Bethlehem (Study of Matthew- Part 3) (Music Added)

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”” (Matthew 2:1-6)

The Magi were wise men, most likely non jewish people who knew and believed the jewish law and prophecy. They where clearly wiser then the jews and very king himself, since the prophecy of the king of the jews had been fulfilled that night, let the king still thought he could out smart God.

Something important here is Jesus is called “King of the Jews”. It doesn’t say “King of the World” or “King of the Church” or King of the Christians”, but “King of the Jews”. Why is Jesus called “King of the Jews”? The Book of Matthew was written to the jewish people. The writer of this book wanted to point out who jesus is. He is King of the people whom this letter is written to. Yes, Jesus is King of Christians and the church, but first he is King of the Jews. The writer wanted to make it clear by saying that Jesus was the promise messiah who the jews killed. By pointing out that Jesus was the King of the Jews, he is pointing out that the Jews killed their own King that they wanted about 3000 to 4000 years for. 40 Generations. We see that 42 generations back in Chapter 1 of Matthew.

Jesus is due for his worship. From day one of his birth, even non jews knew wh is right to Worship and that was Jesus. Magi say his star and they didn’t ask themselves, “should we go and worship?”, no they got up and went to worship the King. The true and one and only King. Jesus the King.

I get a big laugh out of this, “When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him”. I can understand King Herod being disturbed, but all Jerusalem was disturbed when the true messiah was born. What is up? I see this as a hardening of the jews hearts, their good at living their life, they don’t need nothing else just leave then alone to do their own thing. Through out history, the jews rejected God over and over and over and now God is on earth and their disturbed. “Wow God stay up there in heaven, we’re good.”.

Now, there was a prophecy that Messiah, who we believe is Jesus, was set to be born in Bethlehem. Jesus the Christ, or Jesus Christ, or Jesus the Messiah was Born is Bethlehem. Jesus fulfilled that prophecy. Now think about this. Did Jesus have any control over where he was to be born? No, he not even born yet, so the fact that this Jewish soon to be mom and dad went to Bethlehem to have the baby Jesus is a prophecy fulfillment. The Birth of Jesus was the fulfillment of the prophecy of the messiah birth.What the chances? 1 out of 1 trillion.

Who is Jesus? What have we learn about Jesus?