The Compass: An Unexpected King

The Compass First Family Church

VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 10 | DECEMBER 13, 2015

Leading Families Toward Spiritual Maturity

This Week’s Core Virtue Joy (John 15:11): I have inner contentment and purpose in spite of my circumstances. hy was Jesus born in Bethlehem? We know the miraculous reasons, and we can see the sovereignty of God clearly at work, but in a physical sense, what brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem?

Mary and Joseph were from Nazareth, a city about 70 miles north of Jerusalem. Given this was their family home, it would make sense that Jesus should have been born in Nazareth. But He wasn’t.

He was born in Bethlehem.

We have to turn to the book of Luke for the reason. In one of the most beloved passages of Scrip-

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ture found in the Bible, Dr. Luke begins telling us about the birth of Jesus with the words, “In those days a decree went out…”

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be

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The Compass

Step 1 ENCOUNTER–God’s Word to put yourself in touch with him.

Matthew 2:1-12 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 1

“ ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ”

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Continued from page 1... registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem for the census. Bethlehem was the ancestral home of David, and all those who descended from him were required to travel to Bethlehem to register.

Stop and think for a moment about the inconvenience this would have caused for Mary and Joseph.

Most couples today would never travel out of state around the due date of their baby. They would stay close to home, close to their doctors and support network. Yet, Mary and Joseph had to travel 70 miles away from home as Mary’s due date approached.

Travel was difficult in Bible times. A healthy man could travel roughly 20 miles a day on foot.

Mary was very pregnant, and she likely didn’t walk the journey. The Bible doesn’t tell us specifically, but tradition often pictures Mary riding a donkey. This

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

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makes sense given the options that were available.

She could have rode a camel, but camel’s were the luxury vehicles of the day. It’s unlikely Joseph could afford a camel. A donkey makes sense, but it is still difficult to picture a very pregnant woman riding a donkey for several miles a day. Perhaps more likely would have been a cart pulled by a donkey, with Joseph walking beside the donkey.

Regardless, it was a long trip—taking a week or more—and it was an uncomfortable trip for a pregnant woman. As one preacher once observed, “even though Mary had to ride on a donkey, it was better than a Ford, amen?”

Sometimes our familiarity with a Bible narrative like the Christmas story causes us to brush past the details without fully appreciating the trial this must have been for Mary & Joseph.

We can do the same thing when it comes to the celebration of Christmas. We allow our busyness and rush towards Christmas Day to often crowd out our appreciation for the meaning of Christmas. Take a few moments and reflect on all you have to be thankful for this Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior.–Chris Eller n

These study notes are produced to coordinate with the weekly sermon series at First Family Church, Ankeny, IA. More resources are available at www.ffclife.com. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

The Compass

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Step 2 ENQUIRE–the answer to these questions to better understand what the passage means.

Use the questions below to guide your reading and to ensure you are grasping the key lessons and themes of the text.

This is called Inductive Bible Study, in which you ask the questions, Who?, What?, Where?, Why?, When?, How? as you read the text. (Also known as the “5Ws and an H.”)

1. During whose reign was Jesus born? (2:1) 2. What external and internal factors prompted the Magi to search for Jesus? (2:2) 3. What title did the Magi give to Jesus? (2:2) 4. How did King Herod react to the visit of the Magi? (2:3-4) 5. Why was a powerful king disturbed by the presence of a helpless baby? (2:3-6) 6. Why is it significant that Christ was born in Bethlehem? (2:5-6) 7. What were King Herod’s instructions to the Magi? (2:8) 8. How were the Magi led to Christ? (2:9-10) 9. What was the Magi’s reaction when they realized they had found the Christ? (2:10) 10. Where was Jesus when the Magi found Him? (2:11) 11. What gifts did the Magi bring to Jesus? (2:11) 12. Why didn’t the Magi report back to Herod as he had requested? (2:12)

About The Compass

Summary Notes

Write a one paragraph summary of this week’s text including key areas of interest and significant instruction.

The Compass is a ministry of First Family Church and is edited by Chris Eller. The purpose of The Compass is to help you better grasp the truth of the biblical text from which the weekend sermon is based.

