A Journey That Ends With Jesus
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A Journey that Ends With Jesus
“The Wise Men”
Intro A:
· Today we share the last message in our series entitled, The Characters of Christmas. In a sense, you could preach an entire year of sermons, because there are so many compelling figures involved in the eternal drama of the incarnation, that incredible miracle of God becoming flesh and dwelling among us.
· Our last message brings us to the wise men. Most of us are used to seeing these guys around the nativity. Last night I spent a lot of time online hunting down the Fisher Price Little People Nativity Set.
· In every nativity I’ve ever seen, they are there, on their camels, and there are always three of them. We’ll get to the reason for that a little later. They are always decked out in really cool shiny robes and always have funny hats. I’ve always wondered. How in the world do they know what kind of hats they wore back then? But I’m sure someone, somehow knows that information.
· Speaking of wise men, I read this week in the Gages Lake Lighthouse, a quote put in there by its wonderful editor, Janice Webb, who happens to be a woman. She wrote this:
- What would have happened if it had been three wise women instead of three wise men? They would have asked for directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, cleaned the stable, and made a casserole!
- I’m wondering what they could have done with a GPS? They might have actually been to
- In all seriousness, the story of the wise men is included in Matthew’s divinely inspired narrative for a purpose. It wasn’t that Matthew was trying to fill out the characters in his new Christmas play. He wasn’t trying to spice up the story.
- Matthew’s gospel has a purpose. It is to present Jesus Christ as King, the rightful heir to the throne of David. That is why he opens the gospel with a bold claim: that Jesus Christ, born of a virgin, legally adopted by Joseph, comes from the line of family of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and most importantly, David himself. Matthew shares Joseph’s family tree because to be legally, king, Jesus’ father would have to be in David’s line. Back then the birth records were kept on file in the temple and anyone could access them.
- So its no wonder that Matthew continues to establish Jesus as King by sharing the story of the Wise Men, or the Kings, who came from afar. Their presence in
- Luke’s gospel—whose purpose is to establish Jesus as the son of Man, talks only of the lowly Mary and the lowly shepherds. Jesus is indeed both: King of Kings and Son of Man. He is both noble and humble. King and Savior. God and man. This is the divine and wonderful paradox of the God-man.
- I believe there are some powerful life lessons for us today in this story. But before we get to those, I think have to figure out just who these guys were.
- If you take a step back, they don’t really fit into this story. A poverty-stricken family. A lowly stable and a manger. Shepherds. A cattle-trough.
- Only God could bring some of the smartest and most prominent of
- It reminds me of the church—doesn’t it? the church is made up of all kinds of people from all income levels, all backgrounds, all social strata. What a beautiful picture. The cross of Jesus Christ is the great leveler.
Intro B:
- The story of the wise men presents several questions.
- Where did they come from? The text tells us that they were “Magi from the East.” The word, “Magi” refers to a specific class of priests probably from the
- Who Were They? Other sources tell us that Magi existed for hundreds of years. They were largely astrologers. Now there is a difference between astronomy and astrology. Astronomy is a study of the stars. Astrology believes there is a connection between God and the placement of the stars.
- Tradition says that they were high men of
- I’m guessing they were either kings or were ambassadors and advisors to the kings. IF you study the Old Testament, you’ll find that the kings usually surrounded themselves with the best and brightest in their kingdoms. They were sought out for their knowledge and wisdom. In today’s world, think of smart guys like Steve Jobs at Apple or the Google guys or some of the greatest inventors and authors and thinkers.
- Also, were there really three guys? The Bible doesn’t say so, so its mainly based on tradition. Over the centuries, legends and tradition has added to their story. They have even been given names. Caspar, Melchoir, and Balthasar.
- There is no evidence that there were three of them. Where we get this idea is from the three gifts—but it very well could be that the gifts were presented together. We definitely know that more than three were in their entourage. There is no way these men of nobility traveled by themselves, thousands of miles. In fact, the Scriptures say that when they arrived, they attracted Herod’s attention. They may have had as many as 300 people.
