Advent Wisdom for Life

Wise people recognize important events (Matt 2:2b)

Explanation: In the 2nd chapter of his Gospel, Matthew records those events that took place after Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Matthew is the writer that informs us of the visit of the Magi - a group of Persian Astrologers. The Magi lived in the region of Babylon which was about 900 miles from Jerusalem by way of the caravan routes. These ancient scholars saw the Christmas star that appeared on the night that Jesus was born. When they were brought before King Herod that was their declaration: “we have seen (past tense) his star in the east.” (v. 2b) The miracle of the birth of Jesus was an incredibly important event and God gave supernatural signs to mark the occasion. The Magi, far to the East in the Persian Empire, recognized that something momentous had occurred.

Illustrate: A vast number of people are focused only on the phone in their hand. If God sent something like the Christmas Star today, many would only notice it if they received a notification from twitter, Instagram or snapchat.

Argument: The religious elites (Herod and the Scribes) missed seeing the star or at least they missed the significance. The star appeared over Bethlehem on the night of the Birth of the Messiah, and no one from the capital city investigated. The entrance of Messiah went unnoticed by the elites until the Magi arrived almost two years after His birth.

Application: Trying to stay “in the know” is stressful. The holidays are already stressful enough without adding to the mix. Recognize for yourself the Truth of who Jesus is through the Word of God. The Star of Wonder was a one-time, non-repeatable phenomena. The one who is truly wise will recognize The Word is a book of Wonders because it reveals the Messiah.

Wise people respond to those important events (Matt 2:1, 8-10)

Explanation: Not only did the Magi recognize the Christmas Star was a visible marker that shouted out a momentous occurrence had taken place, they acted on their recognition. They knew the Star signaled the birth of a great king, but what king? All they had was a general location. While the Scriptures are silent on this point, it is possible that if they were Babylonian astrologers, they had access to Babylonian records that very possibly contained the writings of the prophet Daniel. He had written about a King whose Kingdom would be over the entire earth and one that would last forever! Knowing that Daniel was a captive Jew from Jerusalem and that the star’s rising was in that general direction, they made a decision to travel to Jerusalem to discover more about the birth of this great king. They Responded to the sign with Action!

Illustrate: Consider the response of those living in coastal areas in the projected path of a hurricane. They fill up cars with gas, they check batteries in flashlights, they put plywood over windows, fill sandbags and have an evacuation plan. These are good and sensible responses to the Recognition of the approaching storm.

Argument: The Magi expressed wisdom in putting action to their knowledge. They invested in a plan and put it in action. They researched in order to gain necessary information, and then prepared an action plan based on what they learned. They planned for a journey that would take months for the round-trip.

What is your response to the knowledge you have of Jesus? They only knew that a great King had entered the world - you know the whole truth: Jesus is the King of Kings and the Eternal 2nd person of the Trinity; He is the Savior of the World and the One who sustains it all.

Truly wise people surrender to Jesus as Lord in worship (Matt 2:11)

Explanation: The Magi and their entourage traveled from the regions of Persia and arrived in Jerusalem. We can, with almost 100% certainty, rule out that there were only 3 of them. The text informs us that when Herod heard their news regarding the birth of the King of the Jews, “he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” (Matt 2:3) Herod was troubled because he considered himself to be the King of the Jews, but why was ALL of Jerusalem troubled? The arrival of 3 travelers in a large city would hardly get anybody’s attention, but a large group of exotic travelers from Persia? Yes, that would get people talking.

When Herod realizes the Magi are referring to the arrival of the long awaited Messiah, he becomes very agitated. We can know this because he asks his counselors where Christ should be born. Christ is the Greek word for the Hebrew term Messiah, and it means the Anointed One.

Making use of the Micah’s prophecy the Scribes tell Herod the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem, which is only about 6 miles from Jerusalem. Even though it is so close, Herod doesn’t go himself but sends the Magi on to find the Messiah. [What a SAD commentary!]

The Magi take their leave of Herod and travel to Bethlehem. The Star supernaturally reappears and guides them to Messiah. The journey from their home to Jerusalem must have been without the help of the star because “when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy (v. 10) . The main point, however, and not to be missed is that when “they were come into the house, they saw the young child … and WORSHIPED HIM. (v. 11)

Argument: The main focus of the visit of the Magi is seen in their worship. Dignitaries and ambassadors often travel to meet with leaders and rulers of other countries. Ambassadors often present gifts for purposes of relationship building, but they do NOT worship the other Kings or leaders.

The Magi, however, understood they were in the presence of a King unlike any other. The majesty of the star, its supernatural activity, the prophecy of Daniel, the prophecy of Micah, and the account they probably heard first-hand from Mary and Joseph - all these factors led them to a faith-based decision to worship the young boy Jesus as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This action of giving their best and bowing the knee in worship was the pinnacle of their wisdom.

Conclusion: The theme of the 3rd Sunday of Advent is Joy. The Magi experienced great Joy and wonder as they presented their gifts and worshiped the Messiah. Consider the satisfaction they had: they had Recognized the sign, they made a positive Response to the sign, and the result was a surrender to Worship the Worthy One.

Do you believe that you also can experience that same level of satisfaction? The Christmas season is often a time of stress as we attempt to meet obligations and expectations (some of which are unrealistic) that are placed upon us. The demands of social events and gift buying can steal our joy if we aren’t careful.

Consider the impact of a settled desire to come aside and worship Christ. Do not miss the Joy that is found in setting aside the demands of life and coming to sit at the feet of Jesus (cf. Luke 10:38-42)