Seeking the Savior: A Journey of Faith
Summary
The birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, as recounted in the Gospel of Matthew, is a profound event that reveals the sovereignty and mercy of God. The wise men from the East, guided by a star, embarked on a long and arduous journey to find and worship the newborn King of the Jews. Their story is a testament to the divine revelation and the mysterious ways in which God chooses to reveal Himself. The shepherds, humble and unlearned, were chosen to receive the angelic announcement of Christ's birth, while the learned scribes and Pharisees remained unaware. This highlights God's sovereign choice to reveal His truth to the humble and the seeking, rather than the proud and self-sufficient.
The wise men, despite their distance and the challenges they faced, were driven by a deep desire to find and worship Jesus. Their journey symbolizes the spiritual quest of every believer, a journey that requires humility, persistence, and a willingness to seek truth beyond the superficial. They were not content with merely seeing the star; they sought the Savior Himself. This teaches us that true faith goes beyond religious rituals and seeks a personal encounter with Christ.
Their inquiry, "Where is he that is born King of the Jews?" reflects a sincere and earnest search for truth. It is a question that should resonate with every believer, prompting us to seek Jesus with the same fervor and dedication. The wise men's journey also underscores the importance of being open to divine guidance and revelation, even when it comes from unexpected sources.
In their worship, the wise men offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, symbolizing their recognition of Jesus' kingship, divinity, and future suffering. This act of worship is a reminder that true devotion involves giving our best to God, not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude for His indescribable gift.
Key Takeaways:
- Divine Sovereignty and Revelation: God's choice to reveal the birth of Christ to the humble shepherds and distant wise men, rather than the learned scribes, underscores His sovereign will and the mystery of divine revelation. It reminds us that God often chooses the lowly and the seeking to reveal His truth. [03:41]
- The Journey of Faith: The wise men's journey from the East symbolizes the spiritual quest of every believer. It requires humility, persistence, and a willingness to seek truth beyond the superficial. Their story encourages us to pursue a personal encounter with Christ, not just religious rituals. [14:49]
- The Importance of Inquiry: The question, "Where is he that is born King of the Jews?" reflects a sincere search for truth. It challenges us to seek Jesus with fervor and dedication, reminding us that true faith involves a personal relationship with Christ. [06:30]
- True Worship and Devotion: The wise men's act of worship, offering gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, teaches us that true devotion involves giving our best to God. It is a response of love and gratitude for His indescribable gift, not mere obligation. [41:19]
- The Role of Divine Guidance: The star that guided the wise men to Jesus symbolizes the divine guidance available to all who seek truth. It encourages us to be open to God's leading, even when it comes from unexpected sources, and to follow it with faith and obedience. [26:06]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - The Birth of Jesus
- [00:28] - Revelation to the Humble
- [01:01] - The Shepherds and the Wise Men
- [02:22] - The Journey from the East
- [03:41] - God's Sovereign Choice
- [05:38] - Lessons from the Wise Men
- [06:30] - The Inquiry of the Wise Men
- [09:20] - The Importance of Seeking
- [14:49] - Ignorance and Inquiry
- [20:05] - The Motive for Worship
- [26:06] - Seeing the Star
- [31:51] - Reaching Bethlehem
- [36:22] - The Act of Worship
- [41:19] - Offering Gifts to the King
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 2:1-12
- Luke 2:8-20
- Isaiah 60:1-3
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of the wise men's journey from the East, and how did they find their way to Jesus? [00:11]
2. How did the shepherds learn about the birth of Jesus, and what was their response? [01:01]
3. What gifts did the wise men present to Jesus, and what did each gift symbolize? [41:19]
4. How did the scribes and Pharisees react to the news of Jesus' birth, and what does this reveal about their spiritual state? [01:32]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the journey of the wise men symbolize in the spiritual life of a believer, and how does it relate to the concept of seeking truth beyond the superficial? [14:49]
2. How does the story of the shepherds and wise men illustrate God's sovereign choice in revealing His truth? [03:41]
3. In what ways does the question "Where is he that is born King of the Jews?" challenge believers to seek a personal relationship with Christ? [06:30]
4. How does the act of worship by the wise men, through their gifts, reflect true devotion and gratitude towards God? [41:19]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt guided by God in an unexpected way. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [26:06]
