Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
The main point of this sermon is to emphasize the importance of worshiping God, using the story of the Wise Men's journey to worship Jesus as a guide for our own worship.
Good morning, church! Today we're going to zero in on a narrative that's often glossed over after the Christmas season, but has so much to teach us. Our scripture today is from Matthew 2:1-12, and it tells about the Wise Men's journey to worship our King Jesus. It's a beautiful reminder of how we ought to approach our King, not just during Christmas, but every day of our lives.
Charles Spurgeon once said, "A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word 'darkness' on the walls of his cell." This quote reminds us of the absolute importance of worship in our lives. Worship isn't just about us, it's about recognizing the glory and majesty of our King, and giving Him the honor He deserves.
Worship is a term that is often thrown around in Christian circles, but do we truly understand its significance, especially when it comes to worshiping our King, Jesus Christ? The story of the Wise Men in Matthew 2:1-12 provides us with a profound example of what it means to worship the King.
Firstly, the Wise Men's journey to see Jesus was not a casual trip. They traveled a great distance, driven by a deep desire to meet the newborn King. This speaks volumes about the attitude we should have when we come to worship. Worship is not a casual event or a mere routine. It is a deliberate, intentional act of coming before God, recognizing His sovereignty and majesty. It requires effort, commitment, and a heart that is eager to meet with God.
Secondly, the Wise Men's worship was not empty or superficial. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, each of which had significant value and meaning. Gold, a gift for a king, acknowledged Jesus' royal standing. Frankincense, used in priestly duties, recognized Jesus' divine nature. Myrrh, used for anointing a body for burial, prophetically pointed to Jesus' sacrificial death. Their gifts were not random or thoughtless. They were meaningful expressions of worship that acknowledged who Jesus was and what He was going to do. This challenges us to examine our own worship. Is it meaningful? Does it acknowledge who God is and what He has done in our lives?
Thirdly, the Wise Men's worship was not influenced by the opinions or actions of others. Despite Herod's ulterior motives and the indifference of the religious leaders, the Wise Men were undeterred in their mission to worship Jesus. They were not seeking approval or validation from others. Their focus was solely on Jesus. This is a powerful reminder for us. Our worship should not be dictated by the opinions, expectations, or responses of others. It should be a personal, heartfelt response to God, irrespective of what others may think or do.
Lastly, the Wise Men's worship led to obedience. After being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they obeyed and returned to their country by another route. This highlights the transformative power of true worship. When we truly worship God, it leads to a change in our actions and attitudes. It leads to obedience. Worship is not just about singing songs or saying prayers. It's about aligning our hearts and lives with God's will.
The Wise Men's response to the birth of Jesus is a profound example of true worship ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO