Key Truth: The prophecies in the Old Testament are fulfilled in the coming of Jesus Christ, the Davidic King, who draws people from every tongue, tribe, and nation for salvation to the glory of God.

Introduction:

Q: What is the focus of Biblical prophecy in the Old Testament?

“I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.”

Numbers 24:17

Come and Behold Him, Born the King of Angels:

Matthew 2:1-2

“Where is the one born king of the Jews? (Jesus’) kingly status was not conferred on him later on; it was from birth. Jesus’ participation in the Davidic dynasty has already been established by genealogy. The same title the Magi gave him found its place over the cross (27:37).”

D. A. Carson, “Matthew” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 8

Q: What are you seeking during this Advent Season?

Who Would Not Love Thee, Loving Us So Dearly?:

Matthew 2:3-8

“The despised astrologers who have nothing but their natural idols are led to Israel, who has the written Word of God, and when this Word is heard (by both groups!), it is the pagans who follow it, while the leadership of the people of God (not the people of God itself, note well!) sit complacently or conspiratorially at home. Outsiders believe the Word; insiders ignore it.”

Frederick Dale Bruner, Matthew: A Commentary, Volume 1: The Christbook, Matthew 1-12

Q: What is your view of the Word of God? Have you grown complacent toward it or are you seeking to follow it in the guiding of the Holy Spirit to the glory of God?

O Come, Let Us Adore Him:

Matthew 2:9-12

“For these foreign dignitaries to prostrate themselves in homage before a child in an ordinary house in Bethlehem is a remarkable illustration of the reversal of the world’s values which will become such a prominent feature of the Messiah’s proclamation of the kingdom of heaven....”

R. T. France, The Gospel of Matthew

Q: What have you found so far in this Advent Season?

Application:

Matthew 2:1-12 teaches us that:

-OT prophecy is fulfilled in the coming of Christ to display the glory of God in the salvation of people from every tongue, tribe, and nation

-knowledge of the Bible does not keep us from being complacent

-we must actively seek to live out Biblical truth which leads us to joy and worship

“Without condoning astrology, Matthew’s narrative challenges his audience’s prejudice against outsiders to their faith…: even the most pagan of pagans may respond to Jesus if given the opportunity….”

Craig S. Keener, The Gospel of Matthew: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary