Introduction

Good morning, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. It's a joy to gather with you today, to bask in the warmth of fellowship and the ever-glowing light of God's Word. Today, we're going to turn our hearts and minds to a story that is both familiar and full of wonder, a story that speaks of a star, seekers, and the Savior of the world.

Our passage today brings us to the early chapters of Matthew, to a time when the birth of Christ was still fresh news, a divine proclamation that had yet to reach every ear. We find ourselves in the company of the Magi, these wise men from the East, who, guided by a star, made their way to Bethlehem, drawn by a deep desire to see the One who was born King of the Jews.

Here, in Matthew 2:1-12, we read:

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In this passage, we find a rich tapestry of themes and truths to consider. We'll look at the Magi's motivation, the manifestation of the Messiah, and the mystery of seeking.

As we embark on this study, I am reminded of a quote by the esteemed preacher Charles Spurgeon who once said, "A good character when established is not easily overthrown." The Magi, though they appear briefly in Scripture, left an indelible mark through their character and actions, teaching us valuable lessons about faith, worship, and the pursuit of Christ.

So, as we prepare to engage with God's word today, let's bow our heads in prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of your word, a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. As we study this passage today, we pray that you would open our hearts and minds to receive the truths you have for us. Guide us, Lord, and help us to see you more clearly, to love you more dearly, and to follow you more nearly. In Jesus' name, we pray, amen.

Let’s get started!

Magi's Motivation

As we consider the story of the Magi, we are drawn to their singular purpose. They had seen a star, a sign in the heavens that spoke of a king's birth. And so, they set out, leaving their homes behind, to find this king and to worship him. Their motivation was not political gain or personal glory. It was not curiosity or a desire for adventure. Their motivation was worship. They sought the king to bow before him, to honor him, to acknowledge his rule and reign.

A reminder for us: In a world that often encourages us to seek our own advancement, to strive for recognition and reward, the Magi's example calls us to a different path. They remind us that the greatest pursuit, the most worthy goal, is not about us at all. It's about seeking the King, about living our lives in worship and adoration of Him.

The Magi's motivation was marked by a deep sense of humility: They were wise men, scholars perhaps. They were likely well-respected in their own land. Yet they were willing to journey far from home, guided by a star, to bow before a child in a humble home in Bethlehem. They did not let their status or their knowledge prevent them from seeking the King. They did not let pride stand in their way.

A lesson for us: It's easy to let our accomplishments, our knowledge, our status become barriers that keep us from fully seeking God. We can become so focused on what we know, on what we've achieved, that we lose sight of the One who is truly worthy of our worship. The Magi remind us to lay aside our pride, to approach God with humility, recognizing that He is the King and we are the seekers.

The journey of the Magi speaks to us of perseverance: They traveled from the East, a journey that would have taken many weeks, perhaps even months. They faced the uncertainties of travel, the dangers of the road. They dealt with the skepticism of Herod and the indifference of the religious leaders in Jerusalem. Yet they did not give up. They did not turn back. They were determined to find the King, no matter what obstacles they faced.

In our own spiritual journeys, we too will face obstacles: There will be times of doubt and discouragement. There will be moments when we're tempted to turn back, to give up. But the Magi's example encourages us to press on, to keep seeking, to keep pursuing God, even when the journey is hard.

The Magi's motivation was marked by a spirit of generosity: When they found the child, they did not come empty-handed. They brought gifts, costly gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These were not casual gifts, not afterthoughts. They were gifts fit for a king, expressions of their reverence and their devotion.

In our own lives, we too are called to give: Not out of obligation, not out of a desire to earn God's favor, but out of a heart of worship. Like the Magi, we are to offer what we have, not holding back, but giving generously as an expression of our love for the King.

Manifestation of the Messiah

As we turn our attention to the manifestation of the Messiah, we find ourselves standing in the glow of a star that has led the Magi to the very doorstep of Jesus ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO