Matthew 2:1-18 – THE RESULTS OF CHRISTMAS
Christmas effects people in different ways. We see this in the story of the Wise Men.
THE WISE MEN HAD A PURPOSE – Vss. 1-2
They came to worship the newborn King of the Jews. We should have the same attitude at Christmas. We are to worship Him. Now we worship Him as our Redeemer, Lord, and friend.
HEROD HAD A PROBLEM – Vs. 3, 7-8
Herod was troubled, and wicked king that he was, he troubled everyone else when he was troubled!
After inquiring of the priests and scribes, Herod sent the Wise Men to Bethlehem to see the King and report back. He claimed to want to worship Jesus. He wanted to kill Him. There are people today who still have a problem with Jesus. They want to destroy Him and His followers.
THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS HAD A PROPHECY – Vss. 4-6
This is interesting. The religious leaders knew their Bibles. They know what the Scripture said about the birth of their King, and yet they did nothing to respond. Evidently they either didn’t believe it, or were afraid of King Herod. Today there are many ministers who claim to be Christ’s servants, who don’t believe God’s Word concerning the Virgin Birth of Christ and many other key doctrines.
THE WISE MEN HAD A POTENTATE (KING) – Vss. 9-11
They worshiped Him.
They gave Him gifts.
Let us worship Him.
Let us give Him gifts of money for His work (gold) sweet smelling prayers of adoration and requests (frankincense), sacrificial service (myrrh).
JESUS HAD PROTECTION – Vss. 12-15
God warned both the Wise Men and Joseph.
HEROD HAD PERVERSION – Vss. 16-18
What a terrible crime!