The Magi's Story: Finding Your King

The Magi’s Story: Finding Your King Matthew 12:1-12 December 22, 2019 The Big Idea: The Magi were servants of a king, probably in Persia. In the presence of the One True King, Jesus, they fell on their knees, believed He was the one they were seeking, worshipped Him, and gave Him gifts. Today, how will you respond to Jesus? “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, Vindicated by the Spirit, Seen by angels, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory.” 1 Timothy 3:16 (ESV) Some of the Things We Know (and don’t know) About the Magi: 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. 7 Three Attitudes Toward Jesus 1. Some People Seek Him. 2. Some People Fear Him. 3. Some People Ignore Him. Three Gifts for Jesus Matthew 12:1-12 (ESV) 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, 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.’ ” 1. Gold – a gift for a King John 18:37; John 12:15; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Revelation 17:14; 19:16 2. Frankincense – a gift for a Priest Hebrews 2:17; 4:14; 10:12 3. Myrrh – a gift for one who will die. Romans 5:8-10; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 Three Proper Responses When You Come Before King Jesus 1. Bow (submit) 2. Worship (love and adore) 3. Give (your life and your possessions)