- Now what about the hymn, We Three Kings? John Henry Hopkins, Jr., was instrumental in organizing an elaborate holiday pageant for the students of the General Theological Seminary in
- This piece depicts the journeys of the three wise men, who traveled from separate parts of the globe to pay homage at the crib of Jesus in
- I think its still okay to sing the song. If you have a deeply held conviction about the hymn, I’m really sorry.
- Where did they come from? The text tells us that they were “Magi from the East.” The word, “Magi” refers to a specific class of priests probably from the
- Now that we kind of know who they were, let’s dive into what their mission was. I’ve discovered 5 powerful points. You had to know that I would find five points. If you’ve listened to my preaching for any length of time, you’ll know that I’m a “five points and a poem guy.”
- As a young kid, I always wondered why the wise men were called wise. We obviously know now, but I thought I would share 5 points on why these wise men were wise.
1) The Wise Men Were Wise Because They Knew Who They Were Looking For – Read Matthew 2:1-2
a. It is clear that these men were not just aimless stargazers. Now, we know that the Scriptures forbid this kind of soothsaying or astrology in Deuteronomy and Isaiah. But these men were clearly serious.
b. But how did they know so much about finding the Christ child? Here are a few reasons:
i. If you know the story of Daniel, you know he was named chief of the Magi. Turn to Daniel 2:46-49
ii. 46 Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him. 47 The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret. 48 Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole
Daniel 2:46-49 (KJV)
iii. Remember that King Nebuchadnezzar had just undergone a remarkable conversion experience. Cocky and arrogant, God brought him low. For seven years, he scraped the ground like a beast, plagued with mental illness. Now, when the curse is lifted, he embraces God and says, “okay, Daniel, you train all of my wise men, my “Magi”.”
iv. Could it be that these Magi learned the Scriptures from Daniel, who had been given the prophecies of the coming Messiah and God’s unfolding plan for the world? Perhaps they passed it down from generation to generation.
v. They clearly knew Micah’s prophecy from Micah 5:2.
vi. Also consider that the Jewish people had been scattered throughout the world. They carried with them the prophecies of a coming Messiah. These men clearly studied these prophecies.
vii. What’s interesting is that they probably knew more about the prophecies than most of the Jewish people in
viii. We know that the Jews and the Magi had intermingled for at least 500 years. We know that they would notice any new sign in the sky.
c. There is a spiritual application here. Don’t miss it. If you’re conducting an honest search for truth, for meaning, for purpose—God’s promise is that He will help you find that purpose in Jesus Christ.
d. They were looking for a Christ child. Many people in our world are looking, but they are looking in the wrong places, for the wrong Saviors, for the wrong purpose. They want physical satisfaction, but what they need is a relationship with a Person.
e. God’s promise is this: Those Who Seek Me Shall Find Me. Its ironclad. An honest pursuit of the truth leads only to Christ.
f. They were willing to seek, to search, to travel. I fear that most people will end up in Hell, because they didn’t pursue that longing in their heart for truth. They were intellectually and spiritually lazy. Don’t put off that search. If you have to travel miles, across borders and cultures, do it. Do it for eternity’s sake.
g. By the way, these men were Gentiles. Christ was a Savior for the whole world, not just the Jewish people. There is no discrimination in the Gospel—it is inclusive and open to all. There is only one way, however, and that way is thru the Savior.
