Matthew 2:1-15 The visit of the Wise Men.
First, read these 12 verses in your Bible. Or go to www.biblegateway.com and read them online in your favorite translation.
I have four observations that we can learn from in this passage.
#1. People are looking for a Savior.
The wise men were looking for the time of the coming of the Messiah. I think in our society we suffer from one of two things. Either we presume that everyone has already heard of Jesus and has made their decision, or we presume that no one wants to hear about Jesus because they have their own priorities.
There are people who fall into both categories. But the truth is that far more people that I talk to want to know about what Jesus really said and did. People have heard all kinds of rumors and cliché's about what Jesus taught, but very very few have actually read the Gospels. This goes for Agnostics, Pagans (by their own words, not mine), Protestants, Catholics, and others who just considered themselves indifferent until our conversation.
People really want to know about the Savior. They may not know him AS savior. But I am yet to talk to someone who was truly uninterested in knowing what Jesus really taught and what the bible actually says. (Remember, most people think the line "cleanliness is next to Godliness" is in the Bible. But in reality it is not.)
The problem comes when we think of sharing our faith, we envision some awkward moment where we blurt something out that is completely out of context with the rest of the conversation. Jesus didn't do that. Neither did Paul. Why should we? Paul said, I have become all things to all men so that by all means, I might save some.... If we are to apply that to real life, then we are to talk about our relationship with God in a relaxed manner; like its part of our everyday, every moment life. The thing is, we have to live that way to talk and act that way. Otherwise, it is an awkward moment asserted at an inopportune time because we are out of tune with God.
#2. Others are trying to subdue the Savior.
Herod acted interested in learning about Jesus. But in truth, he wanted to get rid of Jesus. Jesus was viewed as a threat to Herod's sovereignty. The truth is that Jesus is a threat to every man's sovereignty. We want to be king of our own world. People talk about original sin as though it was something sexual. The original sin was pride. Satan wanted to be God. But he couldn't. He wanted to be worshiped, but he was not worthy. Herod saw Jesus as an encroachment on his kingdom. The thing was thought that Jesus was not interested in Herod's thrown, but in the eternal thrown. Jesus was come to offer peace between God and mankind.
Many of us are like Herod. We want to be king of our own little worlds. The problem is we stick our heads in the sand and act like our lives and everything we touch is all that exists. That is not the case. We are all eternal. We will all exist somewhere after this. But God is a gentleman; He will not force himself on those who do not choose him. Herod directly chose to be rid of Jesus, he failed to destroy Jesus, but he would not come and acknowledge him as the great and sovereign king of the universe.
The question for us is: Who is our king? Who sits on our thrown? Do we, or do we let Christ have the seat that was intended for him?
#3. We can celebrate the Savior.
The Wise men found Jesus, and when they did, the "rejoiced exceedingly with great joy." (NASB)
We can and should celebrate the savior. He is the creator of all things according to the book Colossians. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords according to Revelation. He is the Son of God, the Savior, One with God, and Shepherd of all according to the whole Bible.
We often like to think of him as Savior. But we often forget the other titles he has (and really I haven't come close above to listing them all). But the King has called and chosen us. He died for us, and rose to give us the promise of eternal life. (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-11, I Corinthians 15:3-8) We have a reason to celebrate. That Jesus is alive.
My favorite line I learned at an evangelism conference a few years ago, "I have best news in the world for you, the tomb is empty and the thrown is occupied."
#4. We will be lead by God when we seek the Savior.
God told Jeremiah "you will seek me and you will find me when you seek me with all of your heart." (Jer. 29:13, NIV)
These wise men sought Jesus intently until they found him. It is a great story of their commitment and very symbolic of our search for Christ today. But a lesson we can learn is that once we find Jesus, we can trust God to guide our steps if we will listen and pay attention to the signs he gives us.
In this case God warned them in a dream not to go back to Herod. Now I think in our world we are so anxious to put meaning on all our dreams we overshoot the goal. So please do not think because you had a dream where you did something terrible that God is telling you to do that. Remember, Satan also has power, and you still have an imagination. So be discerning. Use the Bible and prayer to clarify anything you think you are being told to do from God. You can be certain that God will not contradict what he states he desires of us in the Bible. So be sure you read and pray continually.
God will guide you when you seek Jesus. Have faith in that and seek him earnestly.
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5 years ago