The Compass also connects readers with the principles of discipleship found in 10 Core Beliefs (doctrine) 10 Core Practices (disciplines), and 10 Core Virtues (spiritual fruit).

Consult the commentary on the text and the notes following this page for additional help.

If you would like The Compass delivered each week to your email box, you can to to www.thecompass.life for a free subscription.

These study notes are produced to coordinate with the weekly sermon series at First Family Church, Ankeny, IA. More resources are available at www.ffclife.com. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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The Compass

Step 3 EXPLORE–the commentaries to answer the questions.

The Magi Visit the Infant Jesus

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fter Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea (2:1).

As chapter 2 opens, the time frame has jumped ahead upwards of two years (see comments on 2:16). The baby is now a “child” (2:8, 10), and the family lives in a house “in Bethlehem in Judea” (2:1), six miles south/southwest of Jerusalem.

Magi (2:1). The term “Magi” (magoi) was originally used in early records to refer to a priestly caste in ancient Persia, perhaps followers of Zoroaster, the Persian teacher and prophet. Babylonian elements were also introduced.

These Magi were leading figures in the religious court life of their country of origin, employing a variety of scientific (astrology), diplomatic (wisdom), and religious (magical incantations) means to try to understand present and future life. This is in distinction from a more common type of “magician” (e.g., Acts 13:6, 8).

THE NEAR EAST Possible route of the Magi.

Magi from the east came to Jerusalem (2:1). Since a large colony of Jews remained in the east after the Exile, especially in Babylon, Parthia, and Arabia, these Magi apparently had been exposed to Judaism from those Jewish colonies. Pagan leaders, both political and religious, were well aware of Jewish religious distinctives, such as the Sabbath observance and marital restrictions. If the Magi came from the environs of Babylon, they would have traveled approximately nine hundred miles. Since they would have had to make arrangements for the journey and gather a traveling party, it could have taken several months from the time they first saw the star until they arrived in Jerusalem (cf. Ezra and the returning exiles in Ezra 7:9).

Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? (2:2). In the world of the first century an expecta-

tion circulated that a ruler would arise from Judea. Suetonius writes, “Throughout the whole of the East there had spread an old and persistent belief: destiny had decreed that at that time men coming forth from Judea would seize power [and rule the world].” Israel’s prophets had long spoken of a period of world peace and prosperity that was to be instituted by a future Davidic deliverer (e.g., Ezek. 34:23–31).

We saw his star in the east (2:2). Through the Jewish community in their homeland, the Magi may have become familiar with Balaam’s prophecy, “A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel” (Num. 24:17). In many quarters within Judaism this prophecy was understood to point to a messianic deliverer. In the book of Revelation Jesus refers to himself in similar language: “I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

Have come to worship him (2:2). Suetonius describes the homage that the princely magos Tiridates of Armenia paid to Emperor Nero: “As Tiridates approached along a sloping platform, the emperor first let him fall at his feet, but raised him with his right hand and kissed him.” Tiridates even addressed Nero as “god.” Similarly, the Magi in Matthew’s infancy narrative worship Jesus, but with their mixture of influence from paganism, astrology, and the Jewish Scriptures, it is doubtful that the Magi knowingly worshiped Jesus in recognition of his incarnate nature as God-man.

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed (2:3). Herod had developed a profound fear of attack from the east, especially because of prior invasions of Parthinians and Trachonites. So he built a series of fortress/palaces all along the eastern border, including Masada, Hyrcanium, Machaerus, and the Herodium, to ensure safety from invading forces. Since the Magi most likely travel with servants and possibly guards or a military escort to protect themselves and the gifts they are to present to the child, this sizeable company prompts Herod to think that invading forces from the east are joining forces within Israel to oust him.

The people’s chief priests and teachers of the law (2:4). The chief priests were members of the Sanhedrin (cf. 26:57), joining the high priest in giving oversight to the temple activities, treasury, and priestly orders. The term “teacher of the law” (grammateus, “scribe”) was once most closely associated with reading, writing, and making copies of the Scriptures. But by New Testament times it came to signify an expert in interpreting the Law and was used interchangeably with the term “lawyer” or “expert in the law.”

These study notes are produced to coordinate with the weekly sermon series at First Family Church, Ankeny, IA. More resources are available at www.ffclife.com. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

The Compass In Bethlehem in Judea (2:5). The prophet Micah had referred to Bethlehem as the birthplace of the future Messiah (Mic. 5:2), which had become a fairly widespread expectation (cf. John 7:42). Although a small and seemingly insignificant village, Bethlehem was noted as the home of Ruth and Boaz, the ancestors of King David, and the birthplace of David himself.

On coming to the house (2:11). Houses built on level ground often formed a series of rooms built around a courtyard. Included in these rooms were living spaces, which doubled as sleeping quarters, cooking area, stables, and storage rooms. Houses built in hilly areas might find two-story homes. The lower floor had a courtyard surrounded by stables, while the upper floor had the living/ sleeping rooms. In rocky cavernous areas, the lower floor might incorporate caves or grottos into the structure as underground stables.

They opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh (2:11).

When approaching royalty or persons of high religious, political, or social status, gifts were often brought to demonstrate obeisance. “Gold” was valued throughout the ancient world as a medium of exchange as well as a precious metal for making jewelry, ornaments, and dining instruments for royalty. “Incense” or frankincense is derived from an amber resin, which produced a sweet odor when burned. It was used as a perfume (Song 3:6; 4:6, 14), but in Israel it was used ceremonially for the only incense permitted on the altar (Ex. 30:9, 34–38). “Myrrh” consists of a mixture of resin, gum, and the oil myrrhol and was used in incense (Ex. 30:23), as a perfume for garments or for a lover’s couch, as a stimulant (cf. Mark 15:23), and to pack in the wrappings of the clothing of a deceased person to stifle the smell of the body decaying (cf. John 19:39).

They returned to their country by another route (2:12). The Magi may have gone south around the lower extremity of the Dead Sea to link up with the trade route north through Nabatea and Philadelphia in the Decapolis east of the Jordan River to Damascus and then east. Or they may have traveled south to Hebron and then west to the Mediterranean coast to link up with the trade route traveling north on the coastal plain, then through Sepphoris and Capernaum to Damascus and then east.

Clinton E. Arnold, Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke, vol. 1 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002).

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What Was the Christmas Star?

Several possibilities have been proposed as to the nature of the star.

(1) Many suggest that it was a natural phenomenon that can be traced back to some known periodically occurring astronomical event, whether a comet (e.g., Halley’s Comet was visible in 12 and 11 b.c.), a supernova, or a conjunction of planets. One widely discussed possibility is an unusual conjunction of planets that occurred on May 27, 7 b.c. According to this theory, Jupiter represented the primary deity in the Babylonian astrology. When Jupiter came close to Saturn (representing the Jews) in the constellation Pisces (representing Palestine), the Magi referred to Jupiter as the star of the king they were seeking, and the association with Saturn and Pisces showed them among which nation (the Jews) and where (Palestine) to look for him. Jupiter rose on March 11, 7 b.c., so this would have been the date when his star rose. A related suggestion draws on this conjunction, but links the specific star to a supernova that Chinese and Korean astronomers recorded in March–April 5 b.c. One astronomer concludes that the conjunction alerted the Magi to some supernatural appearance, but the supernova triggered their journey to Jerusalem.

(2) Others suggest that the “star” was a supernatural astral phenomenon that God used to herald Jesus’ birth. Note how it appears and reappears as well as moves to direct the Magi to the house Jesus and his family are occupying (2:9), not the normal activity of stars. Some conclude that this was a star-like phenomenon that may have only been seen by the Magi.

