Out of Egypt I Called My Son
Questions for Study 4

Matthew 2:13-23
Key Verse: 2:15

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I. The Escape to Egypt (13-18)

1. How did Joseph come to know the danger? What direction did the angle give to Joseph? What can we learn here about Joseph's mission and God's hand upon baby Jesus?

2. How did Joseph respond to the angel's message? What can we learn from Joseph's obedience to the Lord's command?

3. How long had he stayed in Egypt? how did Matthew see the history of Israel recapitulated in the life of Jesus? (Hosea 11:1, Isaiah 19:1) Why was it significant from the author's point of view that the prophecy in verse 15 was fulfilled?

4. What did Herod do when he realized that he was outwitted by the Magi? WWhat can we learn about the wickedness of Herod and the suffering of his people under his rule?

5. Why did Herod fail in killing the baby Jesus? How did the author see this event from God's point of view? (18, Genesis 35:19) How did God work and accomplish his purpose in spit of the tragedy and cruelty of the tyrannical rule of Herod?

II. The Return to Nazareth (19-23)

6. When was the opportune time for Joseph and his family to return to the land of Israel? How did the Lord reveal this to Joseph? How did Joseph carry out God's command? How do you think Joseph grew spiritually while he was carrying out his mission as the father of the Messiah?

7. Why did Joseph withdraw to Galilee and settle there rather than going to Bethlehem or Judea?

8. What was the significance ofJesus settling down and growing up in Nazareth and of being called a Nazarene? (Jude 13:5, Isaiah 53:2,3) How do you think Jesus was prepared in his Messianic work by being brought up in Nazareth?

9. What can we learn here about the destiny of Jesus and God's directing his life through all these events in his infant period? About the significance of the prophecies being fulfilled?