Day 273, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Matthew 2:1-23; Luke 2:41-52; Mark 1:1-8; Matthew 3:1-12; Luke 3:1-20; John 1:1-18
Five Ways God Prepared the World for Jesus' Coming
Farmers prepare the ground for planting by plowing. They turn over the soil to give it more nutrients directly after harvest.
Another kind of preparation in a church setting is something called the “Preparation for the Message.” Sometimes these are selected hymns played by the organ, piano, another instrument, or a song before the preaching service starts. The intent is to soften the attendees’ moods, quiet the congregation (which can get loud), push away cares of the day, and change the atmosphere to subdued worship. All this is done to prepare the ground of their hearts for the “seed” of the message. Not all worship is meant to be quiet, of course, but the intent, in this case, is to help people settle down to listen to the Word of God.
In today’s Bible reading, before Jesus comes to this earth, the LORD prepares the Jewish people for his coming and his message of salvation. Later, this gracious message will be extended to all non-Jewish people who believe, trusting in Jesus for their salvation.
What are five ways God prepared the World for Jesus' Coming?
1. God prepared the world for Jesus' coming with a star
Magi (astrologers), called wise men from the east, saw signs in the heavens of a coming king. Now they follow his star (or perhaps a comet) to Jerusalem.When they appear before King Herod to find out where the King of the Jews is born, Herod pretends to be interested in worshipping him. In reality, he is jealous and suspicious. Satan will soon use him to try to stop God’s plan.
2. God prepared the world for Jesus' coming by providing an escape from evil
When God is at work, Satan tries to oppose him. He knows that when God’s Word is heard, the result is changed lives and hearts. He would try to stop it. Jesus Christ is the Word of God personified in the flesh (John 1:14).After visiting Jesus, the wise men are warned in a dream not to return to Herod.
When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi (Matthew 3:16, NIV).
Why did God allow this? We don’t know. God does not choose to stop all evil in the world—innocent babies are aborted every day in America and other parts of the world. The problem is not with the LORD—the problem is with humanity—our hearts need to be changed.
To escape the evil King Herod, Joseph is told to take Mary and young baby Jesus down to Egypt and then later back into Israel. Joseph takes them to the Galilean region to live in the city of Nazareth (Matthew 2:13-23).
3. God Prepared the world for Jesus' Coming with fulfilled prophecies
Despite all the evil, however, we can see that God is Sovereign; he doesn't let Satan ruin his plan to save the world through his Son. People will hear the fulfillment of these prophecies and wonder, Who is coming? Where is he? How will we know him? They live in expectation of a coming savior (although they are primarily looking for a physical savior from Roman oppression and a return of their control of the land).
4. God prepared the world for Jesus' Coming with a messenger
Other preparations are also made for the ministry of Jesus. John the Baptist prepares the hearts of many people as he baptizes them in the Jordan River. He works with the Holy Spirit to bring about true repentance. He is bold to speak the truth with convicting messages.
If we are Christians, “God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2Timothy 1:7, NIV). We just need to trust him, be obedient in speaking the truth of the gospel, and live it.
Even those who are falsely religious come to John. The Pharisees and Sadducees are two orders of clergy which come, not to repent, but to check out the scene.
5. God prepares our hearts for his coming
What does God require for repentance—a religious show or expressions of regret? True repentance is an honest, brokenness over sin that results in a changed life (Joel 2:12-13; Matthew 3:7-10; Luke 3:10-14).
Are we hanging onto our sins and entering into worship? James, the half-brother of Jesus Christ, says,
Get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves” (James 1:21-22, NIV).
Our hearts must be prepared ground for service.
Discussion
What are five ways God prepared the World for Jesus?
What kind of preparation does our heart need for worship and service?
note: In his book, The Great Christ Comet, Colin R. Nicholl, a theologian and scientist, makes a compelling case that the star seen in the east by the Magi, which moved across the heavens and pointed out a particular house in Bethlehem was a comet. He has eleven conclusive reasons for this in chapter five, pp.132-141. In chapter 6 he counters the argument that comets are not considered stars. He writes “In the ancient world comets were often called stars..., and then cites several examples” (pp.148-149).
Focus Verse
Matthew 3:3b: “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him”
Here is a song that goes well with today's Bible study: Here He Comes!
Here is a video of the visit of the Magi
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to mtbiblestudies@gmail.com
Looking Ahead: Now if our hearts are prepared to listen to the message of the Lord, what should we do to show our Commitment to him? Find out in our Next Lesson.
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