Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

The Story of Two Kings (Matthew 2:1-18)

Bryan Schneider · December 22, 2019

Matthew 2:1-18

sharonrpc.org/sermons/the-story-of-two-kings

Summary

Matthew's Christmas account continues beyond the Magi's worship into violent opposition, grief, exile, and God's unstoppable preservation of his Messiah.
Herod is a paranoid, bloodstained king who knows the prophecy about Bethlehem yet refuses to submit and deceives others to preserve his throne.
The Magi and Joseph contrast with Herod by receiving divine revelation, humbling themselves, worshiping Christ, and obeying promptly.
God thwarts Herod's scheme through warnings in dreams and sends Jesus safely to Egypt, fulfilling his prophetic purpose.
Herod's slaughter of Bethlehem's boys shows the real horror of sin and the cost inflicted when human kingdoms resist God's anointed King.
Jesus is preserved because he must live in perfect righteousness before willingly laying down his life, rising, reigning, and receiving the worship of every nation.

Do I stop at a sentimental Christmas scene, or receive Matthew's account of costly discipleship, grief, and conflict between kingdoms?
Where do I know what Scripture says yet resist it because Christ's rule threatens my control?
Does my response to God's Word resemble Herod's manipulation or Joseph's prompt obedience and the Magi's worship?
How does God's preservation of Jesus strengthen trust when rulers and circumstances appear to threaten his purposes?
Where does the desire to secure my own way reproduce the same kind of treason against God's King in my heart?
Why did Jesus need to live a complete life of perfect righteousness rather than die in infancy?
Am I bowing now to the King before whom every nation and ruler must finally bow?

Herod the Great: Rome's client king in Judea, known for political skill, monumental building, paranoia, and violence against perceived rivals.
Magi: Learned eastern visitors who recognize the royal sign, seek the newborn King, bow before him, and present costly gifts.
Messiah: God's promised anointed ruler from David's line who shepherds Israel and reigns over the nations.
Providence: God's wise and sovereign ordering of events, including warnings and human obedience, to preserve Christ and fulfill Scripture.
Kingdom of Christ: The unstoppable reign of Jesus, secured through his righteous life, willing death, resurrection, and exaltation.