For this week’s class we are looking at the question: What was the Star of Bethlehem that the Bible says appeared over the Christ Child’s birthplace? According to Matthew chapter two we learn:
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:
6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; For out of you shall come forth a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’”
7 Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” 9 After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.”
Matthew 2:1-10 (NASB)
Rick Larsen presents this unique documentary after spending years researching this phenomenon. Here is a little introduction from the bethlehemstar.com website:
“What was the star that appeared in the sky more than 2,000 years ago and directed the Magi to undertake a massive journey of faith? Discover how modern technology uncovers the mystery of the Star of Bethlehem.
It’s an astronomical mystery. A strange star is claimed to have appeared at the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. This is an investigation of the story found in the Biblical Gospel of Matthew, a story often called the ‘Star of Bethlehem.’ It brings the words of Roman and Jewish historians alongside the visions of ancient prophets. It mixes “modern” mathematicians with murderous turmoil in the Roman imperial court. It combines all these with astronomical facts which no one disputes. And it concludes that the star was a real event. Come solve this age-old mystery for yourself…”
In this week’s class we will also finish our Bible study in the Gospel of Matthew with chapters 25-28.
Watch the Star of Bethlehem here:
Bible Study
Each week, we will have Bible study following the presentation. There will be questions presented here on the weekend, and basic answers will be posted during the week. This can also help you to make a leader’s guide for your own small group and future studies!
Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us when we commit to growing closer to the LORD.
Note: Questions are taken directly from the chapters, and answers should be found and cited from the Scripture text in order to be Biblically accurate (unless asked to summarize in your own words). Study Bibles, commentaries and your own thoughts can be used for Discussion or Going Deeper questions. If you use these kinds of sources share them with your group.
1. Review of Class Topic: Before getting into the Bible study questions, discuss today’s class presentation by summarizing what you learned, commenting or asking any questions.
Read Matthew chapters 25 through 28, then answer the following questions:
2. (Matthew 25:1-46) In this chapter Jesus teaches about the Kingdom of Heaven and the final judgment…
- Choose either the parable of the ten virgins (25:1-13), or the parable of the loaned money (25:14-30) and do a “going deeper” by summarizing the parable and explaining how it relates to Jesus’ teaching about the Kingdom of Heaven.
- Jesus teaches about the final judgment (25:31-42). Who are the sheep and what does he say about them and their final destination? Who are the goats and what does he say about them and their final destination?
- Discuss: Jesus is not saying that we can work our way to the Kingdom by doing certain things, but He is saying that there are things that will identify true believers versus non-believers. What are some things that might be evidence of a true believer today?
3. (Matthew 26:1-56) In this section we find that the time has come, and Jesus will be betrayed and led away to be crucified…
- What are some things that happened, and why, before the last supper (26:1-19)? Make a list.
- What was the purpose of the “Last Supper” and what happened during this event (26:20-30)?
- There are three major things that happened at the Mount of Olives:
- Citing Old Testament prophecy, what did Jesus say the disciples would do, and specifically Peter (26:31-35)? Go to verses 26:69-75 – What then happened with Peter?
- What did Jesus experience in the Garden of Gethsemane (26:36-46)?
- How was Jesus betrayed and arrested (26:47-56)?
4. (Matthew 26:57-27:66) In this section Jesus is handed over to be crucified…
- What happened during the questioning of Jesus by the High Priest Caiaphas, what did Jesus specifically say that caused the High Priest to tear his robe, and why did Caiaphas do that (26:57-68)?
- Read all the Gospel accounts of the crucifixion, then discuss any notes you took on things that stood out to you (or you could make a timeline): Matthew 27:1-61; Mark 15:1-47; Luke 23:1-56; John 18:28-19:42.
- What did the religious leaders ask Pilate to do concerning the tomb, and why (27:62-66)?
5. (Matthew 28:1-20) In this last section Jesus resurrects and appears to His Disciples…
- Read all the Gospel accounts of the Resurrection, then discuss any notes you took on things that stood out to you: Matthew 28:1-20; Mark 16:1-20; Luke 24:1-53; John 20:1-21:25.
- What is the last, and most important thing Jesus said to His Disciples, known as the “Great Commission” (28:18-20)?
- Discuss: How can we, individually today, follow this “Great Commission” given by Jesus?
Join us next week as we conclude our “Case for the Gospels Class!”
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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in! Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.
Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.
Please let me know what you think: Give feedback, ask questions or send concerns in the comment section of the blog.
Teri Dugan
TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com
1 Peter 3:15
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