|
|
Lessons Learned From The Wise Men Matthew 2.1-12 Introduction: When I speak of "The Wise Men" most think of the passage in Matthew 2. There are some important lessons for us to learn from these wise men. I) Important To Understand What The Text Does Not Say A) There is a difference between faith, tradition and superstition. 1. Paul told the people at Mars Hill they were "superstitious" in Acts 17.22 (NASV) 2. That which is by faith is that which has been revealed in the word of God, Romans 10.17. B) Important to listen to what the Bible says and does not say 1. A lot of things are not revealed in the Bible: when Christ will return, Acts 1.6-7 2. We can spend a lot of time speculating on what the Bible does not say and then ignore what has been disclosed, Deut. 29.29 II) What The Bible Does Not Say About the Wise Men A) The number is not given 1. We often hear people talk about the three wise men but it could just have easily been 4, 5, 6, or some other number. 2. The number three is derived from the different gifts but that is pure speculation. a. At a pot luck 3 or 4 people might bring chicken or a salad. b. All I know is that they were wise men B) Where in the East they came from 1. Did they come from China, India, Babylon, Persia? We do not know. 2. What we do know is they came from the East. C) The number of days they had been traveling and the length of time before they came to Jesus 1. The "fairy tale" is the wise men came to Jesus the night of His birth while He is in the manger. 2. This is totally false, the text says they went into a house where the Child and Mary was, v. 11 III) Important Things the Text Does Say A) They came seeking the "King of the Jews" 1. Were these men Jewish? 2. Why were they seeking this "King?" They apparently understood something about the Messiah mentioned in the prophecies of the Old Testament. Vv. 5-6 3. Why were the Jews not going to worship this "King of the Jews?" Did they not know their own scriptures? 4. Why did Herod not go to worship the "King of the Jews?" He was told the child was to be born in Bethlehem, v. 6 B) They came to worship Him 1. To worship means to bow down and pay homage to. 2. These men came to lower themselves before the "King of the Jews." They were humble men. 3. They brought things of great value to the Child, v. 11 C) They came with "great joy" 1. Let us not forget this was the Savior, the Messiah; Luke 2.25-32 2. This birth would forever change the world and bring joy to those that seek redemption. D) They did not quit or grow tired in their search for the Child 1. Time to travel, not knowing where they were going. 2. Wise people know when to change directions and when not to. E) They listen to the warning, v. 12 1. They had told Herod they would return but they were told not to do so. 2. They choose to obey God rather than an earthly king. 3. They did not try to out think or reason God; they did not try to persuade Herod to come and worship the Child. IV) Wise Men Today A) Wise men seek Jesus 1. Just as the wise men in the Bible knew about Jesus and where to look for Him so do wise men today. 2. They will find Jesus in the Bible. Luke 24.25-27; John 5.39 3. Take time to look in the right place and study your Bible. B) Wise men worship the Christ 1. Can you imagine the wise men in the Bible coming to Jesus and then turning around and leaving without worshipping Him. 2. We are to humble ourselves before the Son of God and serve Him. He has all authority in heaven and on earth, Matthew 28.18; He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, 1 Timothy 6.15. C) Wise men are joyous when they follow Jesus 1. The Ethiopian Eunuch went on his way rejoicing, Acts 8. 2. Joy is connected to finding that of great value. a. The man found his lost sheep rejoiced; the woman that found a lost coin was joyous, Luke 15 b. Should we not be joyous in learning about Jesus and the blessings we have in Him? D) Wise men do not quit or grow tired in serving Christ 1. The Bible contains many warning of growing tired and quitting. 2. It is sad to see a person lose their first love and go back into the world. 3. Wise men maintain their love and zeal for Christ. E) Wise men listen to God’s warnings and exhortations 1. They know better then to think they are above temptation or "it won’t happen to me." 2. They realize how vulnerable they are and run away from sin, 1 Corinthians 10.12 Conclusion: Are you a wise person? Most of us like to think so but wisdom is seen by what we do. Luke 7.33-35 a wise person does wise things both spiritually and physically. D.T. @ Westside Church of Christ 12.23.07 |