Matthew 2:2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
Those ancient travelers who went in search of the Child Jesus, form a valuable illustration of true worship. Their worship included at least five ideas we would do well to imitate.
First, their worship was Spirit led; we read they followed “His star”. These men, who spent their time observing the heavens, were amazed that a star, which had not existed before, appeared in the sky and directed them to Jerusalem.
Second, their worship was Biblically founded. The leading of the Spirit brought them to Jerusalem. Once there, they searched the Scriptures to find the Child. Jesus said, those who worship Him must worship in “spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-240). If we want our worship to be well pleasing, we must search the Scriptures to find out who God really is, and what He desires from us.
Third, they worshipped with “exceedingly great joy.” In other words, their worship was a celebration. We all vary in personality: some are quiet, others quite loud. When we are not trying to mimick someone else in worship, there is an element where we are celebrating. What could be more amazing than God sending His Son into the world to save sinners?
Fourth, their worship included giving. They took of what they had and offered it to Jesus. When we see the value of Jesus, we are willing to give our valuables to Him. Perhaps it is time to give your time, talent and treasures to the Lord.
Finally, they were changed by their worship. We are told they departed another way. The way they came was not the way they left. These men who had been star gazers were now witnesses of Christ.
Let’s take some time today to worship Jesus in Spirit and in truth.
Pastor Jim
Matthew Chapter 2- Questions
Why did the wise men come?
What was the source of authority for the chief priests and scribes when trying to determine the identity of the Messiah?
What did the wise men do when they met Jesus?
What lessons can we learn the reaction of the wise men to meeting Jesus?
Jesus was born in Bethlehem but grew up where?
Why does Matthew continue to quote from the Old Testament?
Matthew 1:1 “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham”
I did not grow up going to church. At the age of 15 years old, I had never seen a Bible. A close friend of mine went on a family trip to visit his grandmother, who apparently was a believer, although I had no idea what that meant. Upon his return, he told me he thought we needed to be “better”. He told me he was going to begin reading the Bible. I decided I would join him in this venture, and when I arrived home that day, I asked my mom to get me a Bible. A few days later, I found a little green book on my dresser. On the front cover it read, “New Testament.” I took the book to my mom, and told her I wanted a Bible, not some modern book. She explained that the New Testament was the second half of the Bible. I returned to my room and began to read. Three times I started, and three times my mind wandered away from the pages, not understanding a single word. I tossed the book back on my dresser and said to myself, “I guess this Bible stuff is not for me.”
If this is your first time reading through the Bible, you may have encountered the same difficulty I did. You have found the first 17 verses of Matthew to be a list of names, belonging to people of whom you have never heard, and have a difficult time pronouncing. Allow me to encourage you, it is OK to skip the names. Pick up in verse 18, and begin the most fascinating story, about the most exceptional person, who has ever walked the face of the planet.
A few years later, after becoming a believer myself, I was given some instruction that got me past the first few verses, into an adventure of getting to know God personally, through His word. I want to invite you to join me on that adventure, as we read the Word of God together, and get to know the God of the Word.
Jim Gallagher 