The Spirit of Christmas: Worship (Pt. 2)
Matthew 2:1 ESV
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,
Daniel 2:27
Daniel answered the king and said, "No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked…
Daniel 2:48 ESV
Then the king gave Daniel high honors and many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon.
Esther 1:13 ESV
Then the king said to the wise men who knew the times (for this was the king's procedure toward all who were versed in law and judgment
1st Worship Involves Personal Sacrifice
Matthew 2:1-2 ESV
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."
2nd Worship Seeks God’s Glory
Matthew 2:3-9 ESV
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. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: "'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.'" Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 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." 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.
3rd Worship Results in Great Joy
Matthew 2:10 ESV
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
4th Worship Involves Giving to God
Matthew 2:11 ESV
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.
5th Worship Changes You
Matthew 2:12 ESV
And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
