Commitment and Sacrifice: Lessons from the Wise Men

 

Summary

In reflecting on the story of the wise men, we are reminded of the lengths people will go to when something truly matters to them. The wise men traveled from afar, likely from Persia, covering a distance of 1,000 to 1,500 miles, which could have taken them four to six months one way. Their journey was not one of convenience but of deep commitment to witnessing the birth of Jesus. This narrative challenges us to consider what we are willing to sacrifice in our pursuit of Christ. Just as the wise men brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, our worship of Jesus should also involve sacrifice, whether it be our time, resources, or comfort.

The story of the wise men also emphasizes that Jesus is for all people, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. He is not confined to any one nation or ethnicity. This universality of Christ calls us to take the gospel to all nations, reminding us that our mission is global. Whether it’s a mission trip to a distant land or sharing the love of Christ in our local communities, we are called to be ambassadors of His message.

Furthermore, the wise men’s decision to heed God’s warning and avoid returning to Herod illustrates the importance of prioritizing God’s guidance over human authority. In our lives, we may face situations where following God’s direction conflicts with societal or authoritative expectations. In such moments, we must choose to follow God, even if it means facing challenges or opposition.

The story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor who stood against Nazi ideology and was ultimately executed for his faith, serves as a powerful example of unwavering commitment to Christ. Bonhoeffer’s life reminds us that following Jesus may come with a cost, but it is a cost worth bearing for the sake of the gospel.

As we approach Christmas, let us be inspired by the wise men and others who have demonstrated extraordinary faith and commitment. May we strive to be all-in for Jesus, not just on Sundays but every day, with our actions reflecting our devotion to Him.

Key Takeaways:

1. Commitment Beyond Convenience: The wise men’s journey to see Jesus was marked by significant sacrifice and commitment. Their willingness to travel great distances challenges us to consider what we are willing to sacrifice in our pursuit of Christ. True worship involves giving of ourselves, our time, and our resources. [06:25]

2. Jesus for All Nations: Jesus’ birth was a message for all people, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. This universality calls us to take the gospel to all nations, reminding us that our mission is global. We are called to be ambassadors of His message, sharing His love with everyone. [09:57]

3. Sacrifice in Worship: Worshiping Jesus requires sacrifice. The wise men brought valuable gifts, symbolizing the cost of true worship. In our lives, following Jesus may require us to give up comfort, time, or resources, but it is a necessary part of our faith journey. [15:21]

4. Prioritizing God’s Guidance: The wise men’s decision to follow God’s warning over Herod’s command highlights the importance of prioritizing divine guidance over human authority. In our lives, we must choose to follow God, even when it conflicts with societal or authoritative expectations. [19:42]

5. The Cost of Discipleship: The story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer exemplifies the cost of true discipleship. Following Jesus may come with challenges and opposition, but it is a cost worth bearing for the sake of the gospel. We are called to be all-in for Jesus, not just on Sundays but every day. [21:08]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [04:19] - Personal Stories of Commitment
- [06:25] - The Journey of the Wise Men
- [08:38] - Historical Context and Significance
- [09:57] - Jesus for All Nations
- [11:57] - Mission Trips and Global Outreach
- [13:29] - The Universality of Christ
- [14:28] - Herod’s Deception and the Wise Men’s Response
- [15:21] - Sacrifice in Worship
- [16:51] - Challenges in Following Jesus
- [18:26] - The Wise Men’s Obedience to God
- [19:42] - Prioritizing God’s Guidance
- [21:08] - The Cost of Discipleship
- [22:55] - Next Steps and Commitments
- [24:37] - Praying for the Persecuted Church
- [25:33] - Personal Reflections and Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 2:1-12

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Observation Questions:

1. What motivated the wise men to embark on their long journey to see Jesus, and what does this reveal about their commitment? [06:25]

2. How did the wise men respond to Herod's request, and what does this indicate about their priorities? [18:26]

3. What gifts did the wise men bring to Jesus, and what might these gifts symbolize in the context of worship? [15:21]

4. How does the story of the wise men illustrate the universality of Jesus' message? [09:57]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does the wise men's journey teach us about the nature of true commitment and sacrifice in our pursuit of Christ? [06:25]

2. How does the wise men's decision to follow God's guidance over Herod's command challenge us in situations where societal expectations conflict with divine direction? [19:42]

3. In what ways does the story of the wise men emphasize the importance of worship involving sacrifice, and how can this be applied to modern-day faith practices? [15:21]

