The Road to the King
Matthew 2:1-12
Introduction: Roads of life!
1. One of the things my wife likes about the valley is the straight roads!
Motion sickness is one of the worst!
2. Roads and highways have often been used to symbolize life!
--John Bunyan’s Christian classic Pilgrim’s progress!
Have you missed your turn or taken a supposed short cut?
I was trying to head back from Bristol TN and was cruising along when I saw a road sign that said, “welcome to Virginia”
3. Purpose statement: The magi or Wisemans’ quest to find Jesus should remind us of some signs we should watching for as we travel the road of life!
4. Background on the three kings!
The “Magi from the east” (v. 1) who came to see Jesus had learned about the Jews’ messianic expectations, likely from the prophetic writings such as Daniel’s. They were probably among the many God-fearing Gentiles who lived in the Middle East and Mediterranean area.
---Not sure how many—just three gifts mentioned.
---Advisors to kings
--- PROBABLY ANCESTORS OF BABOLIANS WHO WORKED UNDER DANIEL!
---And no, they didn’t show up at the manger...they came to the house where Mary and Joseph had started staying sometime after Jesus’ birth.
STARS OF RECOGNITION--- WISEMEN ARE OBSERVANT FOR SOMETHING GREATER THAN THEMSELVES!
Augustus held his census around 8 BC
Facts concerning the star:
It was visible in the East-the Magi saw it and undertook a journey of perhaps a thousand miles. It was either a miracle to mark the birth of Christ or natural event.--- Astrologers have suggested exploding stars, meteors, Venus and even Halley's Comet.
Johannes Kepler, last of the great astrologer-astronomers, believed that "Star" of Bethlehem Jupiter and Saturn every 900 years. They came together in 7 BC which would the exact date.
The Wiseman were able to recognize when God was moving and responded to His call on their lives! They were willing to respond as God moved them!
THEY were WATCHING FOR GOD
The GREEK WORD translated as “SAW” is used to describe! TO SEE IS A VOLUNTARY ACTION----The word translated see in this passage is the same Greek word to describe seeing both -- means to look at (literally or figuratively), behold, look (on, to), perceive, regard, see, take heed.
The same word used to describe what Peter and John did when they came to the tomb. The choose to investigate!
(1) They followed the light they had received, the star.
(2) They arrived at the wrong place.
(3) They asked for more light.
What are we looking for?
Are we watching for the bright stars in our lives?
--Maybe there is the star of godly parents?
--A friend who has never given up on you.
--A grandparent that brought you to church?
--A husband or wife
--minister or Sunday school teacher
ILL: All of these horrible shootings could be cut way back! We’ve got to get the light out into the world around us! Too many people are bitter and angry! The average dad talks to his son no more than 45 second a day.
I was talking with Caleb (our Spanish Language Minister) and we were in agreement that we cannot compete with world in entertainment!
We can’t compete with the world in toys!
WE CAN SHOW AND GIVE LOVE!
We cannot see God in our lives if we are looking at the wrong things!
--Wisemen watch their eyes and hearts---foolish men hang out in the strip bars!
--Wisemen men watch their kids play sports or instruments---foolish men watch their own image in their newest sports car
Wisemen watch their kids in the Christmas play—foolish men stay home
Wise woman watch God’s word grow in the husband—foolish woman look for fault
Wisemen look at the diverse and complex creation and search for the real source of life!
Wisemen look to the heavens above and recognize how tiny they are
Wisemen look at the death of their friends and family and recognize
Wisemen seek after God-- foolish men believe they can hide from Him
Wisemen seek define life by storing up treasures in Heaven –Foolish men seek to find life on Mars
Wisemen men learn to live on less –foolish men believe the one with most toys in the end wins
Wisemen recognize they will soon leave this world, but the foolish man believes he will live forever!
Wisemen recognize that God is calling them to lead their families!
Wisemen follow God’s leading ran than run!
Wisemen step up to the responsibility that God has called them to!
Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt and God used the Wisemen to help them get there!
WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A MEN’S CONFERENCE HERE ON Feb. 1 &2 sponsored by Family Life! CALLED STEPPING UP!
WE HAVE TO MANY MEN THAT HAVE STEPPED OUT!
Ill: The only out is together! Trapped in a grain silo at Ferebee and Son…We had to dig out together! No other way out!
WE HAVE NOT LOST OUR MORAL COMPASS YET!
US News and World report in a recent article about infidelity in America --reports! More Americans today (80 percent) say infidelity is "always wrong" than in 1970 (70 percent). And a full 99 percent of Americans say they expect their spouse to be faithful. Monogamy, at least as an ideal, is stronger than ever in this country even as it slips elsewhere.
