The Journey to Bethlehem - The Wise Men's Journey
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Introduction
Introduction
This month’s focus has centered on each person’s JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM. We have already discovered Mary and Joseph’s journey and the shepherds.
We discovered that Mary and Joseph’s journey began when their wedding plans were interrupted entirely. Both were visited by angels who revealed God has something far different for their lives. That revelation changed everything. It is also a message that launched their relationship into a spotlight that neither intended nor sought. However, in the end, we find two people who love the Lord and willingly obey Him no matter the cost. Their journey to Bethlehem was a journey of service to the Lord.
As for the shepherds, their journey was completely different. It started with an average day of watching sheep. A profession that was handed down from generation to generation. The day of Christ’s birth began with the usual schedule. Eat breakfast, watch sheep, eat lunch, watch sheep, eat dinner, watch sheep, and get some rest so they can watch sheep the next day. However, that night, God revealed something special to them. A message proclaimed by thousands of angelic beings filling the night sky. It was a message that changed their lives forever as well. In their village, Christ, the Messiah, was born. As we noted last week, they journeyed back to Bethlehem. They found the child along with Mary and Joseph. Everything was just as the angel said. These lowly shepherds were the first to behold the Lamb of God. From that moment on, they could not keep silent. They told everyone they met about this wonderful baby born in a manger.
Our attention this morning now turns to three men who are often forgotten or even overlooked during the Christmas season. Yet, these three men have an incredible, practical story for us today.
For the wise men, their journey was a journey of finding answers.
A Journey that Began with Questions
A Journey that Began with Questions
1 Now when Jesus was born in Beth-lehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
Their journey was vastly different than that of Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. You see, these men were not Jews. They were Gentiles or heathens. Here is what we know about them. They were wise men or magi, as we often hear at Christmas. The word “magi” comes from the Greek word “magos.” It means mage. Unfortunately, the world has it wrong. We often say they are kings when the truth is they were mages or men of great respect because of their knowledge of astrology, medicine, and dreams. Each came from a different part of the east. The east means places like Persia, Arabia, or even Babylon.
What I think is interesting is these men who were educated and studied in their respective fields were filled with questions. Their study of astrology led them to find an interesting astrological phenomenon. Scripture is unclear about what made this star different from any other. It simply states these men were drawn by the star of the King of Jews. Whatever phenomenon it was, it led them to journey west to Jerusalem. And, there must have been some sense from God that it was a special star given just for the King of Jews. How else would they know it was specifically for the King of the Jews? Note also that they had seen the star and were now come to worship Him. Thus, as they came to Jerusalem, they sought answers to their question. Where is this child who is born the literal King of the Jews?
There are still many today who are seeking answers. The world is full of people who know something is missing in their life. Thus, they are seeking to find it. They want significance and have no idea how to find it. The wise men, most likely, had spent most of their life doing the same. Most people are driven to science, medicine, and other such endeavors thinking they will find answers. Unfortunately, they often miss the answer. Actual science always leads to this one fundamental reality. There is a Divine Creator Who created all things! You cannot miss it if you truly study the universe with a genuinely scientific approach. This is a fact that the Bible clearly teaches.
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament sheweth his handywork.
2 Day unto day uttereth speech, And night unto night sheweth knowledge.
6 The heavens declare his righteousness, And all the people see his glory.
17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Even today, the most remote tribes of the earth know and believe that there is a Being more extraordinary than they. Every tribal religion, along with its mythical stories, reveals this thought. An accurate study of nature brings many questions. Who is this Divine Creator? How can we know Him?
I imagine these wise men, mages, were intrigued by what they saw in the world around them. It drove them to study it. The stars especially were of great interest to them. As they examined the stars, more and more questions arose. Then, one day, each one of them finds a particular star. A star that pointed them in direction. What direction did it point them? It directed them to Jerusalem and eventually to Bethlehem. Why there? What was so special about this star and this place? As we know, they knew that the King of the Jews, and perhaps, as they understood, the Creator of the Universe, was there. He had come to them in the flesh. A fact lost on the Jews. Even after He became a man, they still rejected Him as the Messiah, as God. Yet, here are three of the world’s most learned men with one question? Where is this King of Jews? We have seen His star, and we are come to worship Him.
As I said, the world is full of questions and no answers. Many people are looking for fulfillment in their life. They chase all kinds of things hoping that they are the answer. Some think they will find answers in a job, a relationship, a possession, entertainment, or education. They spend their entire life pursuing those things. Then, when they finally have them in their grasp, they are just as empty as before and still seeking answers. May I tell you this morning that the answer you are seeking was born in a little town called Bethlehem! These wise men knew it. It is the reason they came. They saw the star. A star that had all the answers they were seeking. It led them across mountains, wilderness, and valleys to Bethlehem. They knew for they were there to worship Him.
The answer to all your questions can be found in Bethlehem. The child that was born in that manger was no mere child. He was God. He was Immanuel which means “God with us.” He came for one reason alone. What was that reason? He came so that you and I might find the answer. I am here this morning to point you to Him. He is the only One Who can bring true fulfillment to your life.
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
If you genuinely desire meaning in your life, you must start with Christ of Bethlehem. It is only in Him that you will find life that is eternal and meaningful.
