STORIES OF JESUS - ADORING AND DANGEROUS KINGS

Season 1: Stories of Jesus
Episode 4: “Adoring and Dangerous Kings”
Today’s Bible Bite: Matthew 2:1-23

Video Story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk1LhnqROCM (Saddleback Kids)

“Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too" (Matthew 2:8)!

The night that Jesus born, God caused a special star to begin shining. Wisemen in the East understood this to mean that God’s promised Messiah, the King of the Jews, had been born. They were so excited they packed up special gifts and traveled for weeks, maybe even months, to get there...we don’t know exactly how long, but it was a long way to go. When they found Jesus they presented Him not with gifts that were meant for a baby, but with gifts that were meant for a King–gold, frankincense and myrrh!

But there was another king that wasn’t so happy about the news, King Herod. When he discovered that the Messiah had been born, he tried to trick the wisemen into telling him where to find Jesus, but God warned them and they didn’t tell Herod a thing. Unfortunately, this did not stop King Herod. He ordered that all the boys in Bethlehem, two years of age and under, should be murdered! Jesus and His family escaped just in time, because God sent an angel to warn Joseph of Herod’s plan. They moved to Egypt and didn’t return until they found out that King Herod had died and was no longer a threat to Jesus.

Think about it...

• The wisemen were so excited to meet the new king that they were willing to travel a very long way to meet Him and give Him gifts. What gifts would you have brought Jesus?

• King Herod wanted to get rid of the new king. Why do you think that was?

• When he didn’t get the information from the wisemen, what did King Herod do to try to get rid of Jesus?

• God protected Jesus and sent a message to warn Joseph. How does God talk to you?

• Joseph listened right away and the family escaped from Herod. How does God protect you from dangers?

• Jesus lived as a refugee in Egypt and came back when it was safe. What is a refugee? How can we help people who become refugees?

Prayer: Thank you, God, that you protected Jesus. We know you can protect us too. Help us to help others who find themselves in hard times just like Jesus did when He was just a little kid.

Fun Activity: