Learning From Wise Men

Text:

Introduction: There is a beautiful old tradition about the star in the East. The story says that when the star had finished its task of directing the wise men to the baby, it fell from the sky and dropped down into the city well of Bethlehem. According to some legend, that star is there to this day, and can sometimes still be seen by those whose hearts are pure and clean. It's a pretty story. It kind of makes you feel warm inside.

Introduction:

There is a beautiful old tradition about the star in the East. The story

says that when the star had finished its task of directing the wise men to

the baby, it fell from the sky and dropped down into the city well of

Bethlehem. According to some legend, that star is there to this day, and can

sometimes still be seen by those whose hearts are pure and clean. It's a

pretty story. It kind of makes you feel warm inside.

There are other legends about this story of the wise men from the east. For instance, how many wise men were there? In the old days in the east, they believed that there were 12 men who made the journey, but there could have been dozens. Now because three gifts are mentioned most agree there were three wise men. One old legend even tells us the names of the three. Melchior was the oldest of the group, with a full beard. He gave the baby the gift of gold. Balthasar also had a beard, but was not as old as Melchior. He presented the gift of myrrh. The youngest of the three was Casper, who had no beard yet, but did present the gift of frankincense to the baby. Yet another legend goes on to tell us that after seeing the baby, the three continued traveling as far as Spain, telling the world the good news about what they had seen.

There are other legends about this story of the wise men from the east. For

instance, how many wise men were there? In the old days in the east, they

believed that there were 12 men who made the journey, but now most everyone

agrees there were three. One old legend even tells us the names of the

three. Melchior was the oldest of the group, with a full beard. He gave the

baby the gift of gold. Balthasar also had a beard, but was not as old as

Melchior. He presented the gift of myrrh. The youngest of the three was

Casper, who had no beard yet, but did present the gift of frankincense to

the baby. Yet another legend goes on to tell us that after seeing the baby,

the three continued traveling as far as Spain, telling the world the good

news about what they had seen.

more to life, and add some color to the meaning of Christmas. They can also

get in the way.

The problem with legends is that sometimes they add color to stories that don't need any additional color. In fact, sometimes legends are so colorful, they are unbelievable, and can end up making the entire story unbelievable as well. Kind of like that star falling in the well. It makes you warm inside. It also makes you wonder. Our Gospel writer Matthew does not venture into legend but rather just presents the simple account of scholars from the East following a special star to see where the newborn King of the Jews enters the stream of human history.

The problem with legends is that sometimes they add color to stories that

don't need any additional color. In fact, sometimes legends are so colorful,

they are unbelievable, and can end up making the entire story unbelievable

as well. Kind of like that star falling in the well. It makes you warm

inside. It also makes you wonder. Our Gospel writer Matthew does not venture into legend but rather just presents the simple account of scholars from the East following a special star to see where the newborn King of the Jews enters the stream of human history.

It’s not my purpose this morning to ban legends, but I do think it might be worthwhile to hear the story one more time, the way it was told the first time. I need to hear it anyway, and you are welcome to listen along if you like. (Read text here)

It’s not my purpose this morning to ban legends, but I do think it might be worthwhile to

hear the story one more time, the way it was told the first time. I need to hear it anyway, and you are welcome to listen along if you like. (Read text here)

The visit of the Magi is a post Christmas event as is indicated by Matthew’s account. These curious visitors present us with several important lessons that each of us need to learn and heed.

I. The Followed God’s Leading (vs. 1-2)

I. The Followed God’s Leading

A. They observed a special star. The Scripture never refers to these men as being “kings” but rather Magi. In the ancient world the magi were often considered scholars...astrologers...astronomers...and magicians. They were an elite political and spiritual force that had exercised authority since before the time of Daniel. Daniel had been appointed to be one of their number (; ). Like Daniel they were interpreters of dreams (; ). They were often considered “kingly” in their manner and appearance. Because of the exiled Jewish community in ancient Babylon during the captivity the Jewish Scriptures had become part of the magi’s vast accumulation of knowledge. They were quickly alert when special manifestations occurred in the heavens, such as: comets, novas, or alignment of planets which sometimes create the appearance of a “new star”. There have been all sorts of theories advanced to explain this “star” they saw...while in the east but all fail to measure up to the timing and the nature of the phenomenon they observed. The most obvious explanation is that this was a supernatural production by the Master of the Universe Himself who wanted to decorate the heavens for the birth of His Son!

