This week, we look at the Wise Men not from the perspective of what they DID, but what we can LEARN from what they did.  And there are things we can take away and apply not just at Christmas, but every day.

The Session:  4 Lessons The 3 Wise Men Can Teach Us

12/23/2020

By: Jan Lashbrook, Early Childhood Dir. at Calvary Christian Academy, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Matthew 2:1-2

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi (Wisemen) from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

1. HE IS FOR EVERYONE

·       Although a Messiah had been promised to the Jews, it was Gentiles from a foreign land who sought Him out, recognized His value, presented Him with expensive gifts, and bowed down and worshipped Him.

·       The story of the three wisemen make it clear that God is here for everybody, regardless where you are.

·       It supports the scripture that if you seek Him, you will find Him.

2. HE IS WORTHY OF OUR PRAISE

·       The Wiseman fell at his feet and worshipped Him.  “When the men went into the house and saw the child with Mary, his mother, they knelt down and worshipped Him.” -Matt.2:11

·       Life can get in our way of worshiping him and getting caught up in things like the commercial Christmas that society presents.

3. HE IS WORTHY OF OUR VERY BEST

·       The wisemen brought very expensive gifts, which showed how important the Savior was to them.  Gold is, of course, a metal of great value, and a symbol of royalty.  Frankincense is known today for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.  In Bible times, it was used for making perfume and incense for use in the temple, and as an aromatic resin in burials.  Myrrh was used in Bible times as an ingredient in holy oil for consecrating priests and in embalming.

·       We are provided for by Jesus with everything that we have. How can we not return to Him the praise and glory that He has given us?

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” –Matthew 2:10-11

4. HE IS SPEAKING TO US

·       Even king Herod was so fearful that Jesus was speaking to his people that he wanted Jesus killed.  “When Herod found out that the wise men from the east had tricked him, he was very angry.  He gave orders for his men to kill all the boys who lived in or near Bethlehem and were 2 years old and younger.  This was based on what he had learned from the wise men.” -Matt.2:16