1. Matthew Chapter 2:13-23 WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM I.Introduction A.Difference between “pretended” and “true worship”.

2. 1.The Wise Men brought the best. 2.Firstborn of Bethlehem slaughtered. a)Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus left town. b)Herod tried to “outsmart” the Lord. c)Not smart.

3. II.Matthew 2:12 A.The Wise Men. 1.Had seen his star in the east. a)East = India or China. b)They were from the east.

4. 2.Numbers 24:17 a)They came directed by a star. 3.No mention as to how many Wise Men. a)Tradition = 3. (1)Given audience with Herod!

5. (a)Not likely if only 3 wise men. 4.Wise Men found Jesus in a house! a)Luke 2:12 b)The shepherds arrived earlier. (1)The family had moved into a home.

6. 5.Verse 11 - they worshipped Him. a)Might expect them to worship of Mary! 6.Verse 11 - gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. a)Gold = royalty. (1)Isaiah 60:6

7. (2)Left out - the myrrh. III.Matthew 2:13-15 A.Joseph responded to the angel of the Lord. 1.Hosea 11:1.

8. IV.Matthew 2:16-18 A.Only thing that changed, number slaughtered! 1.He planned to kill Jesus. a)Interesting verses because of the word “vicinity.”

9. (1) “Vicinity” = outskirts of Bethlehem. (2)Scripture from Jeremiah indicate Herod broadened his circle! (a)Jeremiah 31:15 (b)Ramah north of Jerusalem! (i)More that 20 baby boys lost!

10. (a) All for nothing! V.Matthew 2:19-23 A.Jesus the only one to live and fulfill the Law! 1.Archelaus just a wicked as his father. a)Go to Nazareth.

11. b)Nazareth = “branch” or “shoot” VI.CONCLUSION A. “The Branch” 1.Isaiah 11:1 2.Isaiah 53:2-3 3.Psalm 22:6

12. a)Some still consider Jesus and insignificant man from an insignificant town.