The Magi- The Stories They Could Tell

Back in Alabama, I had a friend named John. John was a contractor for all his life. He was known for being a grumpy, angry little man.

John is in his late sixties. We were in a Bible study together and John obviously was never in a good mood. Honestly, he looked drained and hopeless.

During our time together, he eventually retired. All he talked about was how excited he was to stop working with all the ignorant people in the world and to finally have time for himself.

John finally retires, buys a beach condo and an RV, and begins the life he always wanted.

He leaves for a couple a weeks. Upon his return, we gather together at our Bible study and finally get to hear whether or not retirement has met John’s expectations.

Grumpy John was still grumpy John…

*The waves do the same thing every day, its horrible.”

Have you ever been so focused on where you’re headed that when you arrive, you are a bit disappointed in the experience?

We like to assess life by the milestones accomplished throughout it.

When you’re in middle school, you can’t wait to be in high school, where life finally gets exciting.

Then high school comes, and you’re looking ahead to college, dreaming of freedom and independence.

By the way, everyone said college would be the best years of your life… If that’s true for you, you are living wrong.

Once you’re in college, it’s all about graduating, landing that dream job, or maybe even finding “the one” to spend your life with.

But it doesn’t stop there. In your late 20s or early 30s, the focus shifts to building your career, getting that promotion, starting your own business, or maybe having a family.

Then, in your 40s and 50s, you’re thinking about financial security, finally retiring, and being able to enjoy life.

Do you truly enjoy life when you arrive at where you are headed? Is it everything you dreamed and hoped it would be?

The truth is, no matter what stage we’re in, we tend to fixate on the next destination, believing that “THERE” is where we’ll find fulfillment.

But what if we’re missing something important along the way?

What if the journey itself is where the growth happens, where the lessons are learned, where life is really lived?

So, let me ask you this… Where are you trying to go in your life right now? And are you so focused on the destination that you’re missing what God might be doing on the journey?

If you have ever read the books or seen the movie The Chronicles of Narnia, there is a quote written by C.S. Lewis that I love… He says,

Some journeys take us far from home. Some adventures lead us to our destiny. - C.S. Lewis

A good story about an adventure ends beautifully with destination but is created by the experiences and lessons along the way.

The same is true for our faith. Following Jesus brings challenges and lessons all throughout life. With our destination in sight, scripture gives us a great understanding that we are to “be in the world,” to be present and opportunistic along the way.

This is where refinement happens. This is where life is changed.

In Matthew 2, we meet a group of travelers who understood this well, the Magi. They embarked on a journey of faith to find the one who has come, “The king of the Jews.”

Their story has so much to teach us.

If the Magi could speak to us today, what would they say? What wisdom might they offer about their journey while seeking Jesus?

Matthew 2:1–6 (ESV)

1 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, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6 “ ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for from you shall come a ruler

who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ”

Let me pause right here for a second…

The chief priests are quoting a prophesy from Micah 5:2, telling of the whereabouts of the coming messiah and where he will be born.

They knew the scriptures…

It is a dangerous thing to know the Word of God and fail to respond to it.

These religious leaders (The Chief Priests) were indifferent to Jesus, and this indifference and apathy soon developed into outright opposition.

Eventually, this outright opposition would lead them to have Jesus killed.

(Platt, David. Exalting Jesus in Matthew ((Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary Book 2))

Matthew 2:7–12 (ESV)

7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Can we take a second to reflect on what we are seeing here…

Prominent men from the eats, leading scholars and high esteemed men, bowing before a baby laying in a manger…

Our God in the form of man, a baby, who left His prominence to become like us in order to save us…

PRAY

I want to really dig into the journey these men took to find Jesus, but before we do, here’s what you need to know about them!

Matthew 2:1 (ESV)

1 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,

The Magi, often called “wise men,” were likely scholars or astrologers from Persia or Babylon, we do not know for sure, the only thing scripture says is they came from the East.

They studied the stars and ancient texts, which led them to discern that a new king had been born in Judea.

Their knowledge of Jewish prophecy led them to connect the star with the messiah.

While we can’t be certain about every detail, Scripture highlights their purpose:

They came to worship the newborn King.

They traveled a great distance, enduring hardship and uncertainty, driven by faith and a deep desire to honor the Newly born King of the Jews.

As we dive into the Magi’s journey, there are four key moments that stand out, each offering us a deeper understanding of their pursuit.

Let’s start by looking at the search,,,

I. The Search

Matthew 2:1–2 (ESV)

1 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, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

This journey was hundreds of miles guided by a single star. Their journey included:

Perception – They noticed the star when others missed it.

Passion – They didn’t just admire the star; they acted on it. Faith often calls for movement.

Price – Their journey likely cost them time, resources, and comfort.

As we are in this series of “The Stories They Could Tell,” I cant help but think about what this group of people would say to us today.

What the Magi might say: "Pay attention to what God is doing around you. Don’t wait for perfect clarity; start walking in faith.”

