Journey of the Magi: Seeking Truth and Worship
Summary
In this message, we explore the profound journey of the Magi, the wise men from the East, who sought the newborn King, Jesus. Their journey is a testament to the relentless pursuit of truth and the recognition of divine worth. These men, possibly influenced by the teachings of the prophet Daniel, embarked on a journey guided by a star, a symbol of hope and divine guidance. Their story is a reminder that the search for God is a journey worth undertaking, no matter the distance or the obstacles.
The Magi's journey is contrasted with the response of King Herod, who saw Jesus as a threat. This contrast highlights the different ways people respond to the presence of Jesus. Some, like the Magi, are willing to humble themselves and worship, recognizing the worth of Jesus. Others, like Herod, are threatened by the change Jesus represents. This dichotomy is still present today, as people either seek God with open hearts or resist His call.
The message also touches on the unexpected ways God reaches out to us. Just as the shepherds were surprised by the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth, God often breaks into our lives in unexpected ways. Whether we are actively seeking Him or not, God knows how to capture our hearts and draw us closer to Him. This is a call to be watchful and open to the ways God might be speaking to us, even when we least expect it.
Ultimately, the journey of the Magi and the shepherds is a call to action for us. It challenges us to seek Jesus with our whole hearts, to recognize His worth, and to respond to His call. Whether we are like the Magi, who traveled far to find Jesus, or like the shepherds, who were surprised by His presence, our response to Jesus matters. It is a matter of eternal significance, shaping our lives and our destinies.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Pursuit of Truth: The Magi's journey exemplifies the relentless pursuit of truth. They were guided by a star, a symbol of divine guidance, and their journey reminds us that seeking God is a journey worth undertaking, no matter the obstacles. This pursuit requires humility and a willingness to recognize the worth of Jesus. [01:14:46]
2. Contrasting Responses to Jesus: The story of the Magi and King Herod highlights the different ways people respond to Jesus. While the Magi humbled themselves and worshipped, Herod saw Jesus as a threat. This contrast challenges us to examine our own response to Jesus and to choose humility and worship over fear and resistance. [01:16:06]
3. God's Unexpected Ways: Just as the shepherds were surprised by the angelic announcement, God often breaks into our lives in unexpected ways. Whether we are actively seeking Him or not, God knows how to capture our hearts. This calls us to be watchful and open to the ways God might be speaking to us. [01:27:27]
4. The Importance of Response: Our response to Jesus is of eternal significance. Whether we are like the Magi, who traveled far to find Jesus, or like the shepherds, who were surprised by His presence, how we respond to Jesus shapes our lives and destinies. It is a call to seek Him with our whole hearts. [01:32:34]
5. The Light of Jesus: Jesus is described as the bright and morning star, the one who lights up the darkest parts of our lives. As we draw closer to Him, we are called to follow His light and allow it to transform us. This transformation is a journey of becoming more like Jesus, reflecting His light to the world. [01:38:05]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:07:31] - Introduction and Prayer
[01:13:02] - The Presence of God
[01:14:46] - The Journey of the Magi
[01:16:06] - Herod's Troubled Heart
[01:18:32] - Influence of Daniel
[01:22:25] - Seeking and Finding
[01:23:25] - Recognizing Jesus' Worth
[01:25:00] - Humility and Wisdom
[01:27:27] - The Shepherds' Surprise
[01:28:23] - Missing the Point
[01:29:11] - Personal Testimony
[01:30:01] - The Search for Fulfillment
[01:31:17] - A Call to Truth
[01:32:34] - Responding to Jesus
[01:33:56] - Psalm 107 Reflection
[01:36:08] - Division and Redemption
[01:37:11] - The Bright and Morning Star
[01:38:38] - Closing and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 2:1-12
2. Isaiah 9:6-7
3. Revelation 22:16
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Observation Questions:
1. What motivated the Magi to embark on their journey to find Jesus, and how did they know where to go? [01:14:46]
2. How did King Herod react to the news of Jesus' birth, and what does this reveal about his character? [01:16:06]
3. What role did the prophet Daniel play in influencing the Magi's search for Jesus? [01:18:32]
4. How did the shepherds respond to the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth, and what does this tell us about their openness to God's message? [01:27:27]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the journey of the Magi teach us about the pursuit of truth and the recognition of Jesus' worth? How does this apply to our own spiritual journeys? [01:14:46]
2. In what ways do the contrasting responses of the Magi and King Herod to Jesus' birth reflect the different ways people respond to Jesus today? [01:16:06]
3. How can we be more watchful and open to the unexpected ways God might be speaking to us, as illustrated by the shepherds' experience? [01:27:27]
4. What does it mean for Jesus to be the "bright and morning star," and how does this imagery impact our understanding of His role in our lives? [01:38:05]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you were on a journey to seek truth. How did you recognize the worth of Jesus in that journey, and what obstacles did you face? [01:14:46]
2. Consider your current response to Jesus. Are there areas in your life where you feel threatened by the change He represents, similar to Herod's reaction? How can you choose humility and worship instead? [01:16:06]
3. How can you cultivate a heart that is open and watchful for God's unexpected messages in your daily life, like the shepherds? What practical steps can you take this week? [01:27:27]
4. In what ways can you allow the light of Jesus to transform the darkest parts of your life? Identify one specific area where you need His light and plan a step to address it. [01:38:05]
5. Think about someone in your life who is on a spiritual journey. How can you support them in their pursuit of truth and help them recognize the worth of Jesus?
