Seeking Truth in the Child King

Title: Seeking Truth in the Child King

Passage: Matthew 2:1-12

Season: Advent/Christmastide/Epiphany

Main Idea: All will respond in the presence of the Messiah

Introduction

All seek truth. When we the truth of the Messiah in front of us we will worship him or reject reality.

I know I am not the only that has been on a journey seeking truth

Before we dig into this passage let us go to the Lord in prayer…

May the words of my mouth and the mediations of our hearts be pleasing in your sight, o Lord out rock and our redeemer.

Τhose that Seek

Idea One: Those that seek the Messiah (vv. 1-2)

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.”

Those that Seek

The birth of Jesus caused a major shift. A star appeared marking his location.

The shepherds saw this sign came and worshiped him, but they were not alone.

The wise men did as well. They saw the star and knew it marked the birth of the “King of the Jews”

Where do we seek truth?

We do not know how they knew this, but they did.

We should not ignore signs from God.

We should not seek signs, but we should have our eyes open.

Application: Seek God who is evident in nature

Illustration: Romans 1:20-21

Romans 1:20–21 ESV

20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Where do we seek truth?

Idea Two: Those that reject the Messiah (vv. 3-8)

Those that reject the Messiah

Matthew 2:3–8 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. 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.’ ” 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.”

Those that reject the Messiah

We see two different responses, those seeking to worship Him and those seeking to reject Him.

King Herod had the testimony from his chief priests and scrips which affirmed the words of the wise men, yet he rejected the Messiah and though he could kill him.

Most of the time we witness to those who reject Christ they will be polite, but sometimes they may be cruel. Some, especially in closed countries, may seek to harm the believers around them.

Application: For those with a hard heart, there is nothing we can do to soften their heart. We should never give up, but remember it is about God softening their hearts, not our perfect logic and elegant speech.

Illustration: Chinese Government looking for Pastors and Missionaries

Where do we seek truth?

Idea Three: Those that worship the Messiah (vv. 9-12)

Those that worship the Messiah

Matthew 2:9–12 ESV

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.

Those that worship the Messiah

The star guided them, God draws the elect to Him to worship.

All that come before the revealed God in Scripture fall down and worship

We give offerings, both physical, but also offer ourselves as living sacrifice.

When we worship God and come into His presence we will be changed and praise him with great joy, even in difficult times.

He protects the faithful

Sometimes physically, like showing the wisemen to return another way. But he will always protect believers spiritually.

Application: When we seek God and he reveals Himself, we can do nothing but fall down and worship.

Illustration: Isaiah 6. My testimony of coming to faith, thinking I believed but when He reveled Himself I fell down and worshiped Him in His holiness.

Where do we seek truth?

Application

Seek the truth of God

Worship God

Conclusion

Illustration

God reveals Himself to us through our life. Let us open our eyes, walk in His light, and worship the Messiah King of All.

Where do we seek truth?