1. THEY LOOKED FOR THE KING THAT WAS NOT THEIRS (2:2a)
Matthew 2:2a – saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?…”
Isaiah 60:3 CSB 3 Nations will come to your light, and kings to your shining brightness.
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2. THEY FOLLOWED THE STAR (2:2b)
Matthew 2:2b – …For we saw his star at its rising ..”.
Isaiah 60:1-2 CSB 1 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD shines over you. 2 For look, darkness will cover the earth, and total darkness the peoples; but the LORD will shine over you, and his glory will appear over you.
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3. THEY WORSHIP THE KING (2:2c)
Matthew 2:2c – …and have come to worship him.”
John 5:23 CSB] 23 “so that all people may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.
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1.Read Matthew 2:1-2 and Isaiah 60:3. The Magi were likely astrologers/scholars whose practices were often condemned in the Old Testament, yet God drew them to Jesus. What does this tell you about God’s inclusive grace and His desire to reveal Himself to all people, regardless of their background or past beliefs?
2.Read Matthew 2:2b and Isaiah 60:1-3. The Magi followed the star, but Herod and the chief priests, who knew the Scriptures (v. 4-6), did not even bother to go to Bethlehem. What is the difference between having head knowledge of God’s Word/promises and having the kind of heart obedience that leads to action?
3.Read Matthew 2:11 and John 5:23. The Magi’s worship was marked by three actions: falling down (profound reverence), opening their treasures (generosity), and presenting costly gifts (symbolism). Which of these three elements of worship do you find most challenging in your own life? Why?
Who can we pray for you?