4. How does the example of Dietrich Bonhoeffer illustrate the cost of discipleship, and what can we learn from his unwavering commitment to Christ? [21:08]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you had to make a significant sacrifice for something important. How does this compare to the wise men's journey to see Jesus? [06:25]

2. Are there areas in your life where following God's guidance might conflict with societal or authoritative expectations? How can you prioritize God's direction in these situations? [19:42]

3. Consider the gifts you bring to Jesus in your worship. What are some ways you can offer your time, resources, or comfort as a form of worship this week? [15:21]

4. How can you actively participate in sharing the gospel with people from different cultural or geographical backgrounds, as the wise men's story encourages? [09:57]

5. Reflect on the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Are there aspects of your faith journey where you feel called to stand firm despite potential challenges or opposition? [21:08]

6. As Christmas approaches, what specific actions can you take to ensure your commitment to Jesus is evident in your daily life, not just on Sundays? [26:56]

7. Identify one practical step you can take this week to be "all-in" for Jesus, inspired by the examples of the wise men and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. [26:56]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

Day 1: Commitment Beyond Convenience
The journey of the wise men to see Jesus was marked by significant sacrifice and commitment. Traveling from afar, likely from Persia, they covered a distance of 1,000 to 1,500 miles, which could have taken them four to six months one way. This was not a journey of convenience but one of deep commitment to witnessing the birth of Jesus. Their willingness to travel such great distances challenges us to consider what we are willing to sacrifice in our pursuit of Christ. True worship involves giving of ourselves, our time, and our resources. The wise men’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that our faith should not be limited to moments of convenience but should be a constant pursuit, even when it requires significant sacrifice. [06:25]

Isaiah 55:6-7 (ESV): "Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself prioritizing convenience over commitment to Christ? How can you take a step today to prioritize your faith, even if it requires sacrifice?


Day 2: Jesus for All Nations
The birth of Jesus was a message for all people, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. The wise men, who were likely from Persia, symbolize the universality of Christ’s message. Jesus is not confined to any one nation or ethnicity, and this universality calls us to take the gospel to all nations. Our mission is global, and we are called to be ambassadors of His message, sharing His love with everyone, regardless of their background. Whether it’s a mission trip to a distant land or sharing the love of Christ in our local communities, we are reminded that our mission field is wherever we are. [09:57]

Acts 10:34-35 (ESV): "So Peter opened his mouth and said: 'Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.'"

Reflection: Think of someone from a different cultural or ethnic background in your community. How can you reach out to them this week to share the love of Christ in a meaningful way?


Day 3: Sacrifice in Worship
Worshiping Jesus requires sacrifice. The wise men brought valuable gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, symbolizing the cost of true worship. In our lives, following Jesus may require us to give up comfort, time, or resources, but it is a necessary part of our faith journey. True worship is not just about singing songs or attending church services; it involves a heart posture of surrender and sacrifice. The wise men’s gifts remind us that our worship should be costly, reflecting the value we place on our relationship with Christ. [15:21]

2 Samuel 24:24 (ESV): "But the king said to Araunah, 'No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.' So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver."

Reflection: What is one thing you can sacrifice this week as an act of worship to God? How can this sacrifice deepen your relationship with Him?


Day 4: Prioritizing God’s Guidance
The wise men’s decision to follow God’s warning and avoid returning to Herod highlights the importance of prioritizing divine guidance over human authority. In our lives, we may face situations where following God’s direction conflicts with societal or authoritative expectations. In such moments, we must choose to follow God, even if it means facing challenges or opposition. The wise men’s obedience to God’s guidance serves as a reminder that His wisdom and direction should always take precedence in our lives. [19:42]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Reflection: Is there a decision you are currently facing where God’s guidance seems to conflict with societal expectations? How can you prioritize His direction in this situation?


Day 5: The Cost of Discipleship
The story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer exemplifies the cost of true discipleship. Following Jesus may come with challenges and opposition, but it is a cost worth bearing for the sake of the gospel. Bonhoeffer’s life reminds us that being a disciple of Christ requires unwavering commitment, even in the face of persecution or hardship. We are called to be all-in for Jesus, not just on Sundays but every day, with our actions reflecting our devotion to Him. The cost of discipleship is high, but the reward of a life lived for Christ is immeasurable. [21:08]

Luke 14:27-28 (ESV): "Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from fully committing to Jesus? What steps can you take today to embrace the cost of discipleship in this area?

