Overview of Jesus' Birth and Herod's Role

Oct 11, 2024

The Bible Recap - The Birth of Jesus

Overview

  • Host: Tara-Leigh Cobble
  • Previous Reading: Account of Jesus' birth in the Gospel of Luke.
  • Current Reading: Account from the Gospel of Matthew.

Birth of Jesus

  • Location: Bethlehem, Judea
  • Roman Occupation: Judea under Roman rule; King Herod the Great appointed by Rome.
  • King Herod's Background:
    • Great builder (port cities, aqueducts, renovated the second temple).
    • Former president of the Olympics.
    • Later years marked by jealousy and paranoia.

Herod’s Encounter with the Wise Men

  • Foreign wise men visit Herod, looking for the "new king".
  • Herod feigns interest in worshiping Jesus, asks wise men to inform him of Jesus' location.
  • God guides the wise men to Jesus using a star.

Details on the Wise Men

  • Identity: Likely astrologers serving in a king's court.
  • Number: Not necessarily three; three gifts mentioned.
  • Origin: Unclear; possible locations include Iran, Babylon, Turkey.
  • Journey: Estimated travel of 500 to 2,000 miles.
  • Knowledge: Familiar with Hebrew scriptures.

The Star

  • Described as a guiding sign.
  • Possibly a comet; displays unusual behavior (appears, disappears, moves).
  • Astronomical phenomenon recorded in 6 BC.

Timeline and Events

  • Wise men's journey took several months.
  • Arrive at Jesus' house, not at His birth site.
  • Herod orders the massacre of children aged 2 and under.
  • Joseph warned by God to flee to Egypt with his family.
  • Herod dies in 4 BC; Joseph returns to Israel but relocates due to Herod’s successor.

Analysis and Reflection

  • GOD SHOT: Observing God's protective nature and provision.
  • God’s plans involve dreams and angels for guidance and protection.
  • Jesus draws worshippers from all nations from infancy.
  • God's protection does not imply an absence of hardship, but rather His trustworthiness.

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