Matthew 2:1-13
Introduction
: I went to my local grocery store last Tuesday and found this!
And how about this next picture?
The reason I ask is because I have a Christmas text for all of you who just can’t wait any longer!
Application
: The saw/recognized something and someone special and they seek it out…whatever it took.
Who were these guys?
The biblical Magi (
/ˈmædʒaɪ/
[1]
or
/ˈmeɪdʒaɪ/
; singular: magus;
Greek
:
μάγοι
, magoi), also referred to as the (Three) Wise Men or (Three) Kings, were, in the
Gospel of Matthew
and Christian tradition, a group of distinguished foreigners who visited
Jesus
after his birth, bearing gifts of
gold
,
frankincense
and
myrrh
. They are regular figures in traditional accounts of the
nativity
celebrations of
Christmas
and are an important part of Christian tradition.
According to Matthew, the only one of the four
Canonical gospels
to mention the
Magi
, they came “from the east” to worship the “king of the Jews”.
[2]
Although the account does not mention the number of Magi, the three gifts has led to the widespread assumption that there were three men.
[3]
In
Eastern Christianity
, especially the
Syriac churches
, the Magi often number twelve.
[4]
Their identification as kings in later Christian writings is probably linked to Psalms 72:11, “May all kings fall down before him”.
[5]
What is important is that they saw and they followed.
Matthew 4:19
Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
20
They immediately left
their
nets and followed Him. (NKJ)
John 4
: Woman at well – goes back to people she knows and says, “Hey I think I found Him, I’m going to follow and you might want to also.
John 1:40-41
,
“One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.
41
He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah ” (which is translated, the Christ).
(NKJ)
Application
: Coming into relationship with Jesus is a wonderful thing and an amazing journey! I say journey because it has its ups and down’s and ins and outs.
Application
: I too, heard and saw something special and I have been on a mission ever since!
Transition
: Not everyone is able/willing to follow. Why? Because
When Herod heard from the wise men’s mouth, “Where is the
newborn king
of the Jews?” “We have come to worship him,” the battle was on to destroy that possibility!
Application
: There will always be obstacle, opposition and opponents to you following Jesus!
What might some of the
general / obvious
obstacle be?
Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23 – In the parable of the Farmer Scattering Seed:
What might be some of the
more subtle
oppositions/challenges?
Transition
: My third discussion point is what is written in
verse 10
,
“When the saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house,…they bowed down and worshiped him, opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts…”
Let me talk about one’s vision and mission leading to a fulfilled purpose.
Application
: We’re talking joy, fulfillment, worship, gifts, etc…
God’s plan and purpose all along…..
John 3:16-17
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
17
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”
(Joh 3:16 NKJ)
Luke 19:10
“for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
(Luk 19:10 NKJ)
John 15:11
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”
(NKJ)
Transition
: All of this leads to then my last point or thought about a re-directed future.
Application: The wise men came one way but left another.
Not only were they forever changed but immediately they were given new instructions and new direction.
Application
: Lately like you, I’ve been seeing stuff on social media about Justin Beeber and Selina Gomez and Jim Carrey, just to name a few who are declaring faith and new direction.
God in his goodness will always:
Conclusion
: Wise men still seek Him!
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