How Badly Do You Wish To See The Christ–the Messiah? Series

HOW BADLY DO YOU WISH TO SEE THE CHRIST–THE MESSIAH?

How badly do you wish to see The Christ?

As we enter into the calendar period near our holiday named Christmas, often many read the story of the birth of Jesus the Christ. But, have you noticed the nature of the persons mentioned in the story and their desire to see the Christ child?

When we examine their personalities and attitudes toward the child, we see differing reasons for each group wanting to see him. Could our desires to find the Messiah be any different? Let us examine these different groups and why they desired to see the Christ child.

A. Wise men; Magi

1. Matthew 2:1-2. 2 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

a. These Wise men were considered wise because they studied the scriptures and astrology.

b. Prophecy foretold of a star. One which would come from Jacob in the future.

i. Numbers 24:17.Num 24:17 — I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

ii. Jesus is that Star, metaphorically

c. This physical bright star the Wise men saw was a sign unto them of the fulfillment of the prophecy proclaimed.

d. An ‘illustrious prince’ (star metaphorically speaking) will come to destroy the evil ones and redeem the righteous

e. To them, this bright star signified the coming of the illustrious prince which would redeem the earth

2. Why did they desire to see the child?

a. “...we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” (vs. 2)

i. ‘To worship him’

b. Are you like the Wise men who studied the scriptures and, by faith, believe and know Jesus is the Messiah and desire to worship Him?

B. Shepherds

1. Luke 2:8-11. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

a. Shepherds were confronted with angels telling them of a special event which had taken place nearby.

b. The shepherds were told of the Savior born into the world.

2. Why did the shepherds desire to see the child?

a. Luke 2:15. 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

i. Curiosity overcame them

ii. They had not expected the arrival of the prophesied ‘Star’ (illustrious prince) to come and redeem Israel

iii. The novelty of the event with the angels brought curiosity such that they began to talk one to another concerning this news.

1). What did it mean?

2) So they decided to investigate the news, “let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see.”

b. The truth of the angel proven by what the shepherds saw filled their minds with great joy and they told all the could of the great event they witnessed.

i. Luke 2:20. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

3. Did you come into the House of the Lord for curiosity's sake?

a. Did you come to see what was the teaching of this congregation?

b. Were you curious about Jesus?

c. Did the great news of Jesus cleansing you of your sin cause you to tell anyone who would listen?

C. Simeon

1. Luke 2:22-26. 22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; 23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. (Lev. 12:1-8) 25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.