IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Wise Men Seek Jesus

Date: Dec. 25, 2019

Passage

Matthew 2:1-12

The Visit of the Wise Men

2:1 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, 2 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.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6   “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
  for from you shall come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 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. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 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. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: Matthew 2:2

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.”

1. Jerusalem is disturbed (1-8)

Magi from a kingdom in the East, using their knowledge of Scripture and astronomy, discovered that the Messiah had been born in Israel. They immediately set out on the long journey to honor him. Ironically, the leaders of God's own people were not even aware of Jesus' birth. Herod was disturbed because he saw this event only as a threat to his own power. He asked the religious leaders for the Messiah's birthplace without telling them why, then sent the Magi out with evil intent. Nonetheless, the Magi received the direction they needed.

2. The Magi's gifts (9-12)

When the Magi realized that God was leading them to find the new King, they felt great joy. Young Jesus and his parents did not look like anyone special, but the magi bowed low and gave gifts to him. The Magi are excellent examples of seeking the truth with a pure motive. They did not seek to get something, but to give their worship.

Prayer: Father, thank you that those who seek Jesus can find him, even in evil times. Help me give my heart's pure worship to Jesus.

One Word: We have come to worship him

Daily Bread

The Lord Judges the Proud

Psalm 75:1-10

Key Verse: 75:2

“At the set time that I appoint
I will judge with equity.

Read More

Intro Daily