When it comes to “The Search” we have to understand that faith isn’t passive.

When God reveals something to you, act on it.

What step of faith is God calling you to take right now?

Step up and serve in our church? Learn more about God’s will for your life? Sacrifice the very thing you know is detrimental to your walk with the Lord?

TRANSITION: The next thing that we see with the Magi on this journey is their:

II. The Struggle

Matthew 2:3–4 (ESV)

3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

The Magi’s arrival upset the balance of power.

Their quest for the true King exposed Herod’s insecurity.

Here’s the subtle lesson: Pursuing Jesus will challenge the way things are.

In our world, there are societal pressures, personal ambitions, or our own fears that often strive to maintain control.

Seeking Jesus calls us to surrender to His authority over these competing influences.

What the Magi might say: "Don’t be surprised when following Jesus shakes up your plans or disrupts the expectations of those around you."

When it comes to “The Struggle” we have to understand that following Jesus might create tension in your life.

Peace doesn’t come from avoiding conflict. True peace comes from allegiance to the right King.

Luke 9:23 (ESV)

23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

It is just not about us. (Press into this idea of how the uncomfortable life is the Jesus life-

What do we have to lose? We know our true destination! Isn’t it worth it?

TRANSITION: The next thing that we see with the Magi on this journey is their:

III. The Submission

Matthew 2:11 (ESV)

11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

The Magi’s response upon finding Jesus was worship.

They didn’t demand proof or explanation…

When Jesus reveals himself as savior and king, it is undeniable.

Don’t quench the Spirit…

The wise men brought gifts to Jesus!

Gold – Representing royalty, they acknowledged Jesus as King.

Frankincense – A symbol of divinity, meaning they honored Him as God.

Myrrh – Foretelling His sacrifice, they acknowledged His mission.

Their gifts weren’t about obligation but overflow. A response to encountering the King of Kings.

What the Magi might say: "Worship isn’t about what you can get, but what you’re willing to give."

Here is how we respond to Jesus- we our heart.

It is not about what is in the hand of the giver but what is in the heart.

Maybe this morning you have come to church, noticed a difference, felt a conviction, but have never truly surrendered your life and given yourself over to following Jesus yourself.

You hear these truths, you wonder about what life could be if you completely sold out to worshipping Jesus.

He came to live to experience our life.

He knew we were hopeless, in need of saving from this world and ourselves.

He defeated death by allowing Himself to be killed and was raised from death to life.

Let me encourage you in this- if you find yourself with questions, if curiosity about how life can be different with Jesus involved, don’t hesitate to come talk.

When we encounter Jesus, there is truly a shift…

TRANSITION: The last thing that we see with the Magi on this journey is:

IV. The Shift

Matthew 2:12 (ESV)

12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

The Magi’s journey home reminds us that encountering Jesus changes our direction.

Obedience often requires us to take the harder, less convenient road, but it’s always worth it.

What the Magi might say: "Once you’ve met Jesus, don’t go back to the way things were.”

Once you recognize that you can receive a life that last for eternity, a life that has a purpose this world can’t offer, everything changes!

So for this morning…

For those of you that are searching…

Is Jesus the real deal? Is life really better because of who He is and what He has done? What about the horrific stuff I’ve endured? Where is Jesus in those things?

For those of you that are struggling…

You have a relationship with Jesus, but the challenges around you feel overwhelming.

Maybe you have never really submitted to Jesus…

Maybe it’s time to fully surrender and trust that Jesus really is Lord over your life.

He’s the one who can take what feels dead and bring it back to life.

His way is better—even when it’s hard to see in the moment.

For those of you in need of a shift…

What needs to shift in your life so that the change sticks?

What step do you need to take to keep moving forward and not fall back into who you used to be?

Know that follow Jesus includes a shift… Have you experienced this?

I think that…

if the Magi were here today I believe they would tell us that:

Jesus, is worth the search.

Jesus is worth the struggle.

Jesus is worth the submission.

Jesus is worth the shift.

John, from early learned really quickly that retirement was not what it was cracked up to be.

John struggled to enjoy life. However, he kept coming back to the Bible study we had together.

He loved the community- he could tell a difference in the men sitting at the table.

He was learning a lot… He asked questions and constantly begged to never cancel our time together…

John was never saved- we knew that. But we could tell maybe that God was up to something.

Last Sunday I pulled up the livestream from the service where we last served.

Up in the choir in the dead center, John was standing there singing… Something looked different.

He looked like his searching was over.

He looked like he was no longer struggling as much.

He seemed to have submitted to Jesus- that man would not be caught serving in a choir…

It looked like their was a shift in his life.

I quickly texted the lead pastor and ask what led John to join the choir.

This was his response, “John came to me Friday and met with me individually. He said He finally had full assurance of his salvation.”

John has been changed… and the journey, although hard at times, led him to a new life.

Let’s pray.