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Intermediate Sunday School Lesson 8 : Fulfilment of the Prophetic Scriptures III

Text: Matthew 2:13-18
20 February 2022

INTRODUCTION

1. The fulfilment of Scriptures

a) A wonderful teaching (doctrine)

b) A deep teaching

2. The lessons we may learn as we learn about “prophecies”

a) Prophecies are part of God’s Plan

b) Prophecies are predictions of the future
But they are not part of God’s Plan

PROPHECY MAY SOMETIMES BE A LITTLE OBSCURE

1. The obscure texts need to be examined

2. They need to be carefully understood

3. Only then can they be deeply appreciated

THE MASSACRE OF INFANTS

1. This was planned by King Herod

Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.
Matthew 2:16

a) It was Herod who planned this massacre

i) Because he felt he had been deceived by the wise men

ii) Because he became very angry

iii) He came up with a cruel and wicked plan

b) His wicked plan:

i) To kill all male children under 2 years old

ii) In Bethlehem

iii) And in all nearby districts

2. Was this wicked plan of Herod known to God?

a) Yes!

b) This was a different kind of a prophecy

THE FULFILMENT OF PROPHECY

17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying:
18 “A voice was heard in Ramah,
Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children,
Refusing to be comforted,
Because they are no more.”

Matthew 2:17-18

1. The original prophecy written by Jeremiah

Thus says the LORD:
“A voice was heard in Ramah,
Lamentation and bitter weeping,
Rachel weeping for her children,
Refusing to be comforted for her children,
Because they are no more.” Jeremiah 31:15

a) Rachel weeping for her children

i) Refusing to be comforted

ii) Because they are no more

b) Rachel

i) She was the wife of Jacob

ii) She represented Israel

c) Refusing to be comforted

i) Because of deep sorrow

ii) This was an obscure prophecy (prediction)

2. Fulfilment of this Prophecy

a) This prophecy

i) It was not God’s Plan

ii) It was a prediction of the far future
(Jeremiah’s time to the days of the Lord Jesus)

b) This prophecy was fulfilled

i) God revealed this future event to Jeremiah

ii) This was noted by Matthew as to its fulfilment

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS PROPHECY BEING FULFILLED

1. A lesson about God

a) He is Omniscient

i) He knows all things

ii) Nothing is outside His knowledge

b) He preserved the Life of the Baby Lord Jesus

i) His parents were forewarned

ii) They believed the word given to them

iii) They heeded and took action

iv) They went all the way to Egypt

v) Thus, the life of the Baby Lord Jesus was preserved

2. A lesson about the Prophetic Scriptures

a) They reveal God’s Plans

b) They also reveal the wicked plans of man
c) The Scriptures are to be regarded as a treasure trove

3. A Testimony by King David concerning the Scriptures:

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;

8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;

9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the [f]honeycomb.

11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.
Psalm 19:7-11

a) Note the many wonderful features of the Scriptures

b) Note also the descriptions of what the Scriptures can do for
the careful reader

CONCLUSION

1. Check

How do you appreciate the Scriptures personally?

2. Response

How should you respond to the Scriptures?