Becoming Christmas Wise

Pastor’s Bible Class

Thomas Road Baptist Church

Becoming Christmas Wise

Dr. Elmer Towns

December 23, 2007

1. “Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem, in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. At about that time some astrologers from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the newborn King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in far-off eastern lands, and have come to worship him.’” King Herod was deeply disturbed by their questions, and all Jerusalem was filled with rumors. He called a meeting of the Jewish religious leaders. ‘Did the prophets tell us where the Messiah would be born?’ he asked. ‘Yes, in Bethlehem,’ they said, ‘for this is what the prophet Micah wrote: ‘O little town of Bethlehem, you are not just an unimportant Judean village, for a Governor shall rise from you to rule my people Israel.’ Then Herod sent a private message to the astrologers, asking them to come to see him; at this meeting he found out from them the exact time when they first saw the star. Then he told them, ‘Go to Bethlehem and search for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him too!’ After this interview the astrologers started out again. And look! The star appeared to them again, standing over Bethlehem. Their joy knew no bounds! Entering the house where the baby and Mary his mother were, they threw themselves down before him, worshiping. Then they opened their presents and gave him gold, frankincense and myrrh. But when they returned to their own land, they didn’t go through Jerusalem to report to Herod, for God had warned them in a dream to go home another way” (Matt. 2:1-12, LB).

2. God doesn’t detour around danger. “Born . . . in the days of Herod” (2:1).

3. Earthly plans conflict with God’s plans. “After Julius Caesar was assassinated, the Roman servants appointed Herod, “The king of the Jews.”

Jesus is a challenge to our titles.

Jesus demanded a change to our life style.

Jesus expects a sacrifice of our treasures

4. What Jesus does to wise men

a. Wise men come – v. 1

b. Wise men searched – v. 2

c. Wise men followed what light they have – v. 2

d. Wise men sought help from logical sources – v. 3

e. Wise men obeyed instructions – v. 8

f. Wise men went to the place where Jesus was – v. 4

g. Wise men recognized signs – v.9

h. Wise men rejoiced when they found Jesus – v. 10

i. Wise men bowed to Jesus – v. 11

j. Wise men worshiped Jesus – v. 11

k. Wise men gave to Jesus – v. 11

5. Sometimes God uses an epic to lead people to Himself. “His star” (v. 2).

6. Many political leaders still are not aware of Jesus’ coming.

7. Jesus still stirs up politicians and the public. “Herod . . . was troubled and all Jerusalem with him” (v. 3).

8. The scriptures are still the place to find the way to Jesus (v. 5-6).

9. The nature of politics is still consensus not conviction. “Bring me word that I may come worship him also” (v. 8).

10. Most politicians enquire of Jesus to save their job, not because of their belief in Him. “Herod . . . demanded of them where Christ shall be born” (v. 4).

11. Many, like Herod the politician, don’t always tell you the truth when they speak. “Go and search diligently for the child . . . bring me word . . . that I may come and worship him” (v. 8).

12. Some times God doesn’t’ lead, until we begin following. “They started out again, and look! The star appeared again” (v. 9, LB).

13. The search by everyone leads to Jesus. “The star went before them . . . stood over where the young child lay” (v. 9).

14. The principle of exclusion. God leaves out Joseph so people will focus on the miracle of Jesus’ birth. “The child with Mary his mother” (v. 11).

15. No one can stand on their feet in the Lord’s presence. “Fell down” (v. 11).

16. Worship springs from properly seeing Jesus.

17. We give Jesus our treasures when we see Him. “They presented unto Him, treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh" (v. 11).

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.