Getting back to our story, we find these mages in Jerusalem. They are asking questions about the newly born King of Jews. As we know, their questions catch the attention of King Herod. As they do, we see their journey becomes...
A Journey Waylaid by Evil Intentions
A Journey Waylaid by Evil Intentions
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Beth-lehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Beth-lehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Beth-lehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
You will note how their question stirred up the entire city. It says that the King and all of Jerusalem were “troubled.” The news of these wise men knowing that a new King was born afflicted King Herod greatly. He was beside himself. So maddening was this news that Herod brought all the chief priests and scribes into his court. He insists they tell him where the Messiah is to be born. A fact that is not lost in this story is that Herod knew about the promised Messiah. However, he did not know enough, obviously. They, the chief priests and scribes, did know. These men spent their entire lives studying the Old Testament scriptures. Without hesitation, they announced that the Messiah, according to the prophet Micah, was to be born in Bethlehem.
2 But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, Though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Herod then calls the wise men into a private meeting. He has his own questions now. What time did this star appear? They answer. He then sends them away with these instructions...
8 And he sent them to Beth-lehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
Now, as we know, Herod never intended to worship Christ. Instead, we later read...
16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Beth-lehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.
Before I go any further, let me read another Scripture passage for you.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
There is no doubt that Satan was at work in Herod’s life. What the wise men saw as just another king wanting to pay homage to the King of Kings was Satan working to stop Christ even at birth. Satan tried on various occasions to stop Christ before He reached the cross of Calvary. He tried with Herod. Later, Satan used temptation as a tactic to destroy Christ. Satan worked in the hearts of men who attempted to stone Christ on at least two occasions. However, Satan’s attempts were powerless. Eventually, Christ did go to the cross as intended. He died. He was buried. However, on the third day, Christ walked out of the grave triumphant over the grave, death, and hell.
I point this out because Satan is still at work. Even today, we continue to wrestle against the “rulers of darkness” and against “spiritual wickedness in high places.” When it comes to God, Satan will do everything he can to keep God from receiving victory. With that in mind, there may be some of you sitting here this morning that Satan is trying to keep you from following God. He will do anything to convince you that God’s Word is not true and that you do not need Him. This morning, I shared with you that Christ is the answer you seek. However, Satan also whispers in your ear, convincing you that it is false. Don’t listen to him. He is a roaring lion seeking to devour you this morning. Don’t give into his lies, for he is the father of lies. Instead, open your heart to the truth of God’s Word.
Believer, let this story also be a warning to you as well. Standing for God is never easy. In fact, Christ promised that it would be particularly challenging.
16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
We stand on the precipice of severe persecution coming to believers in America. Our society is dominated by those who are filled with “wickedness in high places.” The day is coming when many will either stand for Christ or deny Him. Let us determine to stand for Him. Let us reach the point in our journey where our worship of the King outweighs the scheming of this wicked world.
With that in mind, note this last point concerning the wise men’s journey. It was a journey that began with questions and was waylaid by evil intentions. However, in the end, it was...
A Journey that Ended with Sacrificial Worship
A Journey that Ended with Sacrificial Worship
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
As we pick up the story, these magi leave Herod and Jerusalem. As they do, the star is there. It is now leading them. They followed. Finally, it rests over Bethlehem and the place of the King of Kings. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with great joy. In the end, we find them before the young child and Mary. What do they do? They fall down on their knees and worship him. Then they opened up their treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Each of these offerings befits a King of great royalty. It was a tribute of the nations to the One born the King of the Jews, the King of Kings.
One of the things that I have noted throughout each of these messages is this. Each person’s life was changed by the presence of the Messiah. Mary and Joseph’s life changed as she bore Him in her womb and when He was born in Bethlehem. The shepherd’s lives were altered by the announcement of the angel and their eyewitness of the Lamb of God. Now, we have these Gentile magi who see the star and follow it. Their life changed because the King of the Jews was born. They come worshipping Him.
Here is this last point, and I close. Whenever a person truly opens their heart to the fact that Christ is God, they experience a life-altering change. All their questions are answered. They realize that He is indeed the Savior they so desperately need. I could go for hours just noting all the people in the Gospels and the book of Acts whose lives were changed when they met the Savior. Unfortunately, we do not have enough time to do that today. Yet, the fact remains that your life can also be changed today. All you have to do is believe that He is and He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. I would encourage you to see Him as God and know He came to this earth for you. He was born in a manger so that He might die on a cross. He died so that you and I might live spiritually and eternally again.
We are born sinful and spiritually dead!
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
We are born with a penalty for our sin!
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Yet, Christ Himself paid the penalty with His own life!
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Now, every person who confesses their sin and believes all that Christ is and did are promised the following...
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Eternal life
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Spiritual life
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
A completely changed life
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Those who have fresh vision of Christ are those who will willing admin their sin, fall down in worship before Him, and seek His salvation.
Conclusion
Conclusion
The journey of the magi ended with worship. This evening, we will explore their worship and what they were willing to give up for worship. I hope you will come back for that message.
However, for now, I simply ask about your journey. These magi were educated men who understood much about astrology and medicine. Yet, they, like so many others, were seeking answers. They found the answer in Bethlehem. Bethlehem is where all of our journeys must take us. If we genuinely want fulfillment, we must go to Bethlehem. Bethlehem leads to Calvary. Calvary is the answer. Christ died there. Will you trust Him this morning?