The Magi

The Background of the Magi

The magi were powerful Gentile ATROLOGERS.

They served foreign KINGS (probably PERSIAN)

They served a foreign GODS (probably ZOROASTRIAN)

Their goal was to PREDICT and INFLUENCE the future.

Deuteronomy 18:9–13 NIV

When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you. You must be blameless before the Lord your God.

The Journey of the Magi

The Magi saw a star that indicated a new KING in JUDEA.

The Magi decided to travel to Jerusalem to WORSHIP the new KING.

When they found him, they paid homage—they SUBMITTED to him as KING.

The Virtues of the Magi

The Magi watched for signs of what GOD was DOING in the world (Herod was OBLIVIOUS).

The Magi ACTED when they discerned GOD’S WILL (Herod felt THREATENED).

The Magi submitted to God’s AUTHORITY over them (Herod tried stay in CONTROL)

The Road to Christmas

To serve God we have to ACTIVELY WATCH for what he is doing.

Isaiah 55:6–7 NIV

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

To serve God we have to be WILLING TO ACT on what God reveals to us.

To serve God we have to acknowledge that God is KING over our LIVES.