A Biblical Vision, Part II: Mastering the New Testament Witness to Christ

Ses s i on 2: The Gospe l s : The Man i fes tat i on of Chr i s t , Par t I 43

4. Visit of the Magi , Matt. 2.1-12

a. Wise men from the east , Matt. 2.1-2 – Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, [2] saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” b. Worship of the Messiah and avoidance of Herod, Matt. 2.10-12 – When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. [11] And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. [12] And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

III. The Childhood of Jesus of Nazareth

Luke 2.39-40 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. [40] And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.

A. Why so few selective portraits of Jesus’ childhood and adolescence? The Holy Spirit’s focus in his revelation of Jesus

1. Extraordinarily concise: very little data on the upbringing of Jesus Christ

2. Particular accounts for exegetical and prophetic emphasis: accounts given highlight the continuity between OT prophecy and the appearance of Jesus of Nazareth.

3. Theologically significant: each incident highlights some important aspect of Jesus’ appearance related to the Messianic hope of Israel.