David's Sermons - Wise Men

Matthew 2 v 1-13

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

There are certain passages we associate with the Christmas story, and which rarely get read outside of Christmas time. I'd like to take a look at this passage, at the wise men. It's easy to gloss over the story as just for children, but there's a lot to learn from these men.

How did the wise men know about the star? Was it some strange eastern mythology, astrology or just a hunch? In Numbers 24 v 17 the Bible talks about the "star out of Jacob" - these men knew their scripture and seemed to be the only ones to put two and two together. Often we find it is the outsider who shows faith. Remember Rahab, Ruth and the centurion. None of these were Jews and yet they had faith, and God honoured their faith. It is a shame when non-Christians show up Christians in the areas we are supposed to be strong: loving others, serving, humility

It was an exciting time for the Magi. They were seeing prophecy coming true before their eyes. It was an historic time, and they were part of it. We look at the Bible and we see most of it as history, in the past. But remember that much is still to happen. Christ will come again, and it could be any time. It could be us who experience the next great happening of prophecy. Anyway, the Word should be much more to us than history and prophecy. It is God's message to us individually. It should be alive to us, giving us guidance day by day. Are we having the same feelings of wonder as the wise men as we see scripture come alive in our lives?

The wise men brought gifts, which had both a very practical value as well as a symbolic one. Joseph and Mary would have to leave and travel to Egypt to escape Herod, and they needed money for provisions. The wise men's gifts would enable them to equip themselves well. But these were also symbolic offerings. Gold was given as a sign that this was a king, the king of the Jews and King of Kings. Incense was given to show that this was God incarnate. And myrrh was used in embalming - it speaks of His death, the reason He came. What have we to offer to the Lord?

The wise men were sent by God. Do we see God sending people today? Has He sent us? The wise men saw prophecy fulfilled before their eyes, and yet it should be a daily experience for us, as we meditate on the living Word. The wise men acknowledged Jesus as King, God and Saviour. We need to do the same.

The Wise Men