Weekly Sermons

Wise Men Still Worship Him - Matthew 2:1-12

Wise men followed the guidance of 2 stars. - V. 1-2

But who were these wise men from the east, and why did Pastor Danny say they followed the guidance of 2 stars?

The word Magi only appears in one book of the Greek Old Testament. Can you tell me which one it is?

In the book of Daniel, Daniel is described as having a wisdom from God that made him excel all of the Magi (the wise men) of both Babylon and then Persia.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. - Proverbs 9:10 (ESV)

There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holy gods. In the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom... of the gods were found in him, and King Nebuchadnezzar your father... made him CHIEF of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers, because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems were found in this Daniel… - Daniel 5:11-12 (ESV)

I believe that the wise men who came to seek the Jewish King came because they had been influenced by Daniel and his prophecies. Centuries had passed; their knowledge was incomplete, but they followed the knowledge they had.

And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever. - Dan. 12:3 (ESV)

An insecure king is counseled by Israel’s unmoved shepherds. - V. 3-6

What a contrast! The Gentile wise men with limited revelation travelled hundreds of miles to seek out the Savior of the world. The unmoved shepherds of Israel couldn’t be bothered to walk 5 miles to see if the Messiah was here.

We are too often religiously educated far beyond the level of our spiritual obedience.

Wise men find the Real Star and shun the fake king. - V. 7-12

God led Israel toward the promised land using a pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night that stood above the Holy tent. Here another pillar was shining directly above the Holy child, and led the wise man to God incarnate.

What does it mean to worship someone or something? Worship means to ascribe worth to someone or something. A worshipper of Jesus shows in word and deed and how much they value Jesus!