Wisemen Still Seek Him

Introduction

How is the Christmas season so far? Busy, tired, stressful?

During this season, it is typical for us to reacquaint ourselves with Jesus’ birth—and the significants of His coming.

We also look to the Scriptures to guide our lives today.

In the story of Jesus, we find a young couple, Mary and Joseph; shepherds, angels, prophets). Today we are going to look at the wisemen.

Why would God use pagans—unbelievers—astrologers—to be a part of the story of Jesus Christ?

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.”

Text

God is on a Rescue Mission—and He has a plan.

From the very beginning—from Adam’s fall—God, in His great love, launched a rescue mission to save people from their sins.

Sin is powerful, but God is greater—His grace is greater than our sin.

God uses everything to help people see the truth through the fog of sin.

Abraham—an idol worshipper.

Israel’s captivity in Egypt (and the Exodus)

Insignificant people to do extraordinary things (Joseph, a slave; David, a shepherd, Peter, a fisherman, the opening of the Red Sea, water out of a rock, and a star over Bethlehem).

Numbers 24:17 ESV

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.

Jesus is the plan of God to seek and to save the lost.

God draws People to Seek Him.

How does a person open their life to the message of Christ?

How does our response to the message of Christ become more than an emotional experience and become life-transformational?

God uses the circumstances of where we are to draw us to where we need to be.

The story of the wisemen illustrates this truth.

Wisemen are pagan, unbelievers—who embrace astrology.

God uses their life experiences to lead them to the life-changing experience.

The wisemen make the decision to seek the truth.

Jeremiah 29:11–13 ESV

11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

God’s plan includes your transformation.

Grace is received by faith.

God calls us to seek him with all of our hearts.

With all of our mind—thinking, intellect.

With all of our emotions—attitude.

With all of our actions—what we do, say.

God gives us a Choice.

The story of the wisemen actually reveals a choice that we have to make.

Two kings: Herod and Jesus.

Herod is man’s creation—a man who aspires to greatness, but is filled with hate.

Jesus is God in the flesh—the God-man who enters our world with humility and authority—filled with love.

The wisemen were given a choice: Herod or Jesus. They chose Jesus.

They gave gifts that recognize the kingly authority and position of Jesus.

They worshipped?

How will we choose?

Questions

Why do you think God chose to use unbelievers (the wisemen) as part of the story of Jesus?

Does God use unbelievers today to point to the reality of Jesus?

What gifts can we give that demonstrate the position and authority of Jesus in our life?