BETHEL SUNDAY SCHOOL 6 FEB 2022
Text: Matthew 1:13 – 15

INTRODUCTION

1. The prophetic word (Matthew 1:22, 2:15)

a. It is spoken by the Lord

b. It is spoken through the prophet

2. The prophetic word concerning the birth of Christ

a. Virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23)

b. Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2 – 5, Matthew 2:1, 6)

3. Fulfilment of the prophetic word

a. The prophetic word will be fulfilled completely!

b. God Himself will fulfill it in His perfect time!

4. Many wonderful lessons to learn concerning the prophetic word

a. God’s plans revealed

b. God’s promises assured

c. God’s power in the fulfilment of His word

THE PROPHECY “OUT OF EGYPT I CALLED MY SON”

1. The prophecy uttered

“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son.
As they called them, so they went from them;
They sacrificed to the Baals, and burned incense to craved images.” Hosea 11:1 – 2

a. A reference to the nation Israel in reflection!

i. When Israel was a child – they started out as slaves in Egypt!

ii. God recalls how He loved them!

iii. God called them out of Egypt!

iv. God called them “My son”

v. This was what God said to Pharaoh through Moses

“Thus says the LORD: ‘Israel is My son, My firstborn.
So I say to you, let My son go that he may serve Me.
But if you refuse to let him go, indeed I will kill your son, your firstborn.” Exodus 4:22 – 23

b. Israel’s idolatrous ways

i. Sadly, Israel did not reciprocate God’s love for them

ii. God would send His servants to draw Israel to Himself

iii. Israel’s heart was inclined to idolatry!

2. Fulfilment of prophecy

a. The anger of King Herod (Matthew 2:16)

i. Herod was exceedingly angry when the wise men did not return to him

ii. He sent forth a death squad to murder all male children who were two years and under

b. Fleeing to Egypt (Matthew 2:13)

i. The Angel of the Lord warned Joseph of Herod’s wicked plan

ii. He told Joseph to arise and flee to Egypt until he gives further word

iii. Joseph arose in the night and departed for Egypt immediately

iv. They stayed in Egypt till Herod died

c. This was understood by Matthew as a fulfilment of Hosea’s prophecy

“Out of Egypt I called My Son.” Matthew 2:15

i. This was a reference to the Lord Jesus Christ!

ii. The Lord Jesus is the Son of God

iii. The Lord Jesus stayed in Egypt until Herod died

iv. God sent an Angel to tell Joseph to bring his family out of Egypt to the land of Israel after Herod’s death (Mathew 2:19 – 21)

THE PARALLEL BETWEEN ISRAEL AND THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

1. Loved by God

a. God loved Israel and protected them from wicked Pharaoh

b. God certainly loved the Lord Jesus Christ and protected Him from wicked Herod

2. Sonship

a. God called Israel “My son”

b. God called the Lord Jesus “My Son”

3. Called out of Egypt

a. Israel was called of Egypt to the land of Canaan

b. The Lord Jesus was called out of Egypt to the land of Israel

THE DIFFERENCES

1. Israel failed to be a good son

2. The Lord Jesus was a true and faithful Son!

THE CHALLENGE TO APPRECIATE GOD’S PROPHETIC WORD

1. It is not just about historical fulfilment

2. There are rich lessons to learn from God’s prophetic word!

3. The following truths revealed about God must be appreciated deeply

a. God’s profound love

b. God’s protection

c. God’s provision

4. Our challenge to be good and faithful children of God!