6. Reflect on the influence of those who have gone before you in faith, like Daniel's influence on the Magi. How can you be a similar influence for future generations? [01:18:32]
7. How can you ensure that your response to Jesus is one of eternal significance, shaping your life and destiny? What changes might you need to make in your daily walk with Him? [01:32:34]
Devotional
Day 1: The Relentless Pursuit of Divine Truth
The journey of the Magi is a profound testament to the relentless pursuit of truth and the recognition of divine worth. These wise men, possibly influenced by the teachings of the prophet Daniel, embarked on a journey guided by a star, a symbol of hope and divine guidance. Their story reminds us that the search for God is a journey worth undertaking, no matter the distance or the obstacles. This pursuit requires humility and a willingness to recognize the worth of Jesus. The Magi's journey exemplifies the relentless pursuit of truth, encouraging us to seek God with our whole hearts. [01:14:46]
Numbers 24:17 (ESV): "I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to seek Him more earnestly? How can you take a step towards that pursuit today?
Day 2: Responses to the Presence of Jesus
The story of the Magi and King Herod highlights the different ways people respond to Jesus. While the Magi humbled themselves and worshipped, Herod saw Jesus as a threat. This contrast challenges us to examine our own response to Jesus and to choose humility and worship over fear and resistance. The dichotomy between the Magi and Herod is still present today, as people either seek God with open hearts or resist His call. This calls us to reflect on our own hearts and how we respond to the presence of Jesus in our lives. [01:16:06]
Matthew 2:3-4 (ESV): "When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born."
Reflection: Consider a time when you felt threatened by change. How can you choose to respond with humility and openness to Jesus instead of fear?
Day 3: Embracing God's Unexpected Ways
Just as the shepherds were surprised by the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth, God often breaks into our lives in unexpected ways. Whether we are actively seeking Him or not, God knows how to capture our hearts and draw us closer to Him. This is a call to be watchful and open to the ways God might be speaking to us, even when we least expect it. Embracing God's unexpected ways requires a heart that is attentive and ready to respond to His call. [01:27:27]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Think of a recent unexpected event in your life. How might God be using it to speak to you or draw you closer to Him?
Day 4: The Eternal Significance of Our Response
Our response to Jesus is of eternal significance. Whether we are like the Magi, who traveled far to find Jesus, or like the shepherds, who were surprised by His presence, how we respond to Jesus shapes our lives and destinies. It is a call to seek Him with our whole hearts and to recognize His worth. This response is not just a one-time decision but a daily commitment to follow Jesus and allow His presence to transform us. [01:32:34]
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV): "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can demonstrate your commitment to seeking Jesus today?
Day 5: Following the Light of Jesus
Jesus is described as the bright and morning star, the one who lights up the darkest parts of our lives. As we draw closer to Him, we are called to follow His light and allow it to transform us. This transformation is a journey of becoming more like Jesus, reflecting His light to the world. Following the light of Jesus means allowing His presence to guide us and illuminate our path, even in the midst of darkness. [01:38:05]
2 Peter 1:19 (ESV): "And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need the light of Jesus to shine more brightly? How can you invite His light into that area today?
Quotes
"We thank you that you are with us. You are Emmanuel, God with us. Yeah, we thank you that you are here and present right now. God, we want to know you. We want to see you. We want to experience all that you have. We want to walk in the fullness of the kingdom of heaven, nothing lacking in any area of our lives. God, as Mike prayed earlier, God, all those who need peace, let peace come. All those who need joy, let joy come. All those who need love of God need a fresh touch. Let the love of God be poured out upon you. If you need healing in your bodies, let healing come forth." [01:13:07]
"When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, In Bethlehem, in Judea, and thus it is written by the prophet, But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the rulers of Judah. For out of you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel." [01:16:58]
"Don't settle in the land that you're at because what you're after, there's something on the other side of, you know, pursuing a rock or the sun or the moon or the constellations or whatever it is. There's someone beyond that. Like, you're dangerously close to the truth in your pursuit. Don't settle where you're at because you're falling for something that's cheaper, that's weaker, that's not the fullness yet. But you're so, so, so close." [01:15:40]
"Now it's always interesting when someone shows up at your doorstep and asks for something and you're like I didn't even know that was a thing. Herod's like, I thought I was the king of the Jews. That's my job. What do you mean the king of the Jews? So I can imagine him having some kind of moment, but that wouldn't have necessarily bothered the Jewish people unless they saw a caravan of military force type people and other kings from the east coming in, not riding on camels but white horses, which is what they would have traditionally, which again, this kind of like blows up a lot of the movies. You're kind of like, oh man, that's ruined for me." [01:17:08]
"There had been people who even ushered in things, right, for us sitting here in Manchester, New Hampshire, we're not the first believers here. We're not the first Christians here. There's people who have gone way before us and ushered in what we have today. What we get to enjoy. And Daniel would have influenced these magi, these wise men of talking about the God of Jacob, the Messiah. They would have known about this because of Daniel. So Daniel had a tremendous role obviously biblically in the lives of many kings, but even for generations to come." [01:18:12]
"Now I always love this because these are the type of men who weren't just settled with, we have a nice house and we have gold and we have fine cars and there's people who serve us. They were after something greater. After something greater. So in Isaiah 9, verses 6 and 7 it says, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even for the forever, the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. It's often thought that the magi or the wise men would have known this prophecy. And again in Isaiah 11, 1 and 10 it says, and there shall come forth a rod from the stem of Jesse and a branch shall grow out of his root. And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse who shall stand as a banner to the people. For the Gentiles shall seek him and his resting place shall be glorious. Now what's amazing about that is like when you read a portion of scripture like this and you realize Isaiah, hundreds of years earlier wrote that the Gentiles will seek this Jesus. Will seek this Messiah. And then out of nowhere from the east, these wise men come in." [01:18:52]
"And I love how they say this when they come see, come see Herod. We saw his star in the sky. They were looking. They were watchful. And I think for us that what I love about this, there are some people who are so dead and so hardened spiritually that they're not looking for anything. Because they've become their own God. Say, I am God. I do provide for myself. I take care of myself. No one's coming for me. And then there's a group of people that know in their heart of hearts, I can't do this on my own." [01:22:15]
"This is important for every single one of us as we, travel about our lives as believers that we're watching and praying. I'm devouring the word of God and I should be looking for this in my life. That this should be manifest in my life. That as the word became flesh and dwelt among us, it was meant to do that again and again and again through the lives of every single believer. That as the word of God gets on the inside of who I am, I'm supposed to become like it. That's how I become just like Jesus. Just like Jesus. That the world around me would see me and see Jesus." [01:23:25]
"They humbled themselves and they worshiped. Obviously these men in this type of situation, you can see the drastic contrast between Herod who seeks to kill the children and these men who say, actually we're here to worship. I'm not here for my own sake. I'm here to lay it all down at the feet of Jesus, at this Messiah. Drastic, drastic difference. One who's not intimidated or threatened by Jesus, but saying, I'll lay my life down. I'll worship him. Because now I'm saying he's my king as well." [01:25:08]
"Now, there is no indication that we hear of, that we know of, that the shepherds were looking for this child. They were just going about their work. Now, it's, I think, as I said before, I think there really are two types of people in this world. Some who are genuinely searching after God, and some who genuinely are not. And just by, just by a show of hands, for all those who have given your lives to Jesus, would you say at that time in your life, you were looking for Jesus? A couple hands? There's a few?" [01:27:27]
"And for many of you, you have these stories of how God broke in, how with these shepherds who weren't even looking for it, and the angels appeared to them, they showed up, they broke in. And God does this in unusual ways because he knows what will capture your heart. He's after your heart. He knows it. For me, I never needed another church service. I didn't want a pastor to come to me and tell me the gospel. I didn't want a Christian friend who had a big smile on their face wearing an I Love Jesus t -shirt. I was like, done with that." [01:30:28]
"There was a stirring in my heart as someone who didn't know Jesus. Someone who wasn't saved. And there was a stirring in my heart. There was a conviction that said I have to track this thing down. I have to know, God, if you're real, I'm coming to find you. And I'll never forget that being 23 years old, on my knees, in a condo, no one else around saying, God, if you're real, I'm going to find out. Because I'm either spending the rest of my life telling people you do exist or you don't." [01:31:31]
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