Matthew 2

Commentary on Matthew Chapter 2

Overview

Matthew chapter 2 records significant events that occurred shortly after the birth of Jesus Christ. From the visit of the Magi from the East to King Herod's persecution, the flight to Egypt, and the return to Nazareth, this chapter reveals Jesus' early childhood and the world's reaction to him. It strongly suggests that Jesus was not merely an infant but the Messiah who fulfilled Old Testament prophecies and the King of the world. The text demonstrates how God's plan of salvation unfolds through Jesus' arrival, impacting not only the Jews but also the Gentile world.

Structure of the Text

Matthew chapter 2 can be broadly divided into the following sections:

The Visit of the Magi and King Herod's Reaction (2:1-12)

Magi from the East come to worship Jesus, born King of the Jews.

King Herod is disturbed upon hearing of Jesus' birth and learns through the chief priests and scribes that Jesus is to be born in Bethlehem.

The Magi find Jesus, worship him, and offer gifts (gold, frankincense, and myrrh).

Warned in a dream, they do not return to Herod but go back to their country by another route.

The Flight to Egypt and Herod's Massacre (2:13-18)

An angel appears to Joseph in a dream, instructing him to flee to Egypt because Herod intends to kill the child.

Joseph takes the child and his mother to Egypt and stays there until Herod's death.

This fulfills the prophecy, "Out of Egypt I called my son."

Herod, realizing he has been tricked by the Magi, becomes furious and orders the killing of all male children in Bethlehem and the surrounding region who are two years old or younger.

This fulfills the prophecy through the prophet Jeremiah, "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children."

The Return to Nazareth (2:19-23)

After Herod's death, an angel appears to Joseph in Egypt in a dream, instructing him to return to the land of Israel.

Joseph takes the child and his mother back to the land of Israel.

However, upon hearing that Archelaus is ruling Judea, he is afraid to go there.

Guided by a dream, he goes to the region of Galilee and settles in a town called Nazareth, fulfilling the prophecy through the prophets, "He will be called a Nazarene."

Key Themes

The Birth and Worship of the Messiah: Jesus was born in Bethlehem as prophesied in the Old Testament, and the worship of the Gentile Magi reveals his kingship and his role as the Savior of the whole world.

Rejection and Persecution by the World: Jesus' birth was perceived as a threat by the world's powers (King Herod), leading to persecution of the infant Jesus. This foreshadows the conflict Jesus will face throughout his ministry.

God's Protection and Providence: Despite persecution, God intervenes through angels to protect Joseph and his family, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies through all these events.

Fulfillment of Prophecy: The events in this chapter demonstrate God's plan to fulfill Old Testament prophecies (Micah 5:2, Hosea 11:1, Jeremiah 31:15, etc.) through Jesus.

Section-by-Section Commentary

2:1-12 The Visit of the Magi and King Herod's Reaction

2:1 "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,":

Reformed Tradition: "In the days of Herod the king" clarifies that Jesus' birth occurred during the reign of the historical figure Herod, emphasizing the historicity of Jesus' life. The "wise men from the east" are interpreted as learned scholars from regions like Persia or Arabia, and their journey guided by a star is seen as an event orchestrated by God's providence. This hints at the good news of salvation reaching the Gentile nations.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: The "wise men" are understood as astrologers or sages, and their following of the star is interpreted as divine guidance. This shows God working beyond human wisdom and knowledge to accomplish His purposes.

Lutheran Tradition: "Bethlehem," meaning "house of bread," is seen as foreshadowing Jesus as the "Bread of Life." The Magi's visit is interpreted as a significant event demonstrating Jesus as the Savior not only for Jews but also for Gentiles.

Puritan Tradition: The Magi's coming to "worship" Jesus exemplifies the essence of true faith. They discovered Jesus through knowledge and inquiry and humbly worshipped him, offering precious gifts. This suggests the attitude believers should have before God.