(3) Another plausible suggestion is that the supernatural phenomenon was an angel sent to the Magi to announce the birth of Messiah and to guide them to Jesus so they would be a witness to his birth through their worship. Good angels are commonly referred to as stars, as are fallen angels and Satan. Angels were used to guide and protect Israel to the Promised Land (Ex. 14:19; 23:20), and often appear in Jewish and Christian literature as guides. The apocryphal Arabic Gospel of the Infancy (ch. 7) relates Matthew’s account of the Magi but expands it to say, “In the same hour there appeared to them an angel in the form of that star which had before guided them on their journey; and they went away, following the guidance of its light, until they arrived in their own country.” One scholar concludes, “This, I believe, only makes explicit what is implicit in Matthew, namely, that the guiding star was a guiding angel.”

These study notes are produced to coordinate with the weekly sermon series at First Family Church, Ankeny, IA. More resources are available at www.ffclife.com. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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The Compass

SUNDAY

Daily Bible Reading Plan

MONDAY

12/13

TUESDAY

12/14

WEDNESDAY

12/15

12/16

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

12/17

SATURDAY

12/18

12/19

Obadiah 1-21

Jonah 1:1-4:11

Micah 1:1-4:13

Micah 5:1-7:20

Nahum 1:1-3:19

Hab. 1:1-3:19

Zeph. 1:1-3:20

Revelation 4:1-11

Revelation 5:1-14

Revelation 6:1-17

Revelation 7:1-17

Revelation 8:1-13

Revelation 9:1-21

Revelation 10:1-11

Psalm 132:1-18

Psalm 133:1-3

Psalm 134:1-3

Psalm 135:1-21

Psalm 136:1-26

Psalm 137:1-9

Psalm 138:1-8

Proverbs 29:24-25

Proverbs 29:26-27

Proverbs 30:1-4

Proverbs 30:5-6

Proverbs 30:7-9

Proverbs 30:10

Proverbs 30:11-14

For complete details on First Family’s Daily Bible Reading Plan, visit our website at www.ffclife.com/biblereading.

WORDSEARCH–all the words come from this week’s text or lesson.

An Unexpected King December 13, 2015 Matthew 1:18-25 N R O B

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Jesus Herod the King King of the Jews Scribes Search Diligently Great Joy Gold Dream

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Born Wise Men His Star The Christ Child Mary His Mother Frankincense Departed

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Bethlehem From the East Worship Him Shepherd Bring Me Word Worshiped Him Myrrh Another Way

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Judea Jerusalem Chief Priests My People Israel Rejoiced Exceedingly Treasures Warned

To see the answers to the puzzle, go to www.thecompass.life/310

These study notes are produced to coordinate with the weekly sermon series at First Family Church, Ankeny, IA. More resources are available at www.ffclife.com. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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The Compass

Connecting the Family

“O Little Town of Bethlehem” PHILLIPS BROOKS, 1835–1893

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. (Luke 2:4) In the same way that God’s “wondrous gift” came to Bethlehem, silently, so Christ comes into our lives today and casts out our sins and fears if we are willing to have Him abide in our lives. Then “the dear Christ enters in.”

How beautifully the glorious message of Christmas is told in this well-phrased hymn by Phillips Brooks, one of America’s most outstanding ministers of the past century.

During a trip to the Holy Land in 1865, Brooks went to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve and worshiped there. He was deeply moved by this experience. Three years later, while pastoring the Holy Trinity Church in Philadelphia, Brooks desired to have a special carol for the children to sing in their Sunday school Christmas program. Recalling the peaceful scene in the little town of Bethlehem, Brooks completed the writing of the text in just one evening. He gave a copy of the words to his organist, Lewis R. Redner, and requested him to compose a melody that would be easy for the children to sing.

On the evening just before the program was to be given, Redner awakened suddenly from his sleep with the present melody in his mind—and he quickly wrote it out. “O Little Town of Bethlehem” has been a favorite with children and adults around the world since that time.—Kenneth W. Osbeck O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by; yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light—the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary—and gathered all above, while mortals sleep, the angels keep their

watch of wond’ring love. O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth, and praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth.

How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is giv’n! So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heav’n. No ear may hear His coming, but, in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive Him still the dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem descend to us, we pray; cast out our sin and enter in—be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!

In the midst of all the rush and activity of the Christmas season, take time to rejoice in the joy of Christ’s birth and ask Him to abide with you in a special way.

