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DAY FOUR
- Read Matthew 2:1-13. Who came to visit Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus? What did they call Jesus in verse 2?
- How did they know that Bethlehem was where Jesus would be?
(Micah 5:2)
- What did they bring for Jesus? What do you suppose was the significance of each gift?
Many people assume only three wise men came to Bethlehem. It's more likely that a caravan of many men pursued this star of celestial brilliance. They had heard about a prophecy that was to be fulfilled in the land of Israel. With them they brought gifts. Gold was considered a symbol of wealth, appropriate for a king. It was no doubt useful to Joseph and Mary when they fled soon after the Magi departed. Frankincense is resin from a boswellia tree found in India and Arabia Felix. It is symbolic of holiness and prayer. This gift is fitting for Jesus who is Jehovah. Myrrh is one of the ingredients in the oil of holy ointment. It was used as a perfume, for embalming, and when mixed with wine it could be drunk to relieve pain. In this gift we see yet more amazing parallels to the path that Jesus would walk.
- What did the angel tell the wise men and Joseph in Luke 2:12-13?
- Where did Joseph take Mary and the baby? How long did they stay there? (vv.13-20)
- According to Luke 2:21-23, where did Jesus and his parents go when they returned to Israel?
- Read Luke 2:41-52. What do we learn about Jesus from this passage?
- How do you suppose Mary felt when Jesus spoke to her about His Father's house? (2:49)
- What more do we learn about Mary in the final verses of chapter two? (vv.50-52)
With this new revelation Mary began to see more of the plan of God for her son Jesus. She wasn't mentioned again for about 20 years. During that time, she completed her family by having other sons and daughters, and she most likely faced the death of her husband. She experienced family life in all of its diversity and blessings.
LESSONS AND APPLICATIONS
LESSONS:
APPLICATIONS:
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