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Dr. Montia Setzler, Senior Pastor
December 27, 2015

Series: The Wonder of Christmas
The Wonder of His Special Visitors

 

Matthew 2:1–12 (HCSB)

1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived unexpectedly in Jerusalem,

2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 So he assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the Messiah would be born. 5 “In Bethlehem of Judea,” they told him, “because this is what was written by the prophet: 6 And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah: because out of you will come a leader who will shepherd My people Israel.7 Then Herod secretly summoned the wise men and asked them the exact time the star appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you find Him, report back to me so that I too can go and worship Him.” 9 After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was—the star they had seen in the east! It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed beyond measure.

11 Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary His mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their own country by another route.

 

  1. THE WISE MEN SOUGHT THE NEWBORN KING TO WORSHIP
  • They were diligent in their search.
  • They were determined in their search.
  • They were deliberate in their search.

 

  1. KING HEROD SOUGHT THE NEWBORN KING TO DESTROY
  • He was deceiving in his search.
  • He was devious in his search.
  • He was determined in his search.

 

  1. WE SEEK THE NEWBORN KING TO SURRENDER TO HIM.

When we discover the Christ child we find:

  • Peace

Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

   For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

  • Hope

Titus 2:13 (NIV)

   … while we wait for the blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

  • Joy

Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)

   10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

  • Salvation

Matthew 1:21 (NIV)

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

 

  1. THE WISE MEN BROUGHT GIFTS TO CHRIST.
  • The symbolic nature of the gifts.
  • The motive to give.
  • Our response toward giving.

 

The birth of Christ forever changed the world. The Wise Men traveled from far away to worship and bring gifts to Him. We too can be wise if we seek Him and find the gifts He has in store for us.