The Visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12)
Understand It
- Where was Jesus born? (2:1)
- During whose reign was Jesus born? (2:1)
- Who came to visit the young Jesus? (2:1)
- What external and internal factors prompted the Magi to search for Jesus? (2:2)
- What title did the Magi give to Jesus? (2:2)
- How did King Herod react to the visit of the Magi? (2:3-4)
- Why was a powerful king disturbed by the presence of a helpless baby? (2:3-6)
- Why is it significant that Christ was born in Bethlehem? (2:5-6)
- What were King Herod’s instructions to the Magi? (2:8)
- How were the Magi led to Christ? (2:9-10)
- What was the Magi’s reaction when they realized they had found the Christ? (2:10)
- Where was Jesus when the Magi found Him? (2:11)
- How did the Magi react upon seeing Jesus? (2:11)
- What gifts did the Magi bring to Jesus? (2:11)
- Why didn’t the Magi report back to Herod as he had requested? (2:12)
Apply It
- What starlike, shining deed can you do today to point a non-Christian friend to Christ?
- What sacrifice do you need to make for Christ this week?
- What gift of time, effort, or money would demonstrate your love for Jesus this week?
The Escape to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-18)
Explore It
- What happened after the Magi left the home of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus? (2:13)
- How did God communicate with Joseph? (2:13)
- Where did the angel tell Joseph to go? Why? (2:13)
- How long was Joseph to keep his family in hiding? (2:13)
- Why was it necessary for Joseph to take his family and flee? (2:13)
- How did Joseph respond to the warning he received? (2:13)
- What event allowed Joseph to depart from Egypt with his family? (2:15)
- Why was the "escape to Egypt" significant in the life of Christ? (2:15)
- What was King Herod’s emotional state when he realized the Magi had tricked him? (2:16)
- What orders did King Herod give in an attempt to eliminate his competition? (2:16)
- Who prophesied the horrible episode of infanticide in Bethlehem? When? (2:17)
- What was the response to Herod’s mass execution of children? (2:18)
Apply It
- In what area of your life do you need to trust God more instead of being driven by competition?
- What action could you take today to minister to someone who is in mourning?
The Return to Nazareth (Matthew 2:19-23)
Undertstand It
- What happened when Herod died? (2:19)
- In what manner did God communicate with Joseph? (2:19)
- Where were Joseph, Mary, and Jesus at the time? (2:19)
- What did the angel tell Joseph to do? (2:20)
- What was the reason behind the angel’s command? (2:20)
- How did Joseph respond to the angel’s instructions? (2:21)
- Who was reigning in Herod’s place when Joseph, Mary, and Jesus left Egypt? (2:22)
- Why was it significant to Joseph that Archelaus was ruling in Judah? (2:22)
- What was Joseph’s emotional response when he heard about Archelaus? (2:22)
- What did Joseph do when he heard the news of Archelaus’s reign? (2:22)
- To what town did Joseph, Mary, and Jesus go? Why? (2:23)
- Why was it significant that Jesus’ family settled in Nazareth? (2:23)
Apply It
- What specific act of kindness can you do this week for a new family in your neighborhood?
- As you look back over your life and see how God has guided you, how can you show your appreciation?
