Text: Matthew 2:1-14

I. THE TIME OF THE BIRTH OF THE CHRIST.

A. Jesus was born in the days of Herod the Great.

   1. Why should this evil man have been noted in Matthew 2:1?

      a. Herod was the first non-Hebrew to be the immediate ruler of the            Jews.

       b. Genesis 49:10 indicates that Christ would come only after the              scepter of rule had departed from Judah.

   2. Herod fulfills the 1500-year-old prediction.

B. Jesus was born in "the fulness of the time" (Galatians 4:4).

   1. He came in the time of greatest need.

   2. He appeared when all things were ready.

II. THE PLACE OF THE BIRTH OF THE CHRIST.

A. The prophet had spoken concerning the place.

   1. Micah pointed to Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).

   2. Matthew noted the fulfillment of the prophecy (Matthew 2:1, 4-6).

B. God chose the place and guided men to it.

   1. The shepherds were directed by angels (Luke 2:4-16).

   2. The Wise-men followed a star (Matthew 2:1, 2).

III. THE PURPOSE OF THE BIRTH OF CHRIST.

A. He came to be the Saviour of men.

  1. The prophet spoke of Him as deliverer and sin offering (Isa. 53:4-6, 10;        61:1-3).

  2. The shepherds were informed that He had come to be a Saviour (Luke        2:10, 11).

B. He came to be king over men's hearts.

  The Wise-men understood His purpose as king (Matthew 2:1, 2).

Complied By Evangelist Maze Jackson

 

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