Christmas in the Gospels
Daily Bible Studies for December 15-20, 2008
This Week’s Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12 NLT
1Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2“Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose,£ and we have come to worship him.”
3King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. 4He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
5“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: 6‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”
7Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. 8Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!”
9After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! 11They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
12When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we draw nearer and nearer to the celebration of Jesus’ birth, I thank You for sending Him to not only be the “King of the Jews,” but the King of all people everywhere. Let me live each moment of this week with the realization of the greatness of Your sacrifice in sending Jesus to take away our sins. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
1Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2“Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” NLT
Why do you think the wise men realized that Jesus had been born, but Herod did not?
What is the significance of Jesus’ natal star?
Today’s Challenge: I will live today with the recognition of God’s great sacrifice in sending Jesus to live and die to pay the penalty for my sins!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, just as Herod was greatly disturbed at the news of a new king in the land, so are people today disturbed by the idea that Jesus is the only way to salvation. Give me the boldness of Your Spirit today to stand up for the truth with all I meet. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
3King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. 4He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” NLT
Why do you think everyone in Jerusalem was disturbed when they heard of a new king being born?
Why did Herod have to rely on the religious leaders to find out where the Messiah was to be born.
Today’s Challenge: I will live in such a way as to quiet the dis-ease people have in seeing Jesus as the King of our lives!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for making it clear in Your word that Jesus was to be born in Bethlehem—the birthplace of Jesus, and yet one more confirmation of His being the Messiah. Let my life be evidence to those around me that Jesus IS the Messiah in my life, and that He is their Messiah as well. This I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
5“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: 6‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’” NLT
Take some time to look up the prophecy from Micah 5, and see why the religious leaders were so sure that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem?
What are you doing to be prepared for Jesus’ return? Would you be ready if He came today?
Today’s Challenge: I will live with the awareness that Jesus may return at any moment, and will make the most of each moment to love Him and show His love to others!
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Herod didn’t want to worship Jesus, and there are many in our day who would do harm to His cause if they could. Let my life be a testimony to the truth of Jesus being the Savior of the world. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
7Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. 8Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” NLT
Why did Herod call for a private meeting with the wise men?
Is there anything you know about Herod from reading the gospels that would clue you in to the reality that He did not want to worship Jesus?
Today’s Challenge: I will worship Jesus with my thoughts, words and actions today, that others may be led to do so as well!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as the wise men worshiped Jesus and presented precious gifts to Him, empower me by Your Holy Spirit to worship Him and present my life to Him as the most precious gift I can offer. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
9After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! 11They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. NLT
Why do you suppose that Matthew describes the star as moving once again when the wise men traveled toward Bethlehem?
What do you see as the significance of the three gifts brought by the wise men?
Today’s Challenge: I will live my life in such a way as to offer it as a gift to Jesus today!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as the wise men listened to Your guidance in their lives, I pray that you will give me the ability to discern Your voice and do Your will. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
12When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. NLT
Why do you think that Matthew records so many times when God uses dreams to warn people of what they ought to do?
Has God ever used a dream to direct you to do or avoid something?
Today’s Challenge: I will listen to God’s voice and do His will today!