Seeking, Worshiping, and Giving: The Magi's Christmas Journey
Summary
The story of the Magi, as recounted in the Gospel of Matthew, offers profound insights into the essence of Christmas. The Magi, often referred to as wise men or ancient scientists, embarked on a journey guided by a star, seeking the newborn King of the Jews. Their journey is a testament to the importance of seeking, worshiping, and giving to Christ, which are the three key actions we are called to emulate.
The Magi's earnest search for Christ is a reminder of the importance of seeking God with all our hearts. They were guided by natural revelation, the star, which God placed in the sky as a sign. This reflects how God reveals Himself through nature, as seen in Psalm 19, where the heavens declare His glory. In our modern world, we have even more knowledge of the universe, yet sometimes we fail to recognize God's handiwork. The Magi's journey encourages us to be attentive to God's revelations, both natural and special, as found in Scripture.
Upon finding Jesus, the Magi worshiped Him, demonstrating the essence of true worship. They were overjoyed and bowed down before Him, showing both delight and duty. Worship involves finding satisfaction in God and acknowledging His sovereignty. The Magi's example challenges us to worship with joy and reverence, recognizing Christ as the King who deserves our adoration.
The gifts of the Magi—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—symbolize Christ's kingship, divinity, and humanity. These gifts not only portray who Jesus is but also provided for His family during their flight to Egypt. This act of giving teaches us the importance of sacrificial giving. The Magi gave their best to Christ, and we are called to do the same by offering ourselves as living sacrifices, as stated in Romans 12:1.
In a world where Christmas can become commercialized and hectic, the story of the Magi invites us to refocus on the true meaning of the season. By seeking Christ, worshiping Him with joy, and giving sacrificially, we can experience a "Magi-cal" Christmas, one that honors the King who came to save us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Earnest Seeking: The Magi's journey to find Christ exemplifies the importance of earnestly seeking God. They were guided by natural revelation, the star, which God used to reveal Himself. In our lives, we must be attentive to both natural and special revelations, recognizing God's presence and seeking Him wholeheartedly. [13:17]
2. True Worship: Worship involves both delight and duty, as demonstrated by the Magi. They were overjoyed and bowed down before Jesus, acknowledging His sovereignty. True worship means finding satisfaction in God and revering Him as King, which challenges us to worship with joy and reverence. [20:21]
3. Sacrificial Giving: The gifts of the Magi—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—symbolize Christ's kingship, divinity, and humanity. These gifts teach us the importance of sacrificial giving, offering our best to Christ. We are called to give ourselves as living sacrifices, following the example of the Magi. [26:31]
4. Revelation and Response: God reveals Himself through both natural and special revelation. The Magi's journey was guided by a star and Scripture, showing the importance of responding to God's revelations. We have the completed canon of Scripture, providing us with guidance to seek and know God. [17:01]
5. The Essence of Christmas: In a world where Christmas can become commercialized, the story of the Magi invites us to refocus on the true meaning of the season. By seeking Christ, worshiping Him with joy, and giving sacrificially, we can experience a Christmas that honors the King who came to save us. [30:57]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [04:50] - Introduction to the Magi
- [07:29] - The Star of Bethlehem
- [10:09] - Herod's Antipathy and Religious Apathy
- [11:28] - The Magi's Journey
- [12:19] - Seeking Christ
- [13:17] - Natural Revelation
- [14:18] - Special Revelation
- [15:43] - From Wonder to Worship
- [17:01] - God's Revelation in Creation
- [18:08] - Worshiping Christ
- [20:21] - Delight and Duty in Worship
- [21:24] - Joyful Worship
- [26:31] - The Gifts of the Magi
- [29:10] - Sacrificial Giving and the Gift of Self
- [33:19] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Story of the Magi
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 2:1-12
2. Psalm 19:1-4
3. Romans 12:1
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Observation Questions:
1. What motivated the Magi to embark on their journey, and how did they know where to go? ([04:50])
2. How did King Herod and the religious leaders react to the news of the Magi's search for the newborn King? ([10:09])
3. What were the gifts presented by the Magi to Jesus, and what do they symbolize? ([26:31])
4. How did the Magi respond upon finding Jesus, and what does this reveal about their understanding of who He was? ([12:19])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the Magi's journey illustrate the concept of seeking God through both natural and special revelation? ([13:17])
2. In what ways does the Magi's act of worship challenge contemporary understandings of worship? ([20:21])
3. How do the gifts of the Magi reflect the identity and mission of Jesus, and what significance do they hold for believers today? ([27:45])
4. What lessons can be drawn from the contrasting attitudes of the Magi and the religious leaders towards Jesus? ([11:28])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own journey of seeking God. Are there areas in your life where you need to be more attentive to God's natural and special revelations? How can you cultivate this attentiveness? ([13:17])
2. Consider your current approach to worship. Do you find yourself worshiping out of duty, delight, or both? How can you cultivate a more joyful and reverent worship experience? ([20:21])
3. The Magi gave gifts that symbolized Jesus' kingship, divinity, and humanity. What are some ways you can offer your best to Christ in your daily life? ([26:31])
4. In what ways can you refocus on the true meaning of Christmas amidst the commercialization and busyness of the season? How can you ensure that your celebrations honor Christ? ([30:57])
5. The Magi's journey was marked by sacrifice and dedication. What sacrifices might God be calling you to make in your pursuit of Him? How can you respond to this call? ([29:10])
6. How can you incorporate the practice of sacrificial giving into your life, not just during Christmas but throughout the year? What specific steps can you take to live as a "living sacrifice"? ([33:19])
7. Reflect on the story of the Magi and their response to Jesus. How can their example inspire you to deepen your relationship with Christ and live out your faith more fully? ([12:19])
Devotional
Day 1: The Pursuit of Divine Revelation
The Magi's journey to find Christ exemplifies the importance of earnestly seeking God. They were guided by natural revelation, the star, which God used to reveal Himself. In our lives, we must be attentive to both natural and special revelations, recognizing God's presence and seeking Him wholeheartedly. The Magi's journey encourages us to be attentive to God's revelations, both natural and special, as found in Scripture. In a world filled with distractions, the call to seek God with all our hearts remains vital. The Magi's example challenges us to prioritize our spiritual journey, looking for signs of God's presence in our everyday lives. [13:17]
Psalm 19:1-2 (ESV): "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge."
Reflection: What are some ways you can intentionally seek God's presence in your daily routine this week? How can you be more attentive to His revelations in both nature and Scripture?
Day 2: Worship as Delight and Duty
Worship involves both delight and duty, as demonstrated by the Magi. They were overjoyed and bowed down before Jesus, acknowledging His sovereignty. True worship means finding satisfaction in God and revering Him as King, which challenges us to worship with joy and reverence. The Magi's example shows us that worship is not just an obligation but a joyful response to God's greatness. It is about finding delight in His presence and recognizing His authority in our lives. [20:21]
Psalm 95:6-7 (ESV): "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a heart of worship that balances both joy and reverence? What practical steps can you take to ensure your worship is both heartfelt and honoring to God?
Day 3: The Gift of Sacrificial Giving
The gifts of the Magi—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—symbolize Christ's kingship, divinity, and humanity. These gifts teach us the importance of sacrificial giving, offering our best to Christ. We are called to give ourselves as living sacrifices, following the example of the Magi. Their act of giving was not just about the material value but about the heart behind the gift. It challenges us to consider what we are willing to offer to God, not just in terms of material possessions but in our time, talents, and lives. [26:31]
2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can practice sacrificial giving this week? How can you offer your best to Christ in a way that reflects your love and devotion to Him?
Day 4: Responding to God's Revelation
God reveals Himself through both natural and special revelation. The Magi's journey was guided by a star and Scripture, showing the importance of responding to God's revelations. We have the completed canon of Scripture, providing us with guidance to seek and know God. The Magi's response to God's revelation challenges us to be proactive in our faith, seeking to understand and apply His Word in our lives. It is a call to be diligent in our study of Scripture and responsive to the ways God speaks to us. [17:01]
Hebrews 1:1-2 (ESV): "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world."
Reflection: How can you be more intentional in responding to God's revelations in your life? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding and application of Scripture?
Day 5: Rediscovering the Essence of Christmas
In a world where Christmas can become commercialized, the story of the Magi invites us to refocus on the true meaning of the season. By seeking Christ, worshiping Him with joy, and giving sacrificially, we can experience a Christmas that honors the King who came to save us. The Magi's journey reminds us that Christmas is not about the external trappings but about the internal transformation that comes from encountering Christ. It is an invitation to celebrate the season with a heart centered on Him. [30:57]
Colossians 3:2-3 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: How can you refocus your celebration of Christmas to honor Christ more fully? What traditions or practices can you incorporate to ensure the season remains centered on Him?
Quotes
"Good morning, Living Faith. Yeah, we don't want you to have any Christmas confusion here today. We're continuing our sermon series this Christmas season on Christmas according to Matthew, and we are going to be looking at the story of the Magi today, not the emoji. And we're going to be asking ourselves, what is the essence of the story of Christmas?" [00:03:11] (24 seconds)
"And I believe that these were men who, like Daniel, the prophet that we have a book in the Bible from Daniel, was one of this class of scholars from Babylon who studied all these things. And it says in Daniel chapter 5 verse 11 that Daniel himself was a magi. And so this tradition continued. And these people no doubt studied the stars and the heavens, but also had the scrolls of Daniel and perhaps the scrolls of the ancient Jews as they were scholars themselves, maybe even descendants of Jews. And so they were looking in the scrolls and they were looking in the stars for when Christ would come." [00:06:48] (41 seconds)
"After they heard the king, they went on their way. And the star they had seen when it rose ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed on coming to the house. They saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. They opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. You see the example of the magi that we should follow today." [00:12:19] (40 seconds)
"What's the first lesson we can learn from them? They earnestly sought the Christ child. And we can experience the same kind of Christmas as them by earnestly seeking Christ. Now, how did they seek him? Two ways. And those two ways are still options for us today. One, natural revelation. What guided them to Jerusalem? A star. A star. Who put the star in the sky? God. Why did God put the star in the sky? Because God is a revealing God." [00:12:55] (34 seconds)
"God reveals himself through nature. The Bible says everything that God has created is a revelation of himself. We read about that in Psalm 19. declare the glory of God. The skies proclaim the work of his hands. I believe God programmed the heavens to be a display, a sight and sound of him and his majesty. And you see, the Magi were tuned into natural revelation. They understood that God was revealing himself through nature." [00:13:35] (32 seconds)
"In our day and age, we know far more than the Magi do about this world. And what irks me is that some people that should know better seem to know less than the Magi when it comes to knowing that God's handiwork displays his glory. But we should know better. Job chapter 38 says, can you bind the chains of the Pleiades? Can you loosen Orion's belt? Can you bring forth the constellation in their seasons? It's God that's laid all of this out in the heavens." [00:14:15] (30 seconds)
"So how can we seek after Christ this Christmas? By following the example of the Magi, looking into the heavens and wondering, wondering about it and then worshiping. But we can go directly, specifically to Christ because He's revealed the Father. And in coming to Christ, we're drawn to Him because God first drew us. God drew us through revelation of His Son, Jesus Christ." [00:18:20] (26 seconds)
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