A. They observed a special star. The Scripture never refers to these men as being “kings” but rather Magi. In the ancient world the magi were often considered scholars...astrologers...astronomers...and magicians. They were often considered “kingly” in their manner and appearance. They were quickly alert when special manifestations occurred in the heavens, such as: comets, novas, or alignment of planets which sometimes create the appearance of a “new star”. There have been all sorts of theories advanced to explain this “star” they saw...while in the east but all fail to measure up to the timing and the nature of the phenomenon they observed. The most obvious explanation is that this was a supernatural production by the Master of the Universe Himself who wanted to decorate the heavens for the birth of His Son!

B. They relied on an inspired word. Considering the fact that these Wise Men probably had access to Jewish Scriptures they would have been aware of such passages as which prophesied that a “star would rise out of Jacob; a scepter out of Israel.” The scepter would indicate a “ruler” or a “king.” Other Scripture might include , “Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.”

B. They relied on an inspired word. If these Magi had access to Jewish

Scriptures they would have been aware of such passages as which prophesied that a “star would rise out of Jacob; a scepter out of Israel.” The scepter would indicate a “ruler” or a “king.” Other Scripture might include , “Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.”

C. They trusted their study with a devoted heart. Whatever peaked their curiosity about this heavenly phenomenon they were committed to see it through with great effort and travel. They trusted their instincts and followed their heart. Even though it meant a journey of about two years and led to an obscure little village they were committed to fulfill their mission.

C. They trusted with a devoted heart. Whatever peaked their curiosity about this heavenly phenomenon they were committed to see it through with great effort and travel. They trusted their instincts and followed their heart. Even though it led to an obscure little village they were committed to fulfill their mission.

D. Like them we need to follow God’s leading. We should mention, the real star of Bethlehem was not in the sky but in the manger. The real information about Him is not sprinkled in obscure texts but rather God has now provided us with an abundance of revelation as to Who He was and Who He is. Our lives should be motivated by the nature of this King who was born...not just to be the King of the Jews...but more than that...to be King of kings and Lord of lords!! He came not to sit on a royal throne in Jerusalem...He came to occupy the throne of your heart and mine! And when He does...He will lead us and guide us in this pilgrimage we have come to call life.

D. Like them we need to follow God’s leading. The real star of Bethlehem was not in the sky but in the manger. The real information about Him is not sprinkled in obscure texts but rather God has now provided us with an abundance of revelation as to Who He was and Who He is. Our lives should be motivated by the nature of this King who was born...not just to be the King of the Jews...but more than that...to be King of kings and Lord of lords!! He came not to sit on a royal throne in Jerusalem...He came to occupy the throne of your heart and mine! And when He does...He will lead us and guide us in this pilgrimage we have come to call life.

E. Illust. In October, 1989, an new star was added to the 1900 stars on the famed

sidewalk on Hollywood Boulevard. The new star was placed near the stars of

Julie Andrews and Wayne Newton. The new star, as curious as it seems, was

evangelist Billy Graham, who has preached the gospel to more than 100

million people around the world. Forty years ago he refused to have his name

on a star, but he reconsidered it in 1989. He said, "I hope it will identify

me with the gospel that I preach." At the unveiling he added, "We should put

our eyes on the star, which is the Lord." (John R. Brokhoff, Preaching the Miracles, CSS Publishing Company, 1991)

The Wise Men followed God’s leading. We are also wise when we follow God’s leading!

John R. Brokhoff, Preaching the Miracles, CSS Publishing Company, 1991

The second lesson we can learn from these wise men...

