The Historical Context of Jesus' Birth
Understand the historical period between the Old and New Testaments
Identify key historical events that prepared the world for Jesus' arrival
Recognize God's providential timing in biblical history
“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of Yahweh comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”
— Malachi 4:5-6 (WEB)Prophetic promise of preparation before the Messiah's arrival
In today's BibleMouse lesson, we'll explore the mysterious 'Silent Years' between the Old and New Testaments
The period between Malachi and Matthew was a time of significant historical preparation
Create a visual timeline showing key events preparing for Jesus' birth
Simpler: Pre-printed timeline with some events already filled in
Challenge: Research additional historical details from outside sources
Reflect on God's perfect timing in history
Thank God for His perfect timing and plan of salvation
Coming up: Tomorrow we'll explore how God's timing was perfect for spreading the gospel
“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.”
— Galatians 4:4-5 (WEB)🎯 Activity: Timeline Memory March - Students create a human timeline and jump to different historical points while reciting the verse
The 400 years between Malachi and Matthew were not biblically recorded but were crucial in historical preparation
Children might find long historical periods abstract
Emerging understanding of God's strategic planning in history