Guided into the Presence of Jesus Matthew 2: 1-12

click to Read the passage: Matthew 2  (a new browser window will open)

v.1 1. In the midst of man’s indifference and preoccupation with himself, there are 

                some who are genuinely seeking for Jesus.

(Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king,

behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem.)

v.2 2. Ones genuinely seeking Jesus are not afraid for others to know of their pursuit.

(Saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in

  the east and are come to worship Him.)

v.2 3. There is something manifestly clear to the genuine seeker that this Jesus is

unlike any other one, uniquely identified in scripture, uniquely sought after,

uniquely positioned before men.

(born King of the Jews.)

v.2 4. The heart of a true worshipper is prepared to meet the king. 

v.3 5. The heart of a true worshipper is not distracted by those who have no interest in

worship.

(When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, …)

v.7, 6. There are those who have a disconnected interest in worship.

8         (Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, … bring me word

                again, that I may come and worship him also.)

There are many pretenders at the Christmas season.

v.9 7. God is the one who faithfully guides the genuine seeker to His son, the Lord

Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.

(When they had heard the king, they departed: and, lo, the star which they saw

                in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child

was.)

v.10 8. Oh, the joy of being privileged to find Jesus.

(When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.)

v.11 9. What is most fitting in the presence of Jesus?   worship.

(And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary

His mother, and fell down and worshipped him:)

v.11 10. Worship acknowledges the true character of Jesus.

(…they presented unto Him gifts: gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.)

Acknowledging His kingly rule, His place as great High Priest, and His sacrificial

destiny.