Seeking The True King

Matthew 2:1–12

I. WHAT HAS GOD ACTUALLY SAID?

A. Read the Text – Matthew 2:1–12 (ESV)

“What do we know about these wise men?”

Anticipated answers:

Three kings

At the manger

On camels

From the Orient

Named Caspar, Melchior, Balthazar

Arrived the night Jesus was born

Gently correct from the text:

The Bible does not say there were three.

It does not call them kings.

It does not say they arrived at the manger.

It says they entered a house (v.11).

It does not give their names.

“Traditions can be beautiful. But our authority is not tradition. Our authority is what God has actually said.”

B. Why Returning to Scripture Matters

1. Scripture Is God-Breathed

2 Timothy 3:16–17 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Deuteronomy 4:2 “You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.”

When Scripture speaks, God speaks.

2. False Teachers Are Real

Jesus warned us:

Matthew 7:15 ““Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”

The Apostles warned us:

Acts 20:29–30 “I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.”

2 Corinthians 11:13–14 “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”

Galatians 1:8 “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.”

The Bereans modeled this:

Acts 17:11 “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”

The safest church is not the most creative church.

The safest church is the church that keeps asking,

“Where is that written?”

“So if Scripture is our authority… what does Scripture actually say about this child who is Christ, King of the Jews?”

II. WHAT SCRIPTURE SAYS

A. The Magi – Gentiles Seeking a King

What the text says:

Magi from the east

Seeking “He who has been born King of the Jews”

Following a star

Entered a house

Fell down and worshiped

Likely:

Persian/Babylonian scholars

From modern-day Iran or Iraq

Possibly influenced by Daniel (Daniel 2; 5)

Theological significance:

Gentile pagan scholars travel hundreds of miles to worship Israel’s King.

Already Matthew is showing:

This King is for the nations.

B. Fulfillment of Prophecy

Matthew is not telling folklore.

He is demonstrating fulfillment.

1. Bethlehem – Micah 5:2

Matthew 2:5–6 quotes:

Micah 5:2 “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.”

David’s city.

A promised shepherd-king.

This is covenant faithfulness.

2. The Star and the Scepter

Numbers 24:17 “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.”

Star.

Scepter.

Royal authority.

3. The Nations Bringing Gifts

Isaiah 60:1–6 Nations come to the light. Gold and frankincense are brought.

Gentiles bringing royal tribute.

“If Scripture is true — then this child is not merely a baby. He is the promised King.”

III. THE RESPONSES TO THE KING

A. Herod – Hostility

Herod the Great

Matthew 2:3:

“He was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.”

Herod hears:

“Born King of the Jews.”

He understands what that means:

Replacement.

Herod is king by Roman appointment.

Jesus is King by divine birth.

B. Israel’s Leaders – Indifference

Chief priests and scribes:

Know Micah 5:2

Quote it accurately

Do not go

They have:

Correct theology

Correct prophecy

No worship

It is possible to:

Know Scripture

Teach Scripture

Defend Scripture

And not bow before the King it reveals.

C. The Magi – Worship

Matthew 2:11:

They fell down

They worshiped

They opened their treasures

The Gifts

Gold

Royal gift

Honors a king

Frankincense

Temple incense (Exodus 30)

Priestly association

Symbol of intercession

Myrrh

Burial spice (John 19:39)

Foreshadows death

Matthew is quietly proclaiming:

This child is:

King

Priest

Sacrifice

He will rule.

He will mediate.

He will die.

IV. THE QUESTION THAT REMAINS

Three responses:

Hostility

Indifference

Worship

It is not enough to:

Know the story

Love the tradition

Quote the prophecy

The question is:

Do you bow?

The Gentiles traveled.

The scholars stayed.

The king trembled.

Only one group worshiped.

Closing Movement

If Scripture is our authority…

And Scripture reveals Jesus as the promised King and Priest…

Then neutrality is impossible.

You will either:

Resist Him,

Ignore Him,

Or worship Him.

So the question for us is not:

“What do we know about the wise men?”

The question is:

“What will we do with the King?”