Re-hashing some stuff from
here, here are some ways one might preach on the wise men:
The wise men as examples
of seriousness and effort in seeking Christ. Wise men sought Jesus: they still
do.
How much easier it is for
us!
We (and Herod) have the
Scriptures, whereas the wise men had to depend on the star
We (and Herod) don’t have
to make a long, expensive, dangerous journey.
The wise men models of
courage and commitment: willing to risk the wrath of Herod for the sake of
Christ. They choose to obey the true King of Kings.
The wise men as modelling
response to Jesus: joy (v10), worship (v2, v11), giving (v11).
What would we give to
Jesus?
Would our giving to Jesus
show an understanding of who he is.
(Jesus as the ultimate
Christmas present. He is first of all God’s great gift to the world. Our giving
is a grateful response to the gift of Him).
The wise me obviously
recognise Jesus as more than an ordinary future king. They didn’t make this
kind of journey to the cradle of every crown prince!
The wise men contrasted
with the wicked selfish lying manipulative Herod – they seek Jesus to worship
him, Herod seeks Jesus to kill him
Sinful human nature hates
God’s King and wants to rule independently. When God comes to earth, people try
to kill him. The shadow of the cross.
How will we respond to
Jesus?
Will we accept Jesus as
our king?
A passage not about 3
kings (necessarily) but about 2 kings: Herod and Jesus
Contrast Herod and Jesus:
Herod kills his people, Jesus will die for his people
Herod a selfish king,
Jesus a servant king
Jesus the true king a
dominant theme of the passage (stars for rulers, v2, v6)
Herod the king ought to
bow the knee to king Jesus.
The wise men as representatives
of the nations who will come to Christ. Jesus is of cosmic, global
significance.
The significance of Jesus
as a new and better Moses (another baby who was persecuted by an evil king but
saved by God to be the ruler and rescuer of this people). The mention of Egypt
reminds us of Moses and the Exodus.
Jesus as a new and better
Solomon (Song of Songs 3), a royal bridegroom – the ultimate wise king – great King
David’s greater Son, the Messiah, to whom the kings of the nations (like the
Queen of Sheba and the wise men will bring gold and spices).
The first Christmas
presents and their significance
Gifts fit for a king
Gold, for a king
Frankincense for a priest
Myrrh speaking of death –
the worst Christmas present ever?!
Exodus 30 – Gold (v3, v5),
Frankincense (v34) & Myrrh (v22) as fitting for the presence of God – Jesus
the new and better tabernacle / temple, the place of atonement (Ex 30v10)? Myrrh
used here in anointing to consecrate. Jesus is the Holy Anointed One. He is a
priest (v30).
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