Derek Smith
Lead Pastor
Matthew 2:1-5
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”
One of the most famous groups of characters in the Christmas story is the Wise Men. The word translated “wise men” (magi) refers to a group of scholars who studied the stars. Their title connects them with magic, but they were probably more like astrologers. Despite their pagan background and powerful influence in the Babylonian or Persian courts, the Magi recognized and worshiped the Christ child for who he was. Some connect the historical context of the godly influence of Daniel hundreds of years before as to why these magi were looking for the Messiah. Traditionally we say there are 3 wise men because of the number of gifts that were given, but most likely this was a huge caravan of people with supplies and food for a long journey, hence the uproar in Jerusalem over their arrival. They traveled hundreds of miles over many months just to get to Jesus, but the religious leaders who knew exactly where he was to be born wouldn’t go the short distance of less than ten miles from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. When the wise men got there they came in and bowed before a child, and then they gave extravagant gifts to a peasant family. What humility! What generosity! What an example for us!
This Christmas, what are you willing to do to worship Jesus? How far would you go just to get a glimpse of the Messiah? How much are you willing to give in worship to Him? What dignified status or important reputation are you willing to lay down before the true King of Kings? Worship is not simply attending a service, and it is much more than just singing songs or listening to Bible teaching. Worship is total devotion and submission to Christ. It is an extravagant display of love and gratitude to the one who died for me and is coming again to reign as King. As it has been so aptly said: wise men and women still seek Him today. This Christmas let’s seek Him and worship Him with all that we are and all that we have.