2) The Wise Men Were Wise Because They Were Willing To Follow – Matthew 2:3-8
a. They said, “we have seen his star.” Clearly they understood the Old Testament prophecy.
b. Let’s read Numbers 24:17. It predicted a star: “I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.”
c. There are several theories on the star:
i. Some think it was Halley’s Comet. But that appeared in 11 B.C. So too early.
ii. Some say it was a supernoval, which is kind of like a shooting star, no steroids. But there really is no astronomical record of a supernova during that time.
iii. Some feel there was a strange occurrence of Jupiter, Mars,and Saturn colliding in a vary rare conjunction that appears once every 125 years. My only problem with this is that why did only wise men see the star and not everyone else?
iv. I personally believe it was a divine light that guided them. Just like God guided the Israelites with a pillar of fire and a cloud. Just like God appeared in a burning bush, I believe God honored the fragile faith of these men and guided them to His Son.
v. Illustration: Back during World War II a little boy and his daddy were driving home on Christmas Eve. They drove past rows of houses with Christmas trees and decorations in the windows. In many of the windows the little boy noticed a star. He asked his father, "Daddy, why do some of the people have a star in the window?" His daddy said that the star meant that the family had a son in the war. As they passed the last house, suddenly the little boy caught sight of the evening star in the sky. "Look, Daddy, God must have a son in the war, too! He's got a star in his window." Indeed, God has a son who went to war, but Jesus came into our world to go to war with sin.
d. Again, I find it interesting that this star only appeared to the wise men? Was it visible to all and only they were looking for it? This is like today, where the Gospel is available to all, but only few are seeking it. Its sad. What more does God have to do?
e. Or did God give them special revelation? I believe God does that to those who are seeking.
f. But let’s not focus on the star and focus on the contrast between the wise men and Herod. It is a picture of the difference between those who ultimately come to Christ and those who reject him.
g. It comes down to one singular character trait: pride. The wise men, in humility, sought the Savior. They studied the prophecies in Micah and believed God. It takes humility to have faith. After all of the apologetics and proofs—it takes simple faith. These men had their charts and their diagrams and their divinations, but ultimately they had to follow that star.
h. Herod on the other hand was a tottering old dictator. Sure he built
i. Here the wise men and their entourage come rolling into town. They probably stirred up the people in anticipation of the Messiah. It was a threat.
j. He was 5 miles away from the Savior yet he never went to see him. How many are so close to the Savior and yet so far. See, faith in Christ takes humility. It involves seeing yourself as God see you, not as you see yourself. It means you, like Paul, must admit your sinfulness. He said, “O Wretched Man that I am.”
k. Herod couldn’t follow that babe in the manger. But one day he too will bow before Jesus, the King of Kings. But it will be too late.
3) The Wise Men Were Wise Because They Understood True Worship – Read Matthew 2:9-12
a. Now we all know the wise men didn’t appear at the manger scene. Every nativity set and every pageant is usually historically wrong. Its funny how every single Christian seems to know that. Its okay, though.
b. Clearly, the Scriptures say they went to the “house” – now that doesn’t mean they came two years later as some insist. Because Mary and Joseph would have moved to a permanent house pretty quickly.
c. But imagine the scene here. A lowly, poverty-stricken couple and their child. And these prominent, wealthy men from the east. I’m sure their home wasn’t anything spectacular.
d. And yet these men bowed in worship before their King, Jesus Christ. What humility. What joy. What reverence for God.
e. This is one of the most beautiful pictures of worship before God. It tells me three key things about worship:
i. Worship brings joy. This says in the King James, exceeding great joy. Here is what this means in the Greek. “Exceeding great joy.” Not a lot of explanation needed.
1. Why is it that Christians are often the angriest, saddest people on earth?
2. We’ve seen Jesus Christ. We know the King of Kings. And yet we have no joy.
3. There can only be on explanation for it: We’ve not been in Jesus’ presence enough. Seeing Jesus, experiencing Jesus, brings true joy.
4. Sometimes we’re afraid to express our joy. We’re afraid if we smile or clap or say amen in church that somehow we’re not being reverent.
5. I guarantee you these guys were anything but somber and still.
ii. True Worship is Not About You, Its not About Me.
1. The Scriptures say that these important, brilliant, educated men – fell down and worshipped him. They lost all pride and dignity and just worshipped Christ.
