December 22, 2024

The Wise Men

Preacher:
Passage: Matthew 2:1-12
Service Type:

Introduction

  • There is always something we can learn about the birth stories of Jesus
    • Example
      • Matthew – speaking about Gentile wise men
      • Luke – speaking about Jewish shepherds
    • As Gentiles we need to be thankful that we have been grafted into the olive tree
      • The gospel first to the Jews and to the Gentiles
      • We have been brought into the family of God – all one in Christ (neither Jew nor Gentile)
    • The Jews heard first (the shepherds), the Gentiles second (the wise men)
      • We must remember the Jewish people in particular
      • The gospel is not just for Jew or Gentile, but also the rich and the poor
  • Looking at the Wise Men this morning
  • Overview:
    • The East
    • Herod’s Court
    • At Bethlehem

The East (v1-2)

  • Reading 2:1
  • Who were the wise men?
    • It is hard to be definite
    • Advisers to kings in Arabia or Babylon
      • We read of wise men / magicians / astrologers in Daniel’s time in Nebuchadnezzar’s court
    • Wealthy – they brought treasures and they sought the palace court
    • Abraham worshipped at the altar
      • The wise men would also worship
  • They saw a star in the East
    • "His star" (v2)
      • This star was pointing them to Jesus Christ
    • How do they know it was His star?
      • Maybe a reference in Numbers
      • Maybe a reference in Daniel
      • Maybe they could interpret signs
      • Divine revelation
        • As God spoke to Abraham
    • They rejoiced with exceedingly great joy when they saw the star the second time (v10)
      • It did not move from East to West
      • It appeared a second time – but Herod did not see this
      • Ps 72:11 – "Yes, all kings shall fall down before Him; All nations shall serve Him"
    • There are over 300 prophecies over 2000 years fulfilled in the life of Jesus Christ
      • Micah 5:2 – being born in Bethlehem
      • The fulfilment of all prophecy confirms the veracity/truth of Scripture
  • What did they believe?
    • He was the King of the Jews
    • He was worthy of worship
    • He was Divine – only God is worthy of worship
      • Jesus was God in the flesh
    • We celebrate Christmas as an act of worship
      • It reminds us of the greatest miracle – that God became man
      • We worship with the wise men
    • What is your understanding of the Child in the manger?
      • Humility
      • That He was born and died King of the Jews
      • King of Kings and Lord of Lords

Herod’s Court (v3-8)

  • There were other ‘wise’ men in Herod’s court
    • Scribes and chief priests – with access to the Scriptures
    • They understood the Scriptures
      • The place of Christ’s birth
      • They had no faith and did not worship
        • Yet the wise men with little or no Scripture worshipped
  • Herod and Jerusalem were troubled
    • Herod does not want a rival king
    • Although some people were waiting for the Messiah (e.g. Simeon and Anna), the majority had no faith and wanted a quiet life
    • Maybe they were troubled by Gentiles coming to a Jewish Messiah
      • The Jews treated Gentiles very ill
    • What is the reaction of many?
      • Fear
      • They may like some parts of Scripture but not others
  • Herod is false (v8)
    • Completely false – he has no desire at all to worship
    • His only desire is to destroy Jesus
    • He massacres all the baby boys under the age of 2
    • He has a corrupt heart
    • Humans have a tendency to lying, deceitfulness, failure to be honest and straightforward, covering things up, twisting things
  • God overrules
    • The ungodly scribes
    • A wicked king

At Bethlehem (v9-12)

  • The Royal City of David, the House of Bread
    • David was from Bethlehem
    • Here is David’s greater Son
      • Christ is to be worshipped by kings, by wise men
  • The star now goes before them
    • God is a God of miracles
      • Acts 16 – localised earthquake
    • They "rejoiced with exceedingly great joy" (v10)
      • God has promised to lead and guide us (in His word)
  • They come into the house and fell down before the young Child
  • They bring their treasures
    • Gold – fit for a king
    • Frankincense – fit for worship
    • Myrrh – used to anoint bodies for burial
    • Words from "We Three Kings"
    • They proclaim this Child as God, one who will die and be raised on the third day
  • Have you bowed the knee to Jesus?
    • Have you seen that Jesus died for your sin?
    • Have you repented of your sin?
    • Is He your Lord and Saviour?
    • Worship Him and crown Him Lord of all
  • God warned them to return another way
    • He is kind and gracious