The first interesting thing in today’s reading is in Matthew 2:5-6 where the Magi quote a Jewish prophesy from Micah 5:2 which was written 7 centuries before the time of Jesus birth. How could the Magi from the “East” know about Jewish prophesy? One of the notes in my Bible suggests the Magi could have been Jews who remained in the region of Parthia which was in the vicinity of ancient Babylon. There are other explanations, but this one fascinated me.
The second interesting thing to me is the care Joseph showed for Jesus. While Joseph was not the biological father of Jesus, the notes in my Bible say he was responsible for Jesus’ legally. In any case, Joseph showed obedience and care for Jesus as His earthly father.
Daily Devotion 
I wonder what the wise men thought when after traveling a great distance, their journey brought them to what the notes I’ve read describe as a small cottage? They were in pursuit of a king, I’m sure they thought they’d find Him somewhere much nicer than a small house. But I love that their first act upon seeing Jesus wasn’t to congratulate Mary and Joseph or have their picture made with Him, it was to bow down and worship Him.
It’s also great to continue to read how God weaves the story together. Much like Jesus’ own family tree, He uses Herod and his son to bring about what was prophesied hundreds of years before.
Brian, I completely agree. I love that God uses both good and bad situations and people to accomplish His will. It is so easy for me to forget that the creator of the universe is more than capable of working with junk to fulfill His perfect plan.
I found it interesting that after Herod asked the priests and scribes about where Christ was to be born, that there is no mention of them trying to find him. I mean, they’d waited for how many years for Christ and now he’s reported to be here by men from a distant land and you don’t even bother to check into it? Was it because Herod kept all that the wise men had said a secret from the priests and scribes or did he just keep the time of the stars appearing from them?
One has to wonder what Joseph’s relationship with God was like. In the 1st 2 chapters of Matthew, he gets 3 visits from angels in his dreams. (admittedly I find myself wishing it was this easy to get God’s next step for me) Such faith, but clearly a relationship with God – it doesn’t seem like he took time to evaluate if this was a message from God, he just knew.. it seems interesting to me that even in the midst of his faith and obedience, he felt fear (v22). I love the reassurance that offers – that just because we are being obedient doesn’t always mean we will have peace
Great points, Heather!
I agree, it definitely seems weird that the scribes and priests didn’t react excitedly about the news. And you’re right, it doesn’t seem like they went searching for Him either. When I researched it, my Bible says that the religious leaders at that time aligned themselves with Herod for political reasons. If His power was threatened, so was their power. It’s interesting that they traded their love for God for political gain…we see that in men today too, sadly enough.
Matthew 2 ends with Joseph taking Mary and Jesus to Nazareth after it became safe for them to live near Israel again. Then Matthew 3 picks up with John the Baptist’s background and the beginning of Jesus’ ministry when He was around 30 years old. So often I’ve wondered, what happened between the time Jesus arrived in Nazareth as a boy and his ministry beginning at age 30? I have so many questions- what was He like as a kid? Was He a normal, mischievous little boy who loved playing with swords and enjoyed killing little bugs? Was He a fun kid, full of energy, and getting hurt all the time? Did he ever think cuss words in His head as a teen? Did He ever have a crush? What happened in that 20 (or so) years? Why don’t we know more about it?
It just blows my mind when I think about Him being ALL man and ALL God at the same time. I’m trying to grasp it, but I just can’t wrap my mind around it!
Anyway, sorry I got on a tangent. All I was trying to say is that I wish there was a Matthew 2, part B, His growing up. Ha ha ha.
Here’s a thought from this reading I found yesterday. Very interesting way to look at the “magi” and our world today. http://www.integratedcatholiclife.org/2012/01/dambrosio-sunday-reflection-epiphany/