GOSPEL OF MATTHEW - THE VISIT OF THE WISE MEN

THE WISE MEN VISIT - VISIT OF THE MAGI

In Matthew Chapter 1 we looked at different titles Jesus has and looked at how God is faithful in His promises and how He uses imperfect people for His purposes – giving all of us hope that God can use us but also no excuses to not be used by God. And we also looked at how Jesus’ coming was fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, not just for the nation of Israel but for all of humanity – that is where our hope lies – His redemptive plan is for everyone

The second half of the chapter was focused on Joseph and his acceptance of his calling by God. It was a call to faith – Joseph had to trust God’s plan over his own, it was a call of obedience and required Joseph to act on God’s Word and it was a call to purpose and Joseph embracing God’s plan for his life.

Today, we look at chapter 2 and the visit of the Magi, the wise men that came seeking Jesus. As we being today, let us pray!

Lessons from the Wise Men

Scripture Text: Matthew 2:1-12 – 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 saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “ ‘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.’ ” Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 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.” 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. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 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. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

1. The Search for the King: Seeking Jesus (Matthew 2:1-2) - 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 saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Key Idea: The wise men traveled a great distance, following the star, to seek the King of the Jews. Their journey shows their hunger for truth and devotion to finding Jesus.

They are wise – not because of their intelligence – but because they sought God

Intelligence can be gained through work, study and the gaining of knowledge or information

Wisdom – comes from God -

Proverbs 2:6-7 – For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,

James 1:5 – If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

James 3:17 – But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

Supporting Scripture: Jeremiah 29:13 – "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

Hebrews 11:6 – "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."

Application: True wisdom begins with seeking a relationship with Jesus. Are you diligently seeking Him in your decisions, priorities, and daily life? Set aside distractions and pursue Him wholeheartedly. Prioritize time in prayer, worship, and studying His Word, knowing He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Pursue Jesus with intentionality and perseverance, even when the journey feels long or uncertain. Reflect on how you can prioritize seeking Him in your daily life.

2. The Worship of Jesus: Offering Our Best (Matthew 2:10-11) – When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 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.

Their gifts were prophesied in Scripture – and gifts typical of kingships

Isaiah 60:6 – A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord.

Psalm 45:8 – your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad;

When we come – do we come offering our best? Or do we barely make it here? Do we worship Him with all we have or barely make a sound? Worship is more than singing – it is a lifestyle – with all that we have and do – do we worship Jesus and offer our best?

Key Idea: When the wise men found Jesus, they responded with great joy and worship, offering Him gifts associated with royalty –

Gold – for His kingship,

Frankincense – for His divinity,

Myrrh – for His sacrifice.

The Magi sought and desired to worship Him

Supporting Scripture: Psalm 95:6 – "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker."

Psalm 96:8 – "Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering and come into His courts."

What is out mindset on Sunday mornings, Tuesday or Wednesday Evenings – is it to fulfil an obligation or duty or is it a desire like the magi – to worship the King

Romans 12:1 – "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."

Application: Worship isn’t just about songs; it’s about surrendering our lives and offering our best to God. What areas of your life can you dedicate more fully to Him as an act of worship? Worship is more than words; it is a response of the heart. Reflect on how you honor Jesus with your time, talents, and treasures. What “gifts” are you offering to Him today? Worship is about giving God our best—our time, talents, and treasures. Evaluate what “gifts” you are offering to Jesus. Are they reflective of your love?

3. The Obedience to the King: Following God’s Guidance (Matthew 2:12) - And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Key Idea: The wise men obeyed God’s warning in a dream to avoid returning to Herod. Their obedience safeguarded Jesus and demonstrated their submission to God’s authority.

Supporting Scripture: John 14:15 – "If you love me, keep my commands."

Proverbs 3:5-6 – "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Application: God’s guidance often requires us to adjust our plans. Are you sensitive to His leading even when it disrupts your plans? Take time to listen through prayer and be willing to follow His direction, even when it disrupts your agenda and trust Him with the outcomes.

Closing Scripture: Proverbs 3:6 – "In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Matthew 6:33 – "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Conclusion and Call to Action

Like the wise men, we are called to seek Jesus, worship Him, and obey His guidance. Their journey reminds us that the pursuit of Christ is worth every sacrifice and should inspires us to live in faith, devotion, and surrender to God’s will.

Challenge: Reflect this week on how you can better seek, worship, and obey Jesus in your life. Seek Him with intention, offer Him your best, and trust His leading. Commit to one tangible action in each area to grow closer to Him.

Let us pray!