Matthew 2 :1-6 - Journey of the Wise Men Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise me from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Matthew 2 :7-12 - Journey of the Wise Men 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
Background Questions When did these things happen? Who were the wise men? What is the star they were following? Principle: God brings people to Himself in many ways. Proverbs 9:10 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
A Journey of Sacrifice They sacrificed their time and comfort. Application: Don't complain! Jonah 2:9 - “But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’” What is God calling you to sacrifice for Him?
A Journey of Faith Faith is acting without 100% proof. Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Biblical figures and modern Christians give us examples of faith. Application: What journey of faith is God calling you to?
A Journey of Worship Matthew 2:11 - After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They humbly worshiped Jesus the King. Revelation 7:9-12 - After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language,standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” Application: What is your sacrifice of worship to God?
A Journey of Obedience Matthew 2:12 - And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way. A simple command. Simple obedience. No excuses.
Christmas is Celebrating Jesus' Birthday... Not Yours Is He the center of your traditions? If He joined your Christmas party, would He feel like the King? What gift can you give Jesus this year? Sacrifice? Worship? Make Jesus your King.