THE WISE MEN’S 2000-YEAR-OLD CHRISTMAS QUESTION

MATTHEW 2:1-12

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE GOOD [v. 1-2]

1. The Certainty of their Question [Numbers 24:17] “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?”

I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth .

2. The Sincerity of their Question [James 4:17] “for we have seen his star in the east, and are come”

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

3. The Scope of their Question [2 John 1:9-10] “for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

 

II. THE BAD [v. 3-8]

1. The Heart is Troubled that will Not Trust [v. 3, John 14:1, 27]

-Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

-Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

2. The Life is Troubled that Will Not in Faith Follow the Scriptures [v. 4-6, Luke 24:13-27, Heb. 4:2]

For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

3. The Person is Troubled that Will find Himself Against God [v. 7-8, Ps. 7:11, Romans 8:7]

- God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.

- Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be

 

III. THE BEAUTIFUL [v. 9-12]

1. Following the Light you have is the Path to More Light [v. 9, Jn. 8:12, Jn. 7:17]

- Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

- If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

2. Following the Lord is the Path to True Joy [v. 10-11, Neh. 8:10, Isaiah 29:19, Mt. 25:21]

- Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

- The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

- His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

3. Following the Leading of the Lord is the Path to True Satisfaction [v. 12, Pr. 3:5-8]

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.