2. Worship involves humility. Its acknowledging our weakness and God’s greatness. When was the last time you and I got on our knees in worship?
3. True worship is centered on Jesus Christ, who should be the object of our worship. The Wise Men worshipped Him because He is worthy to be praised. They had a heart of worship.
4. Too often worship services are centered on the entertainer or on the people.
5. Too often Christian are looking for just the perfect worship experience as if its all about them.
a. They complain because its not conservative enough.
b. They complain because its not contemporary enough.
6. I’ll just say this. Your attitude when you come into worship is more important than what is happening on stage. Is your heart right with God?
iii. True Worship involves Giving.
1. Did you realize that the tradition of gift-giving began on the first Christmas? Some Christian scrooges whine about the gift-part of Christmas, but this is a wonderful tradition.
2. These men gave three gifts. Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. Unlike some of our shopping on Christmas, these were very intentional gifts. They didn’t just hit the Bethlehem Walmart before getting to the house. There is special meaning for these gifts
a. The gift of gold was a gift for his majesty as a King. Gold has always been valued as the most precious commodity on earth.
i. This tells me that these men didn’t chince on their gift-giving.
ii. They gave gold. My question is this: Do we give Christ our gold? Do we give him our all or do we give him 2nd best, 2nd rate? True worship involves sacrifice. Romans 12:1 says that laying ourselves on the altar is our “reasonable service.”
b. The gift of frankincense was a gift for Jesus as the priest.
i. Did you realize that thru Jesus Christ we have access to God. Hebrews says that he is the great high priest.
ii. He broke down the barriers between us and God.
iii. We know have access to the God of the Universe through Jesus Christ.
iv. There is only one mediator, Jesus Christ, by the way.
c. The gift of myrrh was a gift that pointed to Jesus as a sacrifice.
i. Myrrh was a burial and embalming ointment.
ii. Clearly these men knew that Jesus must suffer and die for their sins.
iii. Jesus is the only and only Savior. That babe in the manger, this precious child, would one day be put up on a cross and crucified for your sins and for mine.
iv. Jesus is the one and only and final sacrifice. Have you trusted Him completely as your Savior? If you do you can experience him as priest and as king and as Lord.
iv. True Worship Involves Effort.
1. As they told Herod, they saw the star about two years earlier. Probably the journey took two years. It was a grueling journey, even with all of their luxuries and servants.
2. Yet they were willing to risk everything to have an encounter with Christ.
3. How willing, what distances will you travel in order to encounter Christ? For some a hangnail will keep them out of church. A cough will keep them in bed.
4. And yet they’ll travel great distances to go to work, entertain themselves, etc. But church is often last on their list. IF its not easy and convenient, they’re out.
5. These men wanted to worship the Messiah. It was important to them. How important is it to you?
4) The Wise Men were Wise because They Followed Only One King – Read Matthew 2:12
a. Herod thought he had outsmarted God, didn’t he? But God knows all and appeared to the men in a dream. It was at this moment they had to make a decision.
i. Who would they follow?
ii. Who would they serve?
iii. Who was their master?
b. Sometimes we have to make a decision.
i. We can serve our careers.
ii. We can serve our desires.
iii. We can serve God.
c. Is there a Herod in your life that is holding you back from God’s Will? A parent or a boyfriend or a boss or a group of friends? You may have to choose whom you will serve.
d. Will you be like Joshua and say, “As for Me and My House, We Will Serve the Lord.” Will you Be like the wise men and say, “We will Serve the Christ.”
e. Christ himself later said “I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” “I have come to divide families.”
f. Where is your loyalty?
i. Is it to your bank account?
ii. Is it your parents?
iii. Is it to your boyfriend or girlfriend you have a hold over you?
iv. Or is it to God?
In closing, I want to challenge you with this:
Wise Men Still Seek Him.
If You Seek Him, You’ll Find Him.
When You Find Him, Will You Bow in Worship Before Your Savior?
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