AND YET WE ARE AFRAID! AND WE HAVE STEP OUT OF THE LIVES OUR MOST TREASURED RESOURCE—OUR CHILDREN!
In 2010, 41% all CHILDREN IN AMERICAN WERE BORN OUT –OF- WEDLOCK!
¾ of out-of-wedlock births in 2008 in the United States were to women between the ages of 19 and 29.
¾ OF THE 450 BILLION DOLLARS SPENT ON WELFARE IS GOING TO SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES
WISEMEN SEEK GOD!
And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.
For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools,
Proverbs 9:10 Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.
Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Isa.55:6
---They were constantly charting the stars, watching the skies, so God got their attention in the middle of where their attention was.
--They recognized the message as being something important, important enough to personally “check out” its meaning.
II. The Herod’s of life.
Herod was paranoid and he even killed his own sons to prevent them from taking over his kingdom!
He was in power only with the Romans approval!
1. He acted like he was interested!
Verses 7, 8
Herod called the wise men, and learned of them exactly what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search out exactly concerning the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word, that I also may come and worship him.
Many act interested ===Many want to impress others:
Many come to church just long enough to impress their girlfriend or boyfriend.
Potential client or boss!
THE MAGI __WERE IMPRESSED By the Millions of stars. Not every man of science has been led to acknowledge God; many in pride have turned away from the Lord, but these men were brought to a conviction not only of God’s existence but of God’s active dealing in the affairs of men.
Romans 1 and Psalm 19 speak of God’s power and creative handiwork demonstrated in the heavens.
Beware that person that seems to be interested in Jesus, but whose heart is only looking out for themselves!
2. He brought in all of the scholars of his day!---How many experts have we listened to?
Psychologist, sociologist, etc.
3. He ordered the magi to come back and report!
Herod feared a new King taking his position! Many fear that Jesus will take their place!
Ill: Lee Stroble –author of several books. Wife told him Jesus was more important to her life!
Verse 3
And when Herod the king heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
Herod's trouble was jealousy and rage, a rage that would finally vent itself in the slaughter of the innocents. Well, also, might the city of Jerusalem have been troubled with such a man upon the throne. Josephus related the circumstances attending the death of Herod, who, when he saw death was near, caused a large number of prominent persons to be put in prison with instructions that they should be put to death just as soon as Herod expired in order that (Herod said) "there should be real mourning" at his death! F8
HEROD WAS PARANOID AND HAD OPENED HIS HEART TO THE EVIL ONE!
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
John 8:44
You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
III. The moment of truth.
1. They refused King Herod’s order!
As Christian we are under no obligation to follow laws that cause us to sin!
Daniel refused to bow down and worship an image of Nebuchadnezzar.
---Angus Jones of Two and Half Men will need to make a decision --$350,000 an episode –it is flith! Every show makes light of sexuality and addiction.
THERE MAY BE A HUGE DECISION OR COMMITMENT THAT WANTS US TO MAKE!
Ill: I know the disciples of Jesus were terrified when they were faced with possible death!
2. They came with their hearts set on worship: But what they would have said when they left...?
They did not come to critique: "Did you see the sandals Mary was wearing with that gown?"
"That baby doesn't look anything like Joseph!"
"Can you believe that they let all of those disgusting animals in the house?"
"I heard that Joseph isn't even working right now!"
"And that donkey that they are riding has seen better days too!"
Conclusion: All of the nativity scene have this baby with rosy skin and a halo, but Isaiah
53 Who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
3 He was despised and rejected by mankind,
a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.
Let's be like Joseph and treat others as he treated Mary and the Baby Jesus!
We must develop relationship with people who can do nothing for us! Who cannot benefit us, who may be awkward!
Jesus said, “let the children come to me…
ADAM LANZA -Shooter of 26 people-Several people describe Lanza as withdrawn and awkward but not threatening. “Overall, I would just call him a socially awkward kid, I don’t know, shy and quiet. Didn’t really look you in the eye,” a former neighbor said. “Just kind of a weird kid, maybe.”
Former classmates recall how Lanza dressed more formally than other students, often wearing button-down shirts and a pocket protector, reports Reuters. The tech club that Lanza was a part of was “definitely the nerdiest club in the school,” a classmate said. Members often got together for gaming parties. Many have been quick to describe Lanza as smart and academically driven, an assessment that seems to be supported by the fact that Lanza “made the honor roll with highest honors,” according to the Los Angeles Times.