2. The wise men were persistent in their journey to find Jesus. What are some areas in your spiritual life where you need to show more persistence and dedication? [14:49]
3. How can you cultivate a spirit of humility and openness to divine revelation in your daily life, similar to the shepherds and wise men? [03:41]
4. Consider the gifts you offer to God in your life. Are they given out of obligation or genuine love and gratitude? How can you shift your mindset towards true worship? [41:19]
5. The wise men asked, "Where is he that is born King of the Jews?" How can you incorporate a sincere search for Jesus into your daily routine? [06:30]
6. Think about a time when you were content with religious rituals rather than seeking a personal encounter with Christ. How can you move beyond rituals to deepen your relationship with Him? [14:49]
7. How can you be more attentive to God's guidance in your life, especially when it comes from unexpected sources? What steps can you take to ensure you are following His lead? [26:06]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Sovereign Revelation to the Humble
God's choice to reveal the birth of Christ to the humble shepherds and distant wise men, rather than the learned scribes, underscores His sovereign will and the mystery of divine revelation. This event highlights that God often chooses the lowly and the seeking to reveal His truth. The shepherds, simple and unlearned, were chosen to receive the angelic announcement of Christ's birth, while the learned scribes and Pharisees remained unaware. This demonstrates that God's revelation is not based on human wisdom or status but on His sovereign choice. It is a reminder that God values humility and a seeking heart over pride and self-sufficiency. The wise men, despite their distance and challenges, were driven by a deep desire to find and worship Jesus, symbolizing the spiritual quest of every believer. [03:41]
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to embrace humility to better receive God's revelation and guidance?
Day 2: The Spiritual Quest of Faith
The journey of the wise men from the East symbolizes the spiritual quest of every believer. It requires humility, persistence, and a willingness to seek truth beyond the superficial. The wise men were not content with merely seeing the star; they sought the Savior Himself. This teaches us that true faith goes beyond religious rituals and seeks a personal encounter with Christ. Their journey encourages believers to pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus, not just through external practices but through a heartfelt desire to know Him personally. The wise men's determination and dedication serve as an example for all who seek to grow in their faith. [14:49]
Jeremiah 29:13-14 (ESV): "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your personal relationship with Christ beyond routine religious practices?
Day 3: The Sincere Search for Truth
The question posed by the wise men, "Where is he that is born King of the Jews?" reflects a sincere and earnest search for truth. It is a question that should resonate with every believer, prompting us to seek Jesus with the same fervor and dedication. This inquiry challenges us to pursue a personal relationship with Christ, reminding us that true faith involves more than just knowledge or tradition. It requires a heartfelt desire to know and follow Jesus. The wise men's journey underscores the importance of being open to divine guidance and revelation, even when it comes from unexpected sources. [06:30]
Proverbs 2:3-5 (ESV): "Yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to seek Jesus more earnestly? How can you begin that search today?
Day 4: Offering Our Best in Worship
The wise men's act of worship, offering gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, teaches us that true devotion involves giving our best to God. These gifts symbolized their recognition of Jesus' kingship, divinity, and future suffering. This act of worship is a reminder that true devotion is a response of love and gratitude for God's indescribable gift, not mere obligation. It challenges believers to consider what they are offering to God in their worship and whether it truly reflects their love and gratitude. Worship is not just about rituals or traditions but about giving our best to God out of a sincere heart. [41:19]
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 way you can offer your best to God in worship today, beyond routine or obligation?
Day 5: Following Divine Guidance
The star that guided the wise men to Jesus symbolizes the divine guidance available to all who seek truth. It encourages believers to be open to God's leading, even when it comes from unexpected sources, and to follow it with faith and obedience. The wise men's willingness to follow the star, despite the challenges and uncertainties, serves as a powerful example of trusting in God's guidance. It reminds us that God often leads us in ways we do not expect, and it is our responsibility to remain open and obedient to His direction. [26:06]
Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you sense God's guidance but are hesitant to follow? What steps can you take to trust and obey His leading today?
