"Arrival, Departure, and Return" Matthew 2

Series: Expository Sermons

January 08, 2024
David Reyes

Matthew presents Jesus' geographical origins to demonstrate his identity as the Messiah, fulfilling prophecies about Bethlehem, Egypt and Nazareth. We are comforted by the Lord's faithfulness to His word, and trust each of His promises. Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, we will never be put to shame for Immanuel is God with us and He is mighty to save!

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Episode Notes

“Arrival, Departure, & Return”   

(Matthew 2: 1-23)

Introduction

  1. Illustration of when as a child, I loved games that involved connecting the dots. I always thought it was so cool to start off with a bunch of dots that appeared to be random and watch the mystery resolved as the dots were connected. (display connect the dots figure)

  2. The title of my sermon is, “Arrival, Departure, & Return,” and my text is Matthew 2: 1-23.

  3. Matthew writes about how Jesus fulfills 3 prophecies during his childhood.


What are these prophecies?


  1. The Prophecy about Bethlehem, vv. 1-12. Spc v. 6

  1. In order to show God’s Prediction being accomplished, v. 6

  2. Illustration of “Worship is the submission of all our nature to God. It is the quickening of conscience by His Holiness; the nourishment of mind with his truth; the purifying of imagination by his beauty; the opening of the heart to his love; the surrender of will to his purpose—and all of this gathered up in adoration”  ~Source: William Temple, The Hope of a New World (1940), 30.

Application: as we seek God, is our heart exceeding with great joy at the sight of Jesus’ miraculous birth? Does the fulfillment of prophecy make us trust God? Has that joy resulted in exuberant worship to God? If not seeking God, Did you know that He seeks worshippers?


TRANSITION: “Not only does Jesus fulfill the prophecy about  Bethlehem but also…”


  1. The Prophecy about Egypt, vv. 13-18. Spc v. 15

    1. In order to show God’s Protection being active, v. 15

    2. Illustration of Hymn Guide me O Thou great Jehovah, Pilgrim through this barren land. I am weak, but Thou art mighty; Hold me with Thy powerful hand. ~William Williams, 1745

Application: Am I seeking God for the right reasons? Did you know as God’s child, you are under His protection? 


TRANSITION: “Not only does Jesus fulfill the prophecy about Bethlehem, & Egypt but also…”


  1. The Prophecy about Nazareth, vv. 19-23. Spc v.23

    1. In order to show God’s Providence being accessed

    2. Illustration “What made the world ready for Christ: Collected Quotes, and Prayers of John Stott.

Application: Are we trusting God’s providential plan for our lives? Do we exercise Faith in Him when surrounded by fear?


Conclusion

  1. Therefore seeing the prophecy about Bethlehem, Egypt, and Nazareth,

  2. Let us understand, and learn from these 3 prophecies that Jesus fulfills!

  3. Illustration of “In Jesus' birth and childhood men came seeking for Him from the East, in His adult life and death men came seeking for Him from the West. and the East and the West met in Him. Hallelujah! The Lord omnipotent reigneth! ~ S.M. Lockridge

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