BSF 7-Day Challenge: Day 4 — Following the Star: Matthew 2:1-8

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SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 2:1-8

During the time of King Herod, Jesus was born. Magi came from the east to Jerusalem looking for the king of the Jews to worship him. King Herod heard about the birth of Jesus and was disturbed. He knew Jesus would be born in Judah in Bethlehem as Micah had foretold.

Herod found out from the Magi the exact time the star had appeared and then told them to report back to him where Jesus was so that he could worship him, too.

QUESTIONS FOR BSF 7-DAY CHALLENGE DAY 4: FOLLOWING THE STAR: MATTHEW 2:1-8

1 ) The Magi heard that the king of the Jews was born and went to find him to worship him. King Herod was disturbed at the news of the birth of the Messiah and secretly planned to find out where Jesus was from the Magi.

2 ) Skepticism. Belief. Cherry-picking the parts that work and don’t work.

3 ) By sending challenges my way, as well as victories.

CONCLUSIONS TO BSF 7-DAY CHALLENGE DAY 4: FOLLOWING THE STAR: MATTHEW 2:1-8

I don’t remember this part of Matthew’s account! How King Herod used the Magi to discover where Jesus was. King Herod was a weak man and a weak ruler. He was threatened by the birth of Jesus and probably harbored nefarious inklings towards Jesus. No one had a problem killing infants in ancient times. No doubt that was on Herod’s mind.

COMMENTARY TO BSF 7-DAY CHALLENGE DAY 4: FOLLOWING THE STAR: MATTHEW 2:1-8

While there are many questions surrounding the Magi, such as who they were, were exactly did they come from, and why would they even care about the King of the Jews being born, Matthew focuses on the facts. Magi arrived from the east looking to worship the King of the Jews. They followed a star to find him (another question that Bible scholars cannot answer. What kind of star? And how did the Magi know to follow it?). Regardless, you have a foreign trip seeking to worship the One, True King. This shows God’s inclusion into His plan for the world.

Herod was one of many “Herods” in the Bible. They were the ruling dynasty that reigned over the Jews during the time of the Roman Empire. Obviously, he wanted to keep power, and the birth of a foretold king did not help the situation. He would do anything he could to snuff out Jesus’s life, including use the Magis.

Fun Fact: Matthew is the only one of the four Gospels that tell the tale of the Magi. This beloved part of the Christmas story holds more significance than just gifts — it shows how God always intended for Jesus to be for everyone. Contact me today!