WEEK 3: Matthew 2; Luke 2:39-52
We don’t know a lot about Jesus’ life between His birth and Him coming into His ministry, but Matthew 2 touches on some important events during His early life. We see King Herod find out about the birth of the “King of the Jews”, deceive the wise men, and then murder children under the age of 2. God sends a message to Joseph warning him of King Herod’s intent to murder the baby Jesus and instructs him to flee with Mary and Jesus to Nazareth.
This study is part of the Study with Me: Chronological Gospels study series. It is an annual 48-week Bible study designed to encourage readers to follow along all year and dive deeper into the meat of the passages designated each week. I pray that you learn more about your Savior and grow in your relationship with Him through this study series. There is a free printable booklet available for download as well which allows you to print and take notes as you go through this study with me.
Sometimes the way God protects us is by warning us and making a way to flee from danger. He did this with Jesus and He does this with us as well.
Describe a time God gave you a way of escape to protect you from danger. How did this impact you and your faith?
I also find it important to note that Herod believed these prophecies about a coming Messiah, but instead of worshiping Him Herod committed mass murder of infants and toddlers to protect his earthly kingdom and treasures.
What are some other passages of scripture that come to mind here and how do they encourage and convict you?
In Luke 2:39-52 we again see a small bit about Jesus’ early life. We learn that young Jesus becomes strong, wise, and gracious. Fast forward to 12-year-old Jesus. While Joseph and Mary are taking their annual trip to Jerusalem for Passover Jesus decides to stay behind in the temple. Mary and Joseph found Jesus teaching with great authority after they had failed to notice He was missing for several days.
What about this peek into Jesus’ early life stands out to you?
This part of the story always makes me laugh because it shows us an example of Mary and Joseph, mortal people, raising their son, the divine Son of God. This would have had to be an incredible task for them.
Throughout these passages, I love seeing so many examples of how God took care of His Son while He dwelt among us on earth, as well as Mary and Joseph who were raising Him. I also enjoy seeing the ways that Jesus’ childhood was like any other kid’s yet seeing glimpses of His divine nature even as a child. He displays such confidence, which reminds me that as I am also a child of God and am called to be confident in the Lord also.
What does this insight into Jesus’ childhood teach you about who God is?
