Scripture Text: Matthew 2:4-6
and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ was to be born.
They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah.
for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people, Israel.’”
Matthew 2:4-6
In our last study in the book of Matthew, Apostle Matthew continued to explain to his fellow Jews that the Lord Jesus is the Christ. In our study like this, here Apostle Matthew also wants to show his fellow Jews that the Lord Jesus is the King of the Jews, the king who will come from the line of King David, as God promised to King David.
"When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever." (2 Samuel 7:11-13)
So, when King Herod asked the chief priests and scribes about where the King of the Jews would come from, they answered that he would come from the same place King David came from and was born.
Moreover, in the account of the book of 1 Samuel, it is described where King David was born: "Now David was the son of an Ephrathite named Jesse, who was from Bethlehem in Judah."
In addition, when Prophet Micah also stated that the King of the Jews would come from the line of King David - But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me, one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.
In addition, when the Prophet Micah also stated that the King of the Jews would come from the line of King David: "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me, one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days." (Micah 5:2)
Furthermore, in this study, we can see that the first intention of Apostle Matthew in this part is to make his fellow Jews understand that God's promise to King David has already been fulfilled. This is the birth of the Lord Jesus, the Son of God, and the promised Christ, the great Savior.
The second intention and desire of Apostle Matthew for his fellow Jews and those who believe in the Lord Jesus is for them to continually hold their faith in the Lord Jesus because the Lord Jesus is the King that God promised to their King, King David.
My fellow believers, the silence of God for 400 years towards the nation of Israel was due to their disobedience. But in the perfect time of the Lord, because of Him being the God of Truth and His faithfulness, He fulfilled His covenant to David. The Lord Jesus was born as His promised Messiah, the King of the Jews, and the Son of God. This is how wonderful our God is, for He is always good and faithful to His words. He allowed His own Son to be part of the redemptive work of humanity. Therefore, we have assurance of salvation through Christ Jesus, for God accepted us and made us holy because of His greatness and goodness.
Reflect
1. Do you see the goodness, faithfulness, and steadfast love of God in the birth of Jesus Christ?
2. Because of this faithfulness of God, does it give you eagerness to worship Him?
3. Knowing this truth about Jesus as Christ, does it give you the desire to share this truth with others?
Remember
My fellow believer, God is faithful, and His words are always true. God showed this when He fulfilled His promise to King David, as the Lord Jesus is the Christ, the great Savior, the King of the Jews.
Read
Matthew 2, Luke 2:8-21, 1 Samuel 17:12, Micah 5:2
Pray
Father in Heaven, thank You for Your grace and mercy toward us by allowing your Son, the very image of You, to reach us and save us from our sin. This is a great gift, and we know it's Your way to reach and save Your people.
Give us, Lord, the heart to always have faith in You because we know we have a God who is true and faithful to His words. All glory and praises belong to You, my holy and good Father. This is my prayer in the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, Your Son. Amen.
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