II. They Worshiped God’s Son (10-11)

II. They Worshiped God’s Son

A. The main obstacle they encountered in their search for the New King was Herod. A little history is helpful to understand what’s going on in this encounter between Herod and the Wise Men. At this time Herod the Great is in the last year of his troublesome reign. He is sickly and dying of gonorrhea and possibly cancer as well. He has spent his entire reign protecting his precarious throne. At one point Augustus said of Herod, “It’s better to be Herod’s pig that Herod’s son.” Such a caustic remark was due to the fact that Herod had killed so many of his own. He had executed his own beloved wife, Mariamne, and her mother, Alexandra, as well as his three older sons. As he lay dying in Jericho, he ordered a number of well-loved Jewish leaders to be rounded up in the hippodrome to be executed upon his death so that there would be “mourning in Israel.” Herod’s tomb in the Herodium has only recently been discovered by archaeologists.

The word “troubled” in verse 3 that describes Herod’s reaction to the Wise Men stated purpose for showing up can also be translated, “terrified” or even “intimidated.” He was paranoid about any intrusion upon his power and position.

A. In Spite of obstacles and opposition. One can appreciate their anticipation as they made their journey to Israel. They may have dreamed of coming to a great palace and finding a child wrapped in royal clothing and treated with pomp and pageantry. Rather, they came to find the fulfillment of their search in a small dwelling in a little town of Bethlehem. And finding Him was not without opposition. They had to encounter the jealousy of a paranoid King. They had to deal also with the temporary disappearance of the star that they had been following and were filled with great joy went it appeared again.

But In spite of such obstacles and opposition these scholars persisted in goal. One can appreciate their anticipation as they made their journey to Israel. They may have dreamed of coming to a great palace and finding a child wrapped in royal clothing and treated with pomp and pageantry. Rather, they came to find the fulfillment of their search in a small dwelling in a little town of Bethlehem. And finding Him was not without opposition. Not only did they have to encounter the jealousy of a paranoid King. They also had to deal with the temporary disappearance of the star that they had been following and were filled with great joy went it appeared again.

B. Their worship involved giving. Matthew employs a term which is almost always used when referring to worship given to God or Jesus in the New Testament. Upon arriving where Jesus was they bowed before Him and worshiped Him. And their worship involved giving:

1. Gold...a gift fit for a King. Seneca tells us that in Parthia it was the custom that no one could ever approach the king without a gift. And, gold, the king of metals, is the fit gift for a king of men. So, then Jesus was “the Man born to be King.” But He was to reign, not by force, but by love; and He was to rule over men’s hearts, not from a throne, but from a cross. We do well to remember that Jesus Christ is King!

2. Frankincense...a gift appropriate for a Priest It was in the Temple worship and at the Temple sacrifice that the sweet perfume of frankincense was used. The funtion of a priest is to open the way to Gof for me. The Latin word for “priest” is “pontifex,” which means a “bridge builder.” The priest is the man who builds a bridge between men and God. That’s what Jesus did. He opened the way to the presence of God; making it possible for men to enter into the very presence of God; “the throne room” and to do it “boldly.” (Hebrews 4:145-16).

3. Myrrh...a gift indicative of a burial Myrrh was used to embalm the bodies of the dead. Jesus came into the world to die. Holman Hunt has a famous picture of Jesus. It shows Jesus at the door of the carpenter’s shop in Nazareth. He is still only a boy. The setting sun is shining in at the door, and the lad, Jesus has come to the door to stretch His limbs which had grown cramped over the workbench. He stands there in the doorway with his arms outstretched, and behind Him, on the setting sun throws His shadow, and it is the shadow of a cross. In the background stands Mary, and as she sees that shadow there is the fear of coming tragedy in her eyes. Jesus came into the world to live for men, and, in the end, to die for men. He came to give His life and His death.

Gold for a king, the frankincense for a priest, myrrh for one who was to die—these were the gifts of the wise men, and even at the cradle of Christ, they foretold that He was to be the true King, the perfect High Priest, and in the end the supreme Savior of men.

The significance of their gifts is readily seen. The act of their giving should speak volumes to us. We worship not the child, Jesus...but the Risen Lord! Our worship should always involve giving. The giving first of ourselves to Him in submission to His will. The giving of our talents and abilities to Him so that He receives the glory. The giving of our treasures to Him as we express proper stewardship recognizing His ownership and our use. It has been said that one may give without worshiping but one cannot worship without giving!