Quotes
The Incarnation of the Son of God was one of the greatest events in the history of the universe its actual occurrence was not however known to all mankind but was specially revealed to the Shepherds of Bethlehem and to certain wise men of the East to Shepherds the illiterate men little versed in human learning the Angels in Coral song made known the birth of the savior Christ the lord and they hastened to Bethlehem to see the great sight while the scribes the writers of the law and expounders of it knew nothing concerning the long promised birth of the Messiah. [00:37:57]
How mysterious are the dispensations of Grace the base things are chosen and the eminent are passed by the Advent of the Redeemer is revealed to the Shepherds who kept their flocks of sheep by night but not to the Shepherds whose benighted sheep were left astray admire therein the sovereignty of God the Glad Tidings were made known also to wise men Magi students of the stars and of old prophetic books from the far off East. [00:41:13]
Why was the birth of the king of the Jews made known to these foreigners and not to those nearer home why did the Lord select those who were so many hundreds of miles away while the children of the Kingdom in whose very midst the Savior was brought forth were yet strangely ignorant of his presence see here again another instance of the sovereignty of God both in Shepherds and in eastern Magi gathering around the young child. [00:52:48]
Sovereignty in these cases clothed itself in the Robes of Mercy it was great Mercy that regarded the low estate of the Shepherds and it was far-reaching Mercy which gathered from lands which lay in darkness a company of men made wise unto salvation Mercy wearing her resplendant Jewels was present with Divine sovereignty in the lowly Abode of Bethlehem is it not a delightful thought that around the Cradle of the Savior as well as around his throne in the highest Heaven these two attributes meet. [00:56:23]
Notice first their inquiry May many of us become in inquirers upon the same matter where is he that is born King of the Jews notice secondly there encouragement we have seen his star because they had seen his star they felt bold to ask where is he and then thirdly their example we have come to worship Him. [01:00:57]
My dear hearers I will believe that there are some here this morning whom God intends to bless and it will be a very hopeful sign that he intends to do so if there be an interest awakened in your mind concerning the work and person of the Incarnate God those who anxiously desire to know of him are but a slender company alas when we preach most earnestly of him and tell of his Sorrows as the atonement for human sin we are compelled to lament most bitterly the carelessness of mankind. [01:11:39]
Many men might have been wise if they had but been aware that they were fools the knowledge of our ignorance is the doorstep of the Temple of knowledge some think they know and therefore never know had they known that they were blind they would soon have been made to see but because they say we see therefore their blindness remains upon them beloved heer do you want to find a savior would you Fain have all your sins blotted out would you be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ then blush not to inquire admit that you do not know. [01:32:44]
I must be saved I know something of the way of Salvation I am grateful for that but I do not know all I want to know and I cannot rest satisfied till I do if beneath the canopy of Heaven A Savior is to be found I will have him if that book can teach me how to be saved I will turn its Pages day and night if any book within my reach may help me I will spare no Midnight Oil if I may but in the reading thereof find out Christ my savior. [01:53:36]
Now notice further than in reference to these wise men from the East there was for their search after Christ a motive declared where is he say they that we may go and worship him our soul and if you would find Christ Let It Be Your motive that you may be saved by him and then hence forth forth and forever you may live to his glory when it comes to this that you do not hear the gospel merely as a habit but because you long to obtain its salvation it will not be long before you will find it. [02:00:48]
The worst of it is many of you do not come to find Jesus it is not him you are seeking for if you were seeking him he would soon appear to you a young woman was asked during a Revival how is it you have not found Christ sir said she I think it is because I have not sought him it is so none shall be able to say at the last I sought him but I found him not in all cases at the last if Jesus Christ be not found it must be because he is not been devoutly earnestly importunately sought for his promise is seek and ye shall find. [02:11:09]
The Incarnate God they gazed with all their eyes they looked and looked and looked again they glanced at his mother but they fixed their eyes on him they saw the young child so too this morning let us think of Jesus with fixed and continuous thought he is God he is man he is the substitute for Sinners he is willing to receive all who trust him he will save and save this morning every one of us who will rely upon him think of him if you are at home this afternoon spend the time in thinking upon him. [03:41:33]
We cannot properly worship a Christ whom we do not know to the unknown God is poor worship but oh when you think of Jesus Christ whose goings forth were of old from Everlasting the eternally begotten son of the father and then see him coming here to be a man of the substance of his mother and know and understand why he came and what he did when he came then you fall down and worship Him Son of God to thee we bow Thou Art Lord and only thou thou the woman's promised seed thou who did for Sinners bleed we worship Jesus. [03:54:19]
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