religion, since Christians pledge loyalty to their Saviour above their government. Also, the Kingdoms of this world often preach messages which are opposite to the Christian faith.
PRAYERS
Christians under persecution by governments opposed to God Courage to be loyal to God over earthly kingdoms Innocent children who suffer (like those who died in Bethlehem)