The Magi (wisemen)

OVERVIEW & PURPOSE

• Today we will be looking at Matthew 2:1-12.  We will be focusing on the Magi in the birth story of Jesus.  We will discuss who they are, how they might’ve known about the star and what we can glean from their faith.

Set the scene

• This week we will be continuing in our series the Faith of Christmas.
• Last week Scott talked about Joseph and the faith that He had.
• Did not divorce Mary
• Listened to God in dreams multiple times.
• Believed that Mary was pregnant with the savior of the world.
• This week we will talk about the Magi.
• READ MATTHEW 2:1-12 NIV

Body

1. Who are these “Magi”
2. The Magi are most likely magicians, “wisemen” from Babylon or Persia.
3. We do not know how many there were or what their names are.
4. Just because they brought 3 gifts, doesn’t mean there were only 3 of them.
5. They were not Kings.
6. No where does the Bible mention that.
7. How did these wisemen know about the star/what was the star?
8. I believe that they knew about this star because of Daniel.
9. Who was Daniel?
10. Daniel was a prophet during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar.
11. READ DANIEL 2:48
12. Daniel was in charge of all of Babylon and specifically over the MAGI. 
13. Daniel being a prophetic Jew would have most likely known about the prophecy in Numbers 24.
14. Read Numbers 24:17-19
15. I believe these Magi knew about this prophecy from the word of God and it had been passed down from the generation that served under Daniel.
16. If this is not true, then they would have only known about the star if God had revealed it to them, which is totally possible.
17. There is a possible explanation for the star that appeared over Jesus that was just recently discovered!
18. A Nasa scientist just came up with a possible solution to what the star of Bethlehem could be.
19. We have historical evidence from a Chinese text that records they saw a comet or star for more than 70 days!  This was recorded in 5 BCE
20. Most scholars believe that Jesus was born anywhere between 6 and 4 BCE.
21. The Nasa scientist says it is actually possible for a comet that comes in at the right trajectory and speed to appear to be sitting still in the sky for that period of time.
22. When did the Magi arrive?
23. The magi did not arrive before the birth or even right when Jesus was born.
24. Yes that means your nativities are wrong if they have them. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news lol
25. It literally says in verse one AFTER the birth of Jesus they came.
26. The magi most likely came months or even up to two years after the birth of Jesus.
27. The trip alone would've taken a minimum of a couple of months.
28. What can we learn from the Magi?
29. While all this info is fun, I want to look at some important lessons we can learn from the Magi.
30. 1 - The Magi knew God’s word and believed (FAITH).
31. Somehow the Magi knew that the King of the Jews had been born because they saw a specific star.
32. This could’ve been because of Daniel or it could’ve been for other reasons. But at the end of the day they knew something that only God could have revealed to them and they held firm to it!
33. Is this how we respond to God’s word?  Do we put our full faith in it and truly believe it?  
34. 2 - They sought Jesus!
35. Obviously these magi didn't just happen to see the star, they would've been looking for it every day.
36. Are we constantly looking for God everywhere we go?  Do we look for Him in nature, relationships, our day to day? 
37. We should earnestly be seeking God always!  Seek and you will find.
38. 3 - They recognized Jesus as King and responded rightly
39. They brought the three gifts - gold, frankincense, myrrh
40. These were common gifts for kings, but I believe they also have a deeper meaning.
41. Gold - usually signifies a couple of things in the Bible - purity, divinity and royalty.
42. Think of the things covered in gold in the old testament. 
43. Idols
44. Ark of the covenant
45. The items in the temple
46. This gift of gold can show they recognized that Jesus was pure, divine and royal.
47. Do we recognize Jesus that way?  
48. Frankincense - was used by Israel to worship God!
49. Read Exodus 30:34-38 NIV
50. It was used as a Holy offering to the Lord and only to Him.
51. When we approach Jesus do we bring our “most Holy” worship? 
52. Do we bring Him our best?  Do we bring Him something that only He can have?  
53. Is this our heart posture when worshipping God?
54. Myrrh - was used for anointing oil, used in gall and also in embalming the dead.
55. Read Exodus 30:22-29
56. The gift was I believe showing that Jesus would have to suffer but was anointing Him for it.
57. Myrhh was used in the gall offered Him on the cross.
58. Jesus was embalmed in Myrrh in the tomb.
59. Do we recognize the suffering Jesus endured for us?  A great way to do this is by taking communion.
60. 4 - God’s voice was more important than the voice of the world.
61. On their way back God warns them in a dream not to go back to Herod.
62. Herod was one of the most powerful rulers in all the world at this point.  He could have easily killed them if he found them disobeying him.  He most likely would have given them a pricey reward had they told Herod where Jesus was.
63. Instead the Magi listen to God though.  
64. Do we put God’s voice above the voice of the world?  Which voice are we allowing to lead us in life?

Conclusion

• At the end of the day we do not know much about the Magi, but we do know they had incredible faith.
• They believed God’s word.
• Sought Jesus
• Recognized His divinity and responded rightly
• Follow God, not the world.
• Communion

QUESTIONS TO ASK WHILE READING SCRIPTURE

What does this reveal about God?

What does this reveal about you in relation to God?

What do you need to do about it?