Baptist Tradition: "Bethlehem of Judea" emphasizes that Jesus' birthplace was the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah in the Old Testament. The Magi's visit is understood as evidence that Jesus is the King not only of the Jews but of the whole world.

Anglican Tradition: "King Herod" illustrates the political context at the time of Jesus' birth. Herod, a Gentile who did not meet Jewish expectations, ruled, and Jesus' birth under his reign shows the arrival of God's kingdom in a way distinct from worldly powers.

Greek Exegesis: "Wise men" (μάγοι, magoi) originally referred to astrologers or sorcerers, but here they are understood as scholars who studied stars and pursued wisdom. Their coming "from the east" symbolizes the movement of worldly wisdom towards Jesus Christ.

German Pietism: The Magi's visit shows that human wisdom and effort can play a role in seeking God, but ultimately, it is only possible through God's special revelation (the star).

2:2 "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.'":

Reformed Tradition: The Magi's search for the "King of the Jews" clearly identifies Jesus as the promised Messiah, the descendant of David. Their statement "we saw his star" signifies that they received special revelation and guidance from God.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: "Have come to worship him" signifies the act of faith acknowledging Jesus as King and giving him the highest glory. This shows that all people should receive and worship Jesus Christ as King.

Lutheran Tradition: The star is a sign from God announcing Jesus' birth, revealing to the Gentiles that Jesus has come as the Savior of all the world.

Greek Exegesis: "His star" (αὐτοῦ τὸν ἀστέρα, autou ton astera) refers to a special star associated with Jesus. This star is not merely an astronomical phenomenon but suggests it is a sign from God announcing Jesus' birth.

2:3 "When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.":

Reformed Tradition: The "trouble" of Herod and Jerusalem shows that Jesus' birth was a threat to worldly powers and religious leaders. It starkly reveals how the sinful world receives the holy Messiah.

Puritan Tradition: Worldly rulers saw the kingship of Jesus as a challenge to their own authority. This demonstrates human pride and ignorance of the coming of God's kingdom.

Anglican Tradition: The disturbance of "all Jerusalem" reflects the unstable political and religious situation of Judea at that time. While there was anticipation of the Messiah's arrival, the appearance of a new king caused confusion under Roman oppression and Herod's tyranny.

2:7-8 "Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them the time when the star appeared, and sending them to Bethlehem, he said, 'Go and search carefully for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.'":

Reformed Tradition: Herod's "secretly" questioning and his claim to "worship" are attempts to conceal his deceitful and evil intentions. This shows how evil forces try to achieve their selfish desires by feigning truth.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: Herod's greed and deceit clearly reveal the sinful nature of humanity. He pretends to worship Jesus but actually plans to eliminate him.

Lutheran Tradition: Herod's actions show that one cannot enter God's kingdom through works of the law. He tried to use the wise men but was ultimately thwarted by God's providence.

2:10-11 "When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.":

Reformed Tradition: The Magi's "rejoiced exceedingly with great joy" signifies the true joy that comes from discovering truth. Their act of "falling down and worshiping him" and offering "gifts" from their "treasures" is the highest confession of faith, acknowledging Jesus as King. "Gold" signifies his royalty, "frankincense" his divinity as priest, and "myrrh" his suffering and death.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: The Magi's worship acknowledges both the divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ. The gifts they offered symbolize Jesus' three offices (King, Priest, Prophet) and foreshadow his complete work of salvation.

Lutheran Tradition: The Magi's worship testifies that Jesus is the Savior not only for Jews but also for Gentiles. The gifts they offered are interpreted as symbols foreshadowing Jesus' divinity, humanity, and his sacrificial death.

Puritan Tradition: The Magi's worship is a duty and privilege that believers owe to Jesus. They expressed their joy in finding Jesus and showed their devotion by offering their all to him.

Greek Exegesis: "Falling down and worshiped" (προσκυνήσαντες, proskynēsantes) denotes an act of deep reverence and adoration. This goes beyond mere respect and signifies worship of a divine being, implying Jesus' deity.

