The Greatest Story Ever Foretold: Pt 3
Matthew 2:1-12 (NLT)
1 Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”
3 King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. 4 He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote:
6 ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”
7 Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. 8 Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!”
9 After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! 11 They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
12 When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
1. The Magi were rich and famous and had everything they needed, but something was still missing in their lives.
2. The Magi came from a distance. They had a deep desire to find Jesus.
John 7:37-38 (NLT)
37 On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! 38 Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”
3. The Magi followed the star.
John 16:13 (NLT)
13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.
4. The Magi bowed down and worshipped Him.
Matthew 2:11 (NLT)
11 They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Philippians 2:9-11 (NLT)
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
SMALL GROUP MEETING OUTLINE
Where your faith intersects with real life!
Reconnect:
Each person shares a recent high and low from their life.
Explore:
Review the message notes.
Big Idea: Jesus is the King not just for Israel, but for all the nations and all people. The Magi’s journey represents how even the powerful and wise must recognize the authority and lordship of Jesus.
Consider:
Choose one or two questions for your Group to discuss as time allows.
▶ The Magi came from a great distance to find Jesus because of their deep desire to find Him. What are some ways we can cultivate a deeper hunger for the Lord in our lives?
▶ Read John 16:13 (NLT). How have you experienced the Holy Spirit guiding you in your life? Share a specific moment when you felt led by the Spirit in a significant way.
▶ Read Matthew 2:11 (NLT). The Magi bowed down and worshiped Jesus, despite their high status and power. How does this example challenge your own posture of worship and humility before Jesus?
Activate:
Spend a moment in silence to consider your response, then share with the Group.
Read Philippians 2:9-11 (NLT). In what areas of your life do you feel you need to surrender more fully to Jesus in worship? How could God use this area of surrender for His Kingdom?
Prayer:
Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.
Pray that we would humbly worship the Lord in all circumstances and continue to surrender our lives to Him each day.