Matthew 2 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Matthew 2 |
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chapter 3 →
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Gospel of Matthew 1:22-2:18 on Codex Vaticanus, written about AD 325-350.
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| Book | Gospel of Matthew |
| Category | Gospel |
| Christian Bible part | New Testament |
| Order in the Christian part | 1 |
Matthew 2 is the second chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. This book is found in the New Testament part of the Bible. This chapter tells us about the early life of Jesus after he was born.
It describes the visit of the Magi, also known as the wise men. It also tells about King Herod's plan to find and harm baby Jesus. The chapter explains how Joseph, Mary, and Jesus had to escape to Egypt. Finally, it shares how they later returned to Israel and settled in the town of Nazareth.
Contents
The Wise Men Visit Jesus
This part of the story begins after Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Some wise men, called the Magi, came from a land far to the east. They had seen a special star in the sky. They believed this star meant a new king of the Jewish people had been born.
Herod's Reaction to the News
The wise men traveled to Jerusalem, the capital city. They asked, "Where is the one born King of the Jews?" When King Herod heard this, he was very worried. He was afraid someone else would take his throne.
Herod called together the chief priests and religious teachers. He asked them where the Messiah (the promised king) was supposed to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem," because the prophet Micah had written about it.
Herod's Deceptive Plan
Herod secretly called the wise men to him. He asked them exactly when the special star had appeared. Then, he sent them to Bethlehem. He told them, "Go and search carefully for the child. When you find him, come back and tell me. I want to go and worship him too." But Herod was not telling the truth. He planned to kill Jesus.
The Star Leads the Way
After talking with Herod, the wise men left Jerusalem. The same star they had seen in the east appeared again. It guided them all the way to Bethlehem. The star stopped right over the house where the young child Jesus was.
Gifts for the New King
The wise men were overjoyed when they saw the star. They went into the house and found Jesus with his mother, Mary. They knelt down and worshipped him. Then, they opened their treasure chests. They gave Jesus special gifts:
- Gold: A very valuable metal, often given to kings.
- Frankincense: A sweet-smelling resin used in worship.
- Myrrh: A fragrant oil used for perfumes and anointing.
A Warning in a Dream
After their visit, the wise men were warned by God in a dream. They were told not to go back to King Herod. So, they returned to their own country by a different route.
Escape to Egypt
After the wise men left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. The angel told Joseph, "Get up! Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you to return. Herod is going to search for the child to kill him."
Journey to Safety
Joseph immediately obeyed the angel's warning. That very night, he took Mary and Jesus. They left Bethlehem and traveled to Egypt. They stayed there until King Herod died. This journey fulfilled an old prophecy from the Old Testament that said, "Out of Egypt I called my son."
Herod's Cruel Actions
When King Herod realized the wise men had tricked him, he became extremely angry. He sent soldiers to Bethlehem and the surrounding areas. He ordered them to kill all the boys who were two years old and younger. He based this on the time the wise men had told him the star first appeared.
This terrible event was a sad time for the people. It reminded them of a prophecy from the prophet Jeremiah. The prophecy spoke of great sadness and weeping.
Return to Israel
After King Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph again in a dream. This time, Joseph was still in Egypt. The angel said, "Get up! Take the child and his mother and go back to the land of Israel. Those who wanted to kill the child are now dead."
Settling in Nazareth
Joseph got up and took Mary and Jesus. They started their journey back to Israel. However, when Joseph heard that Herod's son, Archelaus, was ruling in Judea (the area around Bethlehem), he was afraid to go there.
Again, God warned Joseph in a dream. So, Joseph turned aside and went to the region of Galilee. He and his family settled in a town called Nazareth. This also fulfilled what the prophets had said: "He will be called a Nazarene."
See also
