New Testament in a Year – Matthew 2

By Ron

January 2, 2024

Matthew, New Testament

The Visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12)

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)

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?

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)

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?

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)

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?