The Wise Men Series

The Wise Men

December 18, 2022

Matthew 2:1-12 NIV

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

This story only appears in Matthew’s gospel.

The Magi were leaders and priests who were fascinated by science and astrology.

They were educated and wealthy.

Jesus was probably two years old when they arrived.

There’s no proof that only three men came. There were three gifts, but there could have been many Magi.

What does this story mean for us today?

The wise men stayed curious.

Our spiritual senses are the sharpest when we’re in the game.

The wise men were willing to go.

God is calling all of us into public ministry, to be salt and light.

The wise men brought gifts.

Three principles on giving are taught throughout Scripture:

1. Everyone should give as they’re able.

2. God should get our first and best.

3. Giving is worship.

We’re not donors. We’re worshippers.

The wise men acted wisely.

Wisdom is the art of living skillfully in whatever conditions we find ourselves.

Conclusion:

Isaiah 60:3 NIV

Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.