Out of Egypt

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December 30, 2007 - Matthew 2:13-18

Open It

  1. What are the pros and cons of fierce competition and rivalry?

  2. Why does the death of a child seem especially tragic?

  3. What was your most frightening brush with death?

Explore It

  1. What happened after the Magi left the home of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus? (2:13)

  2. How did God communicate with Joseph? (2:13)

  3. Where did the angel tell Joseph to go? Why? (2:13)

  4. How long was Joseph to keep his family in hiding? (2:13)

  5. Why was it necessary for Joseph to take his family and flee? (2:13)

  6. How did Joseph respond to the warning he received? (2:13)

  7. What event allowed Joseph to depart from Egypt with his family? (2:15)

  8. Why was the "escape to Egypt" significant in the life of Christ? (2:15)

  9. What was King Herod's emotional state when he realized the Magi had tricked him? (2:16)

  10. What orders did King Herod give in an attempt to eliminate his competition? (2:16)

  11. Who prophesied the horrible episode of infanticide in Bethlehem? When? (2:17)

  12. What was the response to Herod's mass execution of children? (2:18)

Get It

  1. How might our lives be different if Herod's death plot against Christ had succeeded?

  2. What happens when people try to thwart God's plan?

  3. Why is it important to listen to God?

  4. Why is it important to obey God immediately?

  5. What are some wise ways to handle anger?

  6. What is it about competition that makes us feel so threatened?

  7. What is the best response to "rivals" or "opponents"?

  8. How can Christians serve those who are the victims of senseless violence?

Apply It

  1. In what area of your life do you need to trust God more instead of being driven by competition?

  2. What action could you take today to minister to someone who is in mourning?

Notes

Matthew 2:13: This was the second dream or vision that Joseph received from God. Joseph's first dream revealed that Mary's child would be the Messiah (Matthew 1:20-21). His second dream told him how to protect the child's life. Although Joseph was not Jesus' natural father, he was Jesus' legal father and was responsible for his safety and well-being. Divine guidance comes only to prepared hearts. Joseph remained receptive to God's guidance.

Matthew 2:14-15: Going to Egypt was not unusual because there were colonies of Jews in several major Egyptian cities. These colonies had developed during the time of the great captivity (see Jeremiah 43-44). There is an interesting parallel between this flight to Egypt and Israel's history. As an infant nation, Israel went to Egypt, just as Jesus did as a child. God led Israel out (Hosea 11:1); God brought Jesus back. Both events show God working to save his people.

Matthew 2:16: Herod, the king of the Jews, killed all the boys under two years of age in an obsessive attempt to kill Jesus, the newborn King. He stained his hands with blood, but he did not harm Jesus. Herod was king by a human appointment; Jesus was King by a divine appointment. No one can thwart God's plans.

2:16 Herod was afraid that this newborn king would one day take his throne. He completely misunderstood the reason for Christ's coming. Jesus didn't want Herod's throne; he wanted to be king of Herod's life. Jesus wanted to give Herod eternal life, not take away his present life. Today people are often afraid that Christ wants to take things away when, in reality, he wants to give them real freedom, peace, and joy. Don't fear Christ-give him the throne of your life.

Matthew 2:17-18: Rachel was the wife of Jacob, one of the great men of God in the Old Testament. From Jacob's 12 sons had come the 12 tribes of Israel. Rachel was buried near Bethlehem (Genesis 35:19).

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