What Made The Wise Men Wise ?

Matthew 2:1-11 What Made The Wise men Wise ?

Three Wise Women ? - They would have asked directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, cleaned the stable, made a casserole

and brought practical gifts.

1. They Were Wise In Their Detection

Their Mystery - The identity and place of origin of these men is unknown

most likely from Arabia or Persia. This much we do know..they were wise!

Their Mastery - The word “Magi” referred to those who were experts in the workings of the heavens, and the study of the stars. “astronomers”.

Their Ministry - 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews?

for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

2. They Were Wise In Their Direction - To find “The King of the Jews”.

This decision based on :- Stars (or nature) Science & Scripture (Daniel)

they had the knowledge of scripture that a “Messiah” was coming.

Their knowledge was limited, lengthy, but liberating - began the search.

1. What They Sought (2:2) They were looking for - 1. A Man "where is he" 2. A Monarch "born King" 3. A Messiah "of the Jews"

1. Their Revelation ("we have seen his star in the east")

2. Their Adoration ("we are come to worship")

2. What They Thought (2:1-11)

a. They substituted reason for revelation (2:1-2)

(which took them to Jerusalem and Herod)

b. They substituted revelation for reason (2:10-11)

(which took them to Bethlehem and Christ)

3. What They Brought (2:11) a. Gold: b. Frankincense: c. Myrrh:

3. They Were Wise In Their Determination

These men may have traveled 500-1000 miles taking two years

7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

They would not be Discouraged, Deceived, Distracted, nor Diverted.

4. They Were Wise In Their Decision

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: - They found Jesus.

O that pearl of great price! have you found it? Is the Saviour supreme in your love?

O consider it well, ere you answer, As you hope for a welcome above.

Have you given up all for this treasure? Have you counted past gains as but loss?

Has your trust in yourself and your merits, Come to naught before Christ and His cross?

5. They Were Wise In Their Devotion.

11 when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Their Worship Was Intentional — 2 Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

Their Worship Was Volitional 2 and are come to worship him

Their Worship Was Personal 11 when they had opened their treasures

Their Worship Was Confrontational 3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

Their Worship Was Emotional 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

Their Worship Was Effectual 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother,

1 - Gold “The Royalty of Christ” - a gift worthy of a king - Found - My King

2 - Frankincense “The Divinity of Christ” - Found - My God

Frankincense is very fragrant when burned and is often used in worship,

3 - Myrrh “The Humanity of Christ” - Found - My Saviour

Myrrh was the best resource in preparing dead bodies before burial.

6. They Were Wise In Their Dedication

12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

all that come to Christ go away a different route...!