C. Illus. Giving with a glad and generous heart has a way of routing out the tough old miser within us. Even the poor need to know that they can give. Just the very act of letting go of money or some other treasure does something within us. That something is it destroys the demon, greed." (Richard Foster)

C. Illus. Giving with a glad and generous heart has a way of routing out the tough old miser within us. Even the poor need to know that they can give. Just the

very act of letting go of money or some other treasure does something within

us. That something is it destroys the demon, greed." (Richard Foster)

Richard Foster

D. The wise men who came to Bethlehem stayed focused on their pursuit to worship the true King. They worshiped in spite of opposition and obstacles and we are to do the same.

E. Dwayne Good of the Good Twins has penned these words into song:

E. Note this timely word from Paul Harvey: Paul Harvey says: "I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December. I don't agree with Darwin, but I didn't go out and hire a lawyer when my

high school teacher taught his theory of evolution.

Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game.

So what's the big deal?

It's not like somebody is up there reading the entire book of Acts.

They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game.

"But it's a Christian prayer," some will argue. Yes, and this is the United States of America, a country founded on Christian principles. According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others better than 200-to-1.

So what would you expect-somebody chanting Hare Krishna? If I went to a football game in Jerusalem, I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer. If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad, I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer. If I went to a ping pong match in China, I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha. And I wouldn't be offended.

It wouldn't bother me one bit. When in Rome... "But what about the atheists?" is

another argument. What about them? Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We're not going to pass the collection plate. Just humor us for 30 seconds. If that's asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of ear plugs. Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand. Call your lawyer. Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do.

Wise Men Still Adore Him,

stand. Call your lawyer. Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do.

I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations. Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights.

Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating, to pray before we go to sleep. Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing.

Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying.

This One Born in Bethlehem,

God, help us. And if that last sentence offends you, well........just sue me. The silent majority has been silent too long.. it's time we let that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard, that the vast majority don't care what they want. it is time the majority rules!

This One Born in Bethlehem,

God, help us. And if that last sentence offends you, well........just sue me. The silent majority has been silent too long.. it's time we let that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard, that the vast majority don't care what they want. it is time the majority rules!

It's time we tell them, you don't have to pray.. you don't have to say the pledge of allegiance, you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor your right....but by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away.

We are fighting back....and we WILL WIN! God bless us one and all, especially those who denounce Him...God bless America, despite all her faults, she is still the greatest nation of all.....

We are fighting back....and we WILL WIN! God bless us one and all, especially those who denounce Him...God bless America, despite all her faults, she is still the greatest

Lay Your Gifts before Him,

nation of all.....

And in Your Heart

God bless our service men who are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God... May 2005 be the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back as the foundation of our families and institutions. Keep looking up...... In God WE Trust.

He’ll Be Born Again!

God bless our service men who are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God... May 2005 be the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back as the foundation of our families and institutions. Keep looking up...... In God WE Trust.

The Wise Men Worshiped God’s Son. We are wise when our Worship focuses on Christ.

There’s another lesson we can learn from these wise men...

III. They Heeded God’s Warning (vs. 12)

III. They Heeded God’s Warning

Verse twelve is an interesting conclusion to this event. “And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod...” Obviously, a return trip to Herod would have been dangerous for themselves and for the Christ child. Heeding this warning provided the Holy Family an opportunity to get out of Dodge! Satan is ever vigilant to thwart God’s purposes...we need to be alert to his strategies!

A. Evil seeks to destroy our devotion. It continues to be true that evil’s intent is to destroy out devotion and commitment to Christ. Numerous are the examples of devoted people who have train-wrecked spiritually because they allowed evil to get a grip on their lives. Judas, became a traitor because of his greed and misguided aspirations. Peter, betrayed our Lord because he drifted into the path of selfishness and temptation. Others have followed in their footsteps because they were not alert to the devil’s work. We need to heed Peter’s admonition, “To be alert for our adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour!”