Memory Time Memory Verse “And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”–Matthew 2:11

R2R Life Distinctive

Joy (John 15:11): I have inner contentment and purpose in spite of my circumstances.

These study notes are produced to coordinate with the weekly sermon series at First Family Church, Ankeny, IA. More resources are available at www.ffclife.com. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

The Compass

10 Core Beliefs

The Bible (2 Timothy 3:16–17): We believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God, and the final authority in all matters of faith and conduct.

God the Father (Psalm 121:1–2): We believe God is personally involved in and cares about the daily lives of His children.

Jesus Christ (John 1:12): We believe in Jesus Christ, His deity, virgin birth, sinless life, vicarious death, burial and bodily resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the Father and His personal future return in power and glory. We are significant only because of our position as children of God. The Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14): We believe the God of the Bible is the only true God and is eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Humanity (John 3:16): We believe all people are born separated from God by sin, but God in his love sent his Son Jesus Christ as their savior.

Eternity (John 14:1–4): We believe there is a heaven and a hell and that Jesus Christ is returning to judge the earth and to establish his kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the dead: the believer to life everlasting and the unbeliever to the resurrection of judgment.

The Church (1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 4:15-16): We believe in the church as the body of Christ, which is composed of all believers who have accepted Christ as Savior. We believe the church is God’s primary way to accomplish His purposes on earth today.

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Stewardship (1 Timothy 6:17-19): We believe that everything we have, including our very life, belongs to God. Salvation by Grace (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:23-25; 8:38-39): We believe a person has a right relationship with God only by His grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. This makes believers eternally secure in Jesus Christ.

Compassion (Psalm 82:3-4): We believe God calls all Christians to show compassion to those in need.n

10 Core Practices

Worship (Psalm 95:1-7): I worship God for who He is and what He has done for me.

Bible Study (Hebrews 4:12): I study the Bible diligently to know God, to become like Christ, and to discern His will for my life.

Service (Colossians 3:17): I give away my time to fulfill God’s purposes.

Witness (Matthew 28:18-20): I live to tell the story of Jesus and to make disciples of Him even to the ends of the earth, knowing he is with me always.

Biblical Community (Acts 2:44-47): I fellowship with other believers in a small group to accomplish God’s purposes in my life, others’ lives, and in the world.

Prayer (Psalm 66:16-20): I pray to God to know Him, to lay my request before Him and to find direction for my daily life.

Spiritual Gifts (Romans 12:4-6): I know and use my spiritual gifts to accomplish God’s purposes.

Authenticity (John 13:33-34): I know and understand biblical truths and transfer these truths into everyday life. Who I am

on the inside and outside is a pure reflection of Christ and His Word.

Simplicity (Matthew 6:33): I seek to live a simple life focused on God and his priorities for my life.

Possessions (Luke 16:11–12): I seek to maintain an eternal perspective on money and possessions, realizing God has give me all that I have, and that he expects me to manage it wisely for His glory. n

10 Core Virtues

Gentleness (Philippians 4:5): I am thoughtful, considerate and calm in dealing with others.

Faithfulness (Proverbs 3:3-4): I have established a good name with God and with others based on my long-term loyalty to those relationships.

Hope (Hebrews 6:19-20): I can cope with the hardships of life and with death because of the hope I have in Jesus Christ.

Joy (John 15:11): I have inner contentment and purpose in spite of my circumstances.

Love (1 John 4:10-12): I sacrificially and unconditionally love and forgive others.

Peace (Philippians 4:6-7): I am free from anxiety because things are right between God, myself and others.

Self-Control (Titus 2:11-13): I have the power, through Christ, to control myself.

Humility (Philippians 2:3-4): I choose to esteem others above myself.

Patience (Proverbs 14:29): I take a long time to overheat and endure patiently under the unavoidable pressures of life.

Kindness/Goodness (1 Thessalonians 5:15): I choose to do the right things in my relationships with others. n

These study notes are produced to coordinate with the weekly sermon series at First Family Church, Ankeny, IA. More resources are available at www.ffclife.com. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.