2:13-18 The Flight to Egypt and Herod's Massacre

2:13 "Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, 'Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.'":

Reformed Tradition: The angel of the Lord appearing to Joseph in a dream shows God's direct intervention and protection. This promises that God's people will be protected by His providence even in times of tribulation.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: God's protection transcends human plans and efforts. God uses the extraordinary means of a dream to guide Joseph and save his family from danger.

Lutheran Tradition: The flight to Egypt is contrasted with the Israelites' exodus from Egypt in the Old Testament, interpreting Jesus' flight to Egypt as foreshadowing Jesus as the new leader of the exodus who will save humanity.

Puritan Tradition: The command, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt," demonstrates Joseph's faith in obeying God's command. It emphasizes the importance of obeying God's guidance even in difficult circumstances.

2:15 "and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, 'Out of Egypt I called my son.'":

Reformed Tradition: This verse clearly demonstrates that Jesus' life is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Quoting Hosea 11:1, "Out of Egypt I called my son," it emphasizes Jesus' sonship of God as the representative of Israel.

Lutheran Tradition: Jesus' flight to Egypt repeats the event of the Israelites' exodus, showing Jesus as the leader of a new exodus who will liberate humanity from sin and death.

Greek Exegesis: "To fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet" (ἵνα πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν ὑπὸ τοῦ Κυρίου διὰ τοῦ προφήτου, hina plērōthē to rhēthen hypo tou Kyriou dia tou prophētou) is a key feature of Matthew's Gospel, emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

2:16 "Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.":

Reformed Tradition: Herod's act of "becoming furious" and massacring infants shows the height of evil and his hostility towards the Messiah. It reveals how cruel the sinful human nature can be.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: Herod's massacre demonstrates how ruthless worldly powers can become when they try to thwart God's plan. However, even such evil attempts occur within God's providence.

Puritan Tradition: The quotation from Jeremiah 31:15, "A voice is heard in Ramah," shows the tragedy of this event and God's sorrow within it. However, even amidst this sorrow, God's plan of salvation does not stop.

2:18 "A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.":

Reformed Tradition: This verse quotes Jeremiah 31:15, using Rachel's grief for her lost children to emphasize the tragedy of the deaths of the Bethlehem children. However, this sorrow ultimately points to comfort and healing through Jesus Christ.

Lutheran Tradition: Rachel's lamentation symbolizes the suffering and sorrow of humanity due to sin. The coming of Jesus Christ will remove this sorrow and bring true comfort and salvation.

2:19-23 The Return to Nazareth

2:19-20 "But after Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, 'Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead.'":

Reformed Tradition: The angel's instruction to Joseph after Herod's death shows that everything happens in God's timing. God's protection is not temporary but continues until the purpose is achieved.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: God's guidance is flexible according to changing circumstances. When danger passes, God leads us to the next stage according to His will.

2:22 "But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee,":

Reformed Tradition: Joseph's "fear" shows his human weakness but also his faith in seeking God's guidance. God, knowing his fear, provides another way through a dream.

Lutheran Tradition: Archelaus's rule shows the instability and continued tyranny of the Herodian dynasty. Amidst this worldly chaos, God safely protects His Son.

2:23 "and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled: 'He will be called a Nazarene.'":

Reformed Tradition: The statement "He will be called a Nazarene" is not explicitly recorded in a single Old Testament passage but is interpreted as being implied through the words of various prophets. This shows that Jesus will associate with and save those who are despised and rejected by the world.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: Jesus living in the obscure town of Nazareth shows that he did not pursue worldly glory or power but lived a life of humility and service.

Puritan Tradition: Jesus being called a "Nazarene" shows that he would represent the despised and bear their suffering. This provides a basis for Christians to have hope amidst the suffering and rejection they may face in the world.

Insights from the Original Languages

Wise men (μάγοι, magoi): Originally referring to a priestly class in Persia or to astrologers and sorcerers, this word is used in Matthew to denote wise men from the East who studied stars and pursued wisdom. This shows that Jesus' birth was made known to the Gentile world, and their wisdom and pursuit ultimately led them to Jesus Christ.

