ATTENTION ALL FAMILY, FRIENDS, FOLLOWERS, AND STUDENTS!

We just finished Chapter 2 of Matthew’s Gospel.  For some, you learned that the visitors from the east who came to see the new king of the Jews were never referred to as kings in scripture, nor does it say there were only three of them.

In fact, earlier versions of Matthew’s writings call them magi, and based on historical texts may even be called Priestly Persian Astrologers.  Also, they might have gotten their clue about this new king from the Jewish Scriptures in the story of Balaam.

Furthermore, various writers from that period tell us what a wicked and ruthless king Herod was, and why his slaughter of the innocent boys in the Bethlehem area fit well with his despicable character.

So what is next in the greatest story ever told?  On Monday we begin Chapter 3, and find out that after the priestly astrologers, the next most important figure in the life of Jesus was one of His relatives by the name of John, who was also known as a very famous baptizer.

See you on Monday, as we go down the unfamiliar road together.