The visit of the Magi from the East to worship the newborn King introduces the theme of Gentile recognition of Christ's sovereignty, while simultaneously exposing Herod the Great's murderous jealousy and political machinations. Joseph receives divine warnings through dreams, prompting the holy family's flight to Egypt and subsequent relocation to Nazareth following Herod's death, each movement fulfilling specific Old Testament prophecies. The massacre of the innocents in Bethlehem demonstrates the violent opposition that Christ's kingdom would face from worldly powers throughout the Gospel narrative.
Read Matthew Chapter 2 Summary
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Characters in This Chapter
Places in This Chapter
Egypt
View on MapEgypt plays a significant role throughout the Bible, from the time of Abraham to the flight of the Holy Family. Joseph was sold into slavery there and rose to become second to Pharaoh, saving his family during famine. The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for 400 years before God delivered them through Moses in the Exodus. Jesus' family fled to Egypt to escape King Herod, fulfilling the prophecy "Out of Egypt I called my son."
Nazareth
View on MapNazareth is the town in Galilee where Jesus grew up and spent most of his life before his public ministry. It was a small, obscure village in ancient times, which led Nathanael to ask "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary here to announce she would give birth to the Son of God. Jesus was known as "Jesus of Nazareth" throughout his ministry.
Position in Book
Birth and PreparationChapters 1-4
Genealogy, birth, John the Baptist, temptation, ministry begins.
Sermon on the MountChapters 5-7
Miracles and MissionChapters 8-10
Opposition GrowsChapters 11-13
Training DisciplesChapters 14-18
Journey to JerusalemChapters 19-25
Death and ResurrectionChapters 26-28