What Made The Wise Men Wise ?
Matthew 2:1-11
Jokes: 3 Wise Women
Do you know what would have happened if it had been Three Wise
Women instead of Three Wise Men?
They would have asked directions, arrived on time, helped deliver
the baby, cleaned the stable, made a casserole and brought
practical gifts.
One little boy was telling his parents about his Sunday School lesson.....and shared with them the gifts that the wise men brought to baby Jesus.....he said......they brought him goats, frankenstein, and smurfs.
The identity and place of origiin of the wise men has been one of much debate, and conjecture over the years. There are details which are simply not given to us in scripture. How many were there ? Who were they ?
Where were they from ?
Of course the most common number is that there were three because they bore three gifts....this may or may not be the case. It is simply not known.
It has been said of them that they were Kings, princes and or priests.
Many different locations have been suggested as their origin.....the most likeliest being that they were from Arabia or Persia. We are limited to only what truths the scripture gives us concerning these men.
This much we do know......that they were wise !
The word “wise men” is actually “Magi” from which we get our English word “magician”. But they were not magicians as we would think....meaning that they were not experts at slight of hand, and they pulled no rabbit out of their hats. The word “Magi” in those days referred to those who were experts in the workings of the heavens, and the study of the stars. Someone has suggested that they were “oriental scientists”. If they existed today they would be called “astronomers”. These men were probably well educated, and very intelligent, and deserving of the title “wise men” or “magi”.....but I believe what truly made them wise was not their education or intelligence, but their actions. We can glean much from these men from the Christmas story that will show us what truly makes them wise men ? And we can see......if we’re just as wise.
1. They Were Wise In Their Decision.
These men made a decision to seek out, and find he that would be born “The King of the Jews”. This decision was based on their studies, and the information that they had available to them.
a. Stars(or nature)
b. Science
c. Scripture(The O.T. up to the book of Daniel)
While the study of science in our day has led many away from the creator,
these men were led, and rightly so into knowing that there was a God who intervened in the affairs of men. Do not the heavens declare the glory of God or not they the works of his hand. The heavens are the canvas of God and he has painted upon it a number of stars that no man can name or number. Just a few weeks ago while coming to church, the sun was setting, and across the horizon God had painted the most vivid, brilliant colors which no human artist can duplicate. I admire, and appreciate the beauty of the paintings of Thomas Kinkaid who is called the “author of light”....but even his paintings as beautiful as they are cannot do justice to what the heavenly artist has done. I look at the heavens, the sky, the stars, the plants, and all of creation, and I see the fingerprints of God. These men were wise in that they too knew that there was something special, something supernatural about the heavens.
I believe that these men of the Christmas story not only made a decision to come to Christ on science, but because of a star. Though they were experts in the study of stars, they at some point located one which they had never seen before......Much conjecture too has been made about this star. Was it a planet, a comet, a super nova ? Personally it is my opinion that it was a special star.....a sign from the heavens.....that something spectacular was taking place on earth...a symbol that the greatest event of humankind was unfolding on the earth........the Messiah had come.
I believe there was something else that was involved in the decision that they made.....and that was scripture. It has been suggested that these men were not only experts in the study of the heavens, but in prophecy as well.......this much I do know......they had to have had the knowledge of scripture to have known that a “Messiah” was coming.
You and I have much more information than these men did. We have the word of God.....the complete inerrant, infalliable word of God. It is seen, and heard in practically every corner......the scripture is readily available to us. It is preached, and taught over the airwaves via radio.......via T.V....and there are churches like this one that believe, and preach the word located on virtually every street in our society.........but have we been wise enough or will we be wise enough today to decide to come to Christ.
2. They Were Wise In Their Determination.
Again....I have read that these men may have traveled 500-1000 miles on their trek. Apparently.....it took them two years to locate where Christ was.
Don’t you imagine that they were the subject of much ridicule.
Don’t you imagine that they the were blunt of many jokes.......going off on a journey chasing a star.........for heaven’s sake ! Yet they were convinced, and determined......I would imagine that such a journey would involve much cost......yet they were determined. I would imagine they became sick along the way.....yet they were determined ! I would think that they grew tired, and possibly discouraged along the way.....but they were determined.......determination is a trait that we all need to possess, and is truly one that can help make one wise.........but especially is this true when it comes to our relationship with Christ.
These men started off their journey because they saw a star.....at some points perhaps they could no longer see it.....thus they began to inquire as to where he was to be born......but upon having their questins answered they rejoiced in seeing the star once again pointing the way to the very spot where he was.
3. They Were Wise In Their Discernment.
Herod having heard that the men were in town inquiring about the King of the Jews calls secretly for them...and sends them to Bethlehem to search for the child. He tells them to report back to him when he is found so that the too may come and worship him. The wise men were wise because they were able to discern the jealousy, the hypocrisy, the evil of Herod......and they would be no part of it. These wise men were on a mission, and they would not be sidetracked.....not even by Herod who if he found them could have had them killed for disobeying his orders......
People who are able to discern right from wrong, and do right are truly wise.
4. They Were Wise In Their Discovery.
In their studies, they probably had discovered many beautiful and wonderful things....but they had not discovered anything like they did when they found the Christ child.......In Christ Jesus they discovered the Messiah, the King of the Jews, the King of kings, the Star that would come out of Judah, the Bright and Morning Star.....
This morning the world is filled with many wonders.....we emphasise to our children, and young people the importance of a good education.....and the need for studies.....but what will it gain us or them if in our studies we do not discover Jesus. What good will it do us in eternity if we discover what it’s like to have vast amounts of earthly treasure......and miss Jesus.
5. They Were Wise In Their Devotion.
When at last they had found the Christ, they bowed down and worshipped him. They presented him with gifts. Listen this morning it is not enough just to discover who Christ is or what he had done.......we come up short if we only discover certain truths about him........not enough just knowing about him......we must devote ourselves to him. We must worship him !
We must give ourselves to him !
6. They Were Wise In Their Departure.
V.12 They were warned in a dream........God takes care of those who come to Christ. God made them aware of the potential danger of going back the same way they came....and so they went a different route.......allow me this morning to say this......that all they that come to Christ go away a different route.......once we meet the Christ......once we worship him......we are changed ! We are different !
