Christmas in a Nutshell: Good News for the Nation, Bad News for the Status Quo

Introduction: Matthew 2 continues the biography of Jesus, and gives us a theological instructive overview of his life in a nutshell. THE RETURN OF THE NATIONS BEGIN (Matt. 2:1-12) response #1: The Magi were foreigners who came to worship Jesus response #2: The political and religious leaders rejected Jesus instead of entrusting him THE LIFE OF JESUS IN A NUTSHELL (Matt. 2:13-23) Exodus (Matt 2:16-18; Hosea 11:1) Exile and Return (Matt 2:18-23; Jeremiah 31:15) Righteous Suffering (Matt 2:18-23; Isaiah 11:1; Isaiah 53:2) Conclusion: God has drawn near in Christ. Come, worship him like the Magi, but be forewarned that it will involve suffering.