A. Evil seeks to destroy out devotion. It continues to be true that evil’s intent is to destroy out devotion and commitment to Christ. Numerous are the examples of devoted people who have train-wrecked spiritually because they allowed evil to get a grip on their lives. Judas, became a traitor because of his greed and misguided aspirations. Peter, betrayed our Lord because he drifted into the path of selfishness and temptation. Others have followed in their footsteps because they were not alert to the devil’s work. We need to heed Peter’s admonition, “To be alert for our adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour!”

B. Satan seeks to distract our focus. The wise men accomplished their notable mission because they kept their focus on God’s star. Herod, the epitome of evil, would have caused them to direct their attention elsewhere. We must keep our focus on target because these days are evil and Satan is hard at work to get Christians to look elsewhere. Our lives are bombarded daily with distractions from spirituality. We are assaulted at every turn with temptations to worldliness. Satan urges us to take our eyes of Christ and look at the glitter of wealth...or the fascination of sinful pleasure...or the popularity of individualism...or the enticement of pride and power and greed and lust. We must be vigilant in our determination and resolve to keep our focus clearly on Christ and His will for our lives...this merits our prayers for ourselves and each other!

B. Satan seeks to distract our focus. The wise men accomplished their notable mission because they kept their focus on God’s star. Herod, the epitome of evil, would have cause them to direct their attention elsewhere. We must keep our focus on target because these days are evil and Satan is hard at work to get Christians to look elsewhere. Our lives are bombarded daily with distractions from spirituality. We are assaulted at every turn with temptations to worldliness. Satan urges us to take our eyes of Christ and look at the glitter of wealth...or the fascination of sinful pleasure...or the popularity of individualism...or the enticement of pride and power and greed and lust. We must be vigilant in our determination and resolve to keep our focus clearly on Christ and His will for our lives...this merits our prayers for ourselves and each other!

C. The Devil seeks to disturb our worship. Oh yes, even in this place dedicated to His worship the devil is at work. He seeks to get us to squabble about style regardless of content. He seeks to get us disrupt our worship by making us comfortable in our complacency. He seeks to disturb our worship by luring our eyes to our likes and dislikes rather than focusing on the Lord and all that He is. The devil loves to disturb our worship with minor irritations that cause us to miss the major reason we have come to worship. The devil also seeks to disrupt our worship by getting us to think that genuine worship just involves three songs, three prayers, communion, offering and a sermon. He doesn’t want us to understand that genuine worship has everything to do with life and the way we live it before a living God!

D. Evil lurks but God gives us clear warning and when we heed His warning we are ready for the trickery of the one who seeks to do us harm. Not only does God provide us with great promises, He also gives clear warnings about the evil strategy of our enemy, Satan. He warns us about the destructive nature of sin. He promises Heaven and warns us of Hell. It is imperative that we pay close attention to both His promises and His warnings!

The Wise Men Heeded God’s Warning. We are wise when we heed the warnings in His Word.

D. Evil lurks but God gives us clear warning and when we heed His warning we are ready for the trickery of the one who seeks to do us harm.

Conclusion: Note what the text says after they heeded God’s warning about Herod: “They returned to their country by another route,” THEY WENT HOME! Their journey was guided by a star to Bethlehem and the Word of God provided them safe passage back home. By following God’s leading and worshiping His Son and heeding His warnings we too, can go home! We are indeed another year closer to heaven! Our hearts yearn for home! And home we shall go...with Jesus...our Bright and Morning Star leading the way!...His Word providing careful instructions we shall go Home!

You may go to heaven…without heath, without wealth, without fame, without a great name, without learning, without culture, without beauty, without friends, without ten thousands of other things; but you will never go to heaven…you will never see the pearly gates…you will never walk the streets of gold…without Jesus Christ!

Conclusion: Note what the text says after they heeded God’s warning about Herod: “They returned to their country by another route,” THEY WENT HOME! Their journey was guided by a star to Bethlehem and the Word of God provided them safe passage back home. By following God’s leading and worshiping His Son and heeding His warnings we too, can go home! We are indeed another year closer to heaven! Our hearts yearn for home! And home we shall go...with Jesus...our Bright and Morning Star leading the way!...His Word providing careful instructions we shall go Home!