The King of the Jews

Jesus' Fulfillment of Scripture
Jesus and the Davidic Covenant
Son of David

Matthew 2:1-6

The Message

Scholars from the East

2 ^1-2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory— this was during Herod’s kingship—a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, “Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him.”

^3-4 When word of their inquiry got to Herod, he was terrified—and not Herod alone, but most of Jerusalem as well. Herod lost no time. He gathered all the high priests and religion scholars in the city together and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
^5-6 They told him, “Bethlehem, Judah territory. The prophet Micah wrote it plainly:

It’s you, Bethlehem, in Judah’s land,
    no longer bringing up the rear.
From you will come the leader
    who will shepherd-rule my people, my Israel.”

 
For Reflection

Matthew recognized Jesus connection to the Hebrew prophesies. It is as it has always been.  The name of God, even in Jesus, the Christ, has among every nation, called those who seek justice and truth and struck fear in those who serve other gods.

 

Pray

that those who serve the god of materialism, money and power, find compassion an justice more rewarding.  Pray for those who are caught in competing forces of dominance that they will find solace in the Lord.  Pray for those who have seen and accepted the call of God that they may face life with courage and hope.