A study of the beginning and end of Jesus’ life reveals some interesting parallels. Consider the following:
- At both, He was rejected of men (Luke 2:7; Mark 15:15).
- At both, He was cast “outside” (Luke 2:7; Hebrews 13:12).
- At both, Mary was there (Luke 2:7; John 19:26).
- At both, myrrh was present for use upon Him (Matthew 2:11; John 19:39).
- At both, there was darkness (Matthew 2:10, 14; 27:45).
- At both, His body was wrapped in cloth (Luke 2:7, 12; Mark 15:46).
- At both, a Herod became curiously involved (Matthew 2:7–8; Luke 23:7–12).
- At both, wise men recognized His deity (Matthew 2:1–2; Mark 15:39; Luke 23:41).
- At both, Jews and Gentiles were there (Matthew 2:1; 27:54–56; Luke 2:4).
- At both, there was worship—the first genuine, the second mocking (Luke 2:13–14; Mark 15:19).
- At both, He was hailed as King—one in earnest, the other in jest (Mark 15:26–32).
- At both, there was an honorable man named Joseph (Matthew 1:19; Luke 2:16; Mark 15:43).
- At both, the chief priest and scribes were involved (Matthew 2:4–6; 27:41; Luke 23:10).
And both have changed the world and altered the impact of eternity.