Quotes



"There's times like maybe in your life, and you'll probably have a few things where something comes up that you're like, I've got to be there. Like the dad for the wedding or me for the disciple. Now, we're going to read a Christmas story tonight about three guys who had to be there to see Jesus. And it's an interesting story because of who they are. We refer to them as the magi or the wise men. If you have your Bible, I want you to go to Matthew chapter two. If you don't have your Bible, we'll put them up on the screen. But these guys, had to make sure they were at a certain time and place to have an incredible experience." [00:05:16] (36 seconds)


"About that time, some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw a star as it rose, and we've come to worship him. So just stop there for a second, because we really need to understand what's happening here. These are not some guys from just down the road. We don't actually know where they're from. The Bible doesn't say. It just says from the east." [00:06:10] (25 seconds)


"But there's some ideas of did they come from Arabia, possibly because some of the gifts they brought. Most scholars think they came from the nation of Persia. If that's the case, which it probably is, that meant they came from somewhere between 1,000 to 1,500 miles away to see Jesus. Again, they're not jumping in a car, going down 130, going 80 miles an hour for 1,500 miles. They're on camels or they're walking or they're on donkeys. We don't know for sure. But it possibly took them somewhere between four to six months to make it." [00:06:35] (37 seconds)


"Jesus is for all people in all places. He wasn't just for the Jewish people. He was for the Persians. He was for all people. Here's what it would look like for us. I mean, y'all know this, but let me just say it. Jesus isn't American, right? Jesus isn't American. There's some churches that, I mean, they're very much about like Christian America." [00:09:46] (21 seconds)


"America Jesus never lived in America Jesus never stepped foot in America Jesus wasn't white Jesus didn't look like all the pictures that we have of him he was Arab he was brown skin dark hair he looked like he looked like someone from the nation of Israel he's not American and so but we we tend to think like Jesus is like for us he is because we're one of the nations but Jesus is for all nations in all places what that means and why I want you to know that is because it means that you have a responsibility if you're following Jesus to take Jesus to take the gospel to the nations you need to go on a mission trip at some point you need to go on multiple ones you need that needs to be a part of of your routine even as an adult you'd be taking Jesus to the nations we had an opportunity a long time ago been to a bunch of different places we got to go to the Bahamas on a mission trip sound fun yeah right like people like Bahamas and every time we'd say hey we're gonna we went to the Bahamas we're going people like okay whatever like that's a vacation now we we had one day where we were at the beach like our fun day the rest of the time there we were like we were like nowhere near an ocean we were in impoverished areas I brought I actually pulled some pictures check this out because it's kind of cool there's your youth pastor doing youth ministry well before she was a youth pastor about 15 20 years ago pretty cool God same thing" [00:09:57] (86 seconds)


"Beach snorkeling, yes, one day, our last day, but we had experiences where they told us, hey, we want you to prepare this vacation Bible school for kids. There's going to be about 20 Bahamian kids that you're going to tell about Jesus. And so we prepared and we were like, hey, we got the craft group. We've got the Bible story group and we got the games group. And they said, you're gonna have them for about two hours or something like that. And we had one little church. It was a one room church. And so literally when I'm saying here, here, here on the left side of the church is going to be crafts inside the church to be Bible study, right side of the church to be games. We got 20 kids. We'll split them up into groups, about seven kids, and we'll rotate them. We go pass out flyers into this Bahamian neighborhood that's very poor. And when it comes time for vacation Bible school, 20 kids don't show up. A hundred and something kids showed up. And man, we were like, it was crazy trying to like, it was just loud, chaotic." [00:11:57] (50 seconds)


"Jesus is for all people in all places. Here's the second thing I want you guys to hear out of this Christmas story. You can't worship Jesus without sacrifice. You can't worship him without sacrifice. You can't follow Jesus without sacrifice. You can't follow Jesus without sacrifice. You can't follow Jesus without sacrifice. And it not cost you something. And I tell you that because it's only fair that you know." [00:15:21] (20 seconds)


"Jesus, I'll see you on Sunday, but I'm not going to follow you on Friday or Saturday. Or we go, hey, Friday, Saturday, maybe I could create a space. Maybe I could be a leader. Maybe I could develop, influence my own life. And I invite some other people, hey, let's go do this. And we'll go. Let's go do this instead of that. But Jesus, if I do that, what if they reject me and everybody says no, and it's just me by myself? I don't want to take that risk. So Jesus, I'll see you on Sunday. That's not following Jesus." [00:16:37] (28 seconds)


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Transcript
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