Star (ἀστήρ, astēr): The "star" the Magi saw signifies more than just an astronomical phenomenon. It is a special revelation and guidance from God, a sign announcing the birth of Jesus Christ. This star hints that Jesus is not merely an infant but the "morning star" who illuminates the whole world.

Worship (προσκυνέω, proskuneō): Meaning "to bow down and worship," this term denotes deep reverence and adoration. It is an act of acknowledging Jesus as divine, not merely a king, signifying the highest praise and glory offered to Him.

Troubled (ταράσσω, tarassō): The fact that King Herod and Jerusalem were "troubled" indicates that Jesus' birth caused a significant shock to the world's order and power. This reveals the instinctive rejection and anxiety the sinful world displays towards the arrival of the holy Messiah.

Egypt (Αἴγυπτος, Aigyptos): In the Old Testament, Egypt was a place of slavery for the Israelites, but also the place from which they were liberated. Jesus' flight to Egypt foreshadows him as the leader of a new exodus who will liberate humanity from sin and death.

Theological Perspectives — Comparison by Tradition

Divinity and Humanity of the Messiah: Most traditions emphasize that Jesus came as the Son of God and also as fully human. The worship of the Magi highlights his divinity, while the flight to Egypt and his upbringing in Nazareth underscore his humanity.

Fulfillment of Prophecy: Reformed, Lutheran, and Puritan traditions deeply focus on how the events in Matthew 2 fulfill Old Testament prophecies, considering them crucial evidence that Jesus is the promised Messiah.

World's Rejection and God's Protection: Wesleyan/Methodist and Anglican traditions emphasize how God's protection and providence operate through Jesus' rejection and persecution by worldly powers (Herod), despite the world's opposition.

Salvation of the Gentiles: The visit of the Magi is interpreted by Baptist and German Pietist traditions as significant evidence that Jesus is the Savior not only for Jews but also for Gentiles.

Essence of Faith: Puritan and Baptist traditions highlight the Magi's worship and offering of gifts as demonstrating that the essence of true faith lies in acknowledging Jesus Christ as King and dedicating one's entire life to Him.

Cross-References

Old Testament Prophecies:

Micah 5:2: "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler over Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days." (2:6)

Hosea 11:1: "When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son." (2:15)

Jeremiah 31:15: "Thus says the Lord: 'A voice is heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted, because they are no more.'" (2:18)

Other Gospels:

Luke Chapter 2: Contains accounts of Jesus' birth, the shepherds' worship, and finding Jesus in the temple, focusing on the infant Jesus. It illuminates different aspects compared to Matthew 2.

Mark and John: These Gospels have virtually no records of Jesus' childhood, suggesting Matthew's focus on historically and genealogically proving Jesus' Messiahship.

Sermon and Application Points

Seek the True King: Like the Magi, look beyond worldly wisdom and knowledge, following the star (God's revelation) to find the true King, Jesus Christ. His birth marks the beginning of a true reign, distinct from worldly power.

World's Rejection and God's Protection: Jesus was rejected and persecuted by the world, yet God protected Him. When we face difficulties for our faith, trust in God's protection and providence.

Humble Worship and Devotion: Just as the Magi bowed down and offered precious gifts to Jesus, we must acknowledge Jesus as our King and dedicate our entire lives to Him. Offer Him your most precious possessions, like gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Hope in the Fulfillment of Prophecy: The birth and all the events of Jesus' life fulfill Old Testament prophecies. This shows that God's Word will surely come to pass, giving us hope for the future.

Worldly Power and the Kingdom of God: King Herod's fear and anger show how worldly powers react to the Kingdom of God. We must not be swayed by worldly values but live lives that follow the reign of Jesus Christ.

The Meaning of Being a Nazarene: Jesus being called a "Nazarene" and living in an obscure town shows that He identifies with and will save those despised and marginalized by the world. We must practice love and service towards our neighbors who are marginalized.