The Jesus Effect
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Matthew 2:1-22
Jesus has a strange effect on people.
This text shows us two types of people who are effected by Him differently.
The Wise and The Wicked.
1. Jesus Makes the Wise Worship
1. Jesus Makes the Wise Worship
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem,
saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
The wise will have this type of heart posture response...
What can Jesus take from me?
Even the most lost can be found if wisdom comes - Magi- magicians or sorcerers.
The wise give freely - give their sin, give their affection, give their treasures
Jesus Makes the Wise Worship
2. Jesus Makes the Wicked Worry
2. Jesus Makes the Wicked Worry
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.
Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.
The wicked will have this type of heart posture response...
What will Jesus take from me?
Even the most likely can desire to be lost when wisdom calls - Jewish king, desire for freedom, but crave power
Jesus Makes the Wicked Worry
The first thing we must have happen to us before we can act wisely on a daily basis towards Jesus is take something Jesus is giving to us freely!
We must receive Jesus and His good news!
All that we give to Jesus is fueled and provided by Him first.
Forgiveness, love, His life!
Grow Group Questions
Why do the wise respond the way they do? What are they wise to see?
What ways did the “wise” men show their heart posture towards Jesus?
What are ways you can be wise regarding Jesus
Why did wicked King Herod respond the way he did? What did he want to ignore about Jesus?
Do you care more about what Jesus might keep you from or more about what you can give to Him?
Why is it important for us to know that Jesus must give us something first before we are able to give to Him?