What Child is this?

Matt. 2: 1-18

The discussion of guidelines.

1. Setting

The setting and cultural background of Matthew 2:1-18 is still what we can call an Inter-Biblical period. The Messiah was just born, so the New Testament era was just at its beginning. This time in history was uniquely qualified for Christ to be born. The Koine’ Greek conversational language was spoken all over the world at that time, and the Roman systems of roads was established for ease of travel. Jewish Religion had the scriptures in their synagogues, along with a strong yet hindering religious tradition attached to it. Some were looking for the Messiah to come; others such as the Pharisees and Sadducees were content with their religious rituals. A Hebrew Prophet had not spoken since Malachi, 400 years earlier. King Herod the Great was tetrarch of Galilee. He greatly increased the splendor of Jerusalem, erecting the Temple, which was the center of Jewish worship in the time of Jesus[1].

2. God

God was working behind the scenes. The heavens were declaring the Glory of God by the star that the Magi had seen in the East. Micah 5:2 had already disclosed this prophecy of a coming ruler many years before. Only God can predict the future. The preparation of Mary and Joseph by angelic visitation and dreams was God ordained. The Magi’s gifts would provide the needed finance to assist Joseph’s small family for the escape to Egypt. Behind the scenes, God was warning the Magi not to return to Herod. God was at work behind the scenes!

3. Narrator

Matthew the writer was sending a message to the hearers of this gospel.

The message was this: The God of Israel is still actively involved with the seed of Abraham. The great promises of the Old Testament are still on God’s covenant mind. He has not forgotten you. God is working behind the scenes. Jesus is indeed the promised Messiah, and God will go to great lengths to see His purposed fulfilled.

4. People Addressed

The response God wants from the reader is a simple one: Believe the gospel. Matthew wants them to see that Jesus is the One whom the Old Testament promised. God brought Jesus into the world for such a time as this. Great lengths were taken to preserve the Christ child. Enemies of this Salvation project will not succeed.

5. Scene

#1 scene: The Magi come to Jerusalem to seek the King of the Jews. Jesus the King is not there. He is in Bethlehem. King Herod is there, and he doesn’t want any completion. Herod is upset along with those around him. He ascertains from the Jews the place of birth and sends the Magi off to go see and report back the findings.

#2 scene: The Magi find Mary and Jesus and give gifts, but do not return to Herod.

#3 scene: Meanwhile Joseph is warned to flee with his family to Egypt to protect Jesus from destruction.

#4scene: Herod orders all children 2 and younger to be killed.

We can see the simple story of God protection of His son and plan.

6. Characterization

· The Magi – They are worshippers whom God uses to fulfill the financial needs of Mary and Joseph. By God’s grace they receive divine warnings that were crucial to God’s plan. They help to keep alive the savior of the world!

· Herod – He has a chance to welcome the King of the Jews, but instead lets jealousy and insecurity lead him to terrible satanic ends.

· The Chief Priest and Scribes – They have an opportunity to be a witness to the world about their redeemer, yet take religion instead of reality. They shun God’s gracious gift.

· Joseph – He is faithful to God’s plan. He displays godly character and is still remembered today. His actions result in the salvation of the Savior!

7. Plot

We have conflict and resolution in the story. Build up…Where is the Child? How can the Magi find him? How can Herod also find him? All Jerusalem was disturbed. This means the religious community is involved. The Magi are sent… and they resolve the issue for themselves. Herod still is in the dark about the child, so he does the unspeakable. This is a true story – one that shows Cosmic forces of Good and Evil at work in the world today.

8. Dialogue

· We have dialogue between the Wise men and Jerusalem.

· Herod and the Priests.

· God to Micah prior to the story.

· The priests and the Prophets (deceased).

· Herod and the Wise men.

· The Star and the Wise men.

· An Angel and Joseph.

· Herod and his men.

· God to Jeremiah prior to this story.

[1] Scofield, C.I., The Scofield Study Bible NIV. (New York: Oxford University Press, 2004), 1249.