Jesus Verse by Verse

an expanded commentary on the Gospel of Matthew

Jesus Verse by Verse...

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2:5 Through the prophet- The prophets wrote the words of God, not just their own words. Hence the significance of through. The Bible is the inspired word of God.
2:6 Jesus came forth “out of” Bethlehem- He didn’t come down from Heaven as a person. Note how Matthew so often shows that Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies.
2:8 The Magi didn’t obey the King, because God told them not to (:12). We shouldn’t always do what those in authority tell us, if it contradicts God’s word (Acts 4:19).
2:14 He arose- Joseph’s immediate obedience to God’s word is emphasized (as 1:24; 2:20)- an example to us.
2:15 Out of Egypt- As Israel were called out of Egypt. All God’s children are to leave ‘Egypt’- which is often a symbol of the world.
2:20-22 Joseph was told that it was safe to return. But he doubted. And so God made a concession to his weakness by telling him to go and live in Galilee.