Bible Study Lesson from Matthew 2:19-23
Remember in the verses from Luke, we learned that Mary and Joseph had to flee to Egypt with their baby to save him from the decree of Herod.
After Herod died, an angel once again appeared and directed Joseph to take Jesus to Israel and, by way of providence, to the town of Nazareth.
The Christmas Story – Jesus the Nazarene
But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord *appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, and said, “Get up, take the Child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel; for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.”
So Joseph got up, took the Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel.
But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there.
Then after being warned by God in a dream, he left for the regions of Galilee, and came and lived in a city called Nazareth.
This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets: “He shall be called a Nazarene.” – Matthew 2:19-23 NASB
Jesus Becomes a Nazarene
The Old Testament does not record this specific statement, ‘He will be called a Nazarene.’ Many scholars believe, however, that Matthew is referring to Isaiah 11:1 which is ..
“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.”
The Hebrew word for ‘branch’ is similar to the word for Nazarene. Or he may be referring to a prophecy which was not entered in the Bible.
Emmanuel (God with Us)
In any case, Matthew paints the picture of Jesus as the true Messiah announced by God through the prophets.
And he makes the point that Jesus, the Messiah, had unexpectedly humble beginnings, just as the Old Testament had predicted ..
“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Too little to be among the clans of Judah,
From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel.
His goings forth are from long ago,
From the days of eternity.” – Micah 5:2 NASB
God Works in His Way
It’s amazing how this chain of events took place which protected Jesus and brought Him out of harms way in order for Him to fulfill His destiny..
A destiny which included living among us, dying on the cross and rising again so that we might live.
Love in Christ
– Bob
Yes, you can receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ. Please take a moment to look at John 3:16 and see how.
Read Today’s Verses Here:
New American Standard Bible
New King James Version