Nativity Scene: Part 2

Guided by the Star: The Pursuit of the King

Bible Passage: Matthew 2:1-12

INTRODUCTION:

Magi are probably the most interesting or misterious figures in your nativity decor.

History of Magi is unique and seem to come out of no where.

Foundation of Magi, Daniel 10....they were taken out of Israel into Babylon and dragged because of the sins of Israel for 70 years. They rejected prophets so God allow judgement…70 years in foreign land…3 boys and Daniel exceeded 10x more than and above all in Babylon.

King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream, wanted it interrupted, called to astrologers or enchanters (Greek magi), nobody could interrupt because it was given by God and only God can unlock it.

Daniel interrupts the dream becomes over all magi as governer…Godly influence came into picture here as Daniel begin to tell magi about coming messiah from prophets of old.

1. Seek the Savior

Matthew 2:1–3 NKJV

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

Magi was obsessed with stars and space…Magi and shepherds were both given a sign.

It would take more than 3 wise men to shake Herod and a city…Magi traveled in troops, could be 1,000.

600 years between Daniel and Jesus arrival…JESUS IS WORTH THE WAIT.

You can’t get fullness of the promise until you wait the fullness of time.

Magi had to wait then walk…750 miles they traveled.

They came to worship God and tell a king that the king was coming.

2. Examine the Heart

Matthew 2:4–8 NKJV

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ” Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”

Anything you love you will go seek it out and find it.

Never trust the worship of anyone that hasn’t found Jesus for themselves.

Herod and Jewish leaders were freaking out but gentiles wasnt…because their dog and pony show was about to come to an end.

The only people that get nervous with a move of God is the religious people that want to control, manipulate, and put a lid on what looks different.

They didn’t want Jesus…they wanted a religion not a king.

3. Worship with Joy

Matthew 2:9–12 NKJV

When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.

Long wait…long walk…just keep walking.

You can stop when you find what you’re looking for.

Faith keeps you in your walk when you don’t get the things you thought or have been seeking.

They were in a house and Jesus was a child now…strangers had left and now there was room for the king.

Worship: Greek, proskeno…pros: towards or unto kenos: puppy dog…they kissed towards Jesus with surrendered love.

They opended their treasures: literally brought coffin full of gifts.

God brought provision for Jesus mission and took care of Mary and Joseph.

CONCLUSION

Who did you come to worship?

When your eye is single in your pursuit you can't help but to open up yourself and worship.