Latest revision as of 03:39, 15 December 2024

Matthew 2:1-12 The Extended Family Portrait

Nathan Wakefield / General Portraits of the King / Matthew 2:1-12

Theological Proposition/Focus: The guests who came to visit Jesus remind us that The Lion of Judah is King of Creation. We honor the King who came to us by recognizing His lordship and presenting our best to Him, just as the Magi did.

Christ Focus: This passage connects to the overarching narrative of Scripture, showing how God reveals Himself to all nations, pointing to Christ as the fulfillment of the prophecies concerning His universal kingship.

Homiletical Proposition/Application: This sermon can encourage Christians to consider how they recognize Jesus in their lives and what gifts they can offer Him in worship. It can also challenge them to reveal their faith in a world that often overlooks Christ's sovereignty.

Introduction

Image: What does your extended family visit bring out in you?

Need: We must recognize that the King of the Universe is also our personal king.

Preview: We should seek the Sovereign King of the universe while acknowledging that it will impact us on a personal level challenging our tendency to self-exaltation and calling us submit in sincerity.

Setting the Stage:

One of the things I always enjoy when we get to major church holidays is looking at the way different characters are portrayed. One particularly interesting group is the Magi. Not all scholars agree on the details, but the story of wise men from the east is a classic. We don't know the exact identity of these men nor do we know exactly where they came from. We don't know exactly how they knew to expect the King of the Jews to be born. We don't even know how many there were. What we do know is that a group of significant men came from the East and it is that story that we study today. These magi were not Jews but rather gentiles and remind us that Jesus is for everyone.

Text: Matthew 2:1-12 read all at the beginning.

Body

Seek the Sovereign — The birth of the Savior is an event of global significance (1-2).

The recognition of Jesus as a King is significant. The Magi travelled from afar to pay homage to a King they had never met. In this, we see God revealing Jesus as the King to all nations. We are encouraged to ask ourselves how we acknowledge Jesus' lordship in our lives and follow their example by seeking Him earnestly.

God's plan involves offering salvation to every person (1).

The Significance of the Magi - a priestly class of magicians and astrologers from far away remind us Jesus is for the whole world.

Verse 1 begins with a genitive absolute used temporally. That is, the events of chapter 1 are the primary event and what is described in chapter 2 is made to follow-up those events. Jesus is the main event, but we should not just stop with the birth of Jesus; there is so much more, and it matters.

With the stage set, we are ready to introduce the pivotal fact: a priestly class of magicians and astrologers known as Magi had arrived. These men had come to Jerusalem. What we learn is that worship of Jesus was something not just for Jews but for the whole world.

Prophecy and the Accessibility of Jesus - The wise men must have been familiar with some prophecies but not Micah 5:2

These men must not have been familiar with Micah 5:2 ""But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."" since they arrived in Jerusalem, not Bethlehem.

Through this I am reminded that God's plan was for Jesus to be accessible to everyone.

Jesus is the Rightful King of the Jews (2a)

Herod's Character and Rule

Herod the Great was born in 73 BC and solidified his reign over Judea in 37 BC.

Matthew also helps us to understand the time period and situation by telling us that all of this happened in the time of King Herod. Herod the Great was born in 73 BC and secured his position as King of Judah in 37 BC. Herod was known for his jealousy and paranoia.

"It is safer to be Herod's pig than his son" - The Roman Historian Suetonius. This saying plays on a word pun in Greek: hys (pig) and huios (son)

The phrase "It is safer to be Herod's pig than his son" is attributed to the Roman historian Suetonius and is an important example of how ruthless Herod was. This saying plays on a word pun in Greek: hys (pig) and huios (son), highlighting Herod's reputation for ruthlessness, even towards his own family. Herod, a practicing Jew, would not eat pork (making pigs safe), but he did not hesitate to execute several of his sons whom he perceived as threats to his throne.

The Magi's Provocative Question - verse 2, "Where is the one who was born King of the Jews?"

In verse 2, the Magi make a significant statement: "Where is the one who was born King of the Jews?" This statement was nothing short of offensive but also warrants a little more discussion of how Herod had gained the throne:

Herod's Path to Power

• Around 47 BCE, Herod was appointed governor of Galilee by his father, with Roman approval. He quickly demonstrated his administrative and military capabilities by suppressing banditry.
• After Julius Caesar's assassination in 44 BCE, Herod aligned himself with the Roman general Mark Antony.
• In 40 BC, with the support of Mark Antony and the Roman Senate, Herod was declared King of Judea. This appointment was partly a Roman strategy to counter Parthian influence in the region.
• Herod solidified his power through strategic marriages (including marrying a Hasmonean princess, Mariamne), extensive building projects, and maintaining strong ties with Rome, particularly after aligning with Octavian (Augustus) following the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra in 31 BCE.

In other words, Herod was not the people's ruler but a shrewd politician. In contrast, Jesus was the rightful King of the Jews.

Jesus is Worthy of Universal Worship (2b)

The Magi's Act of Worship - we are here to honor not Herod but another

The ultimate slap in the face to Herod comes when these men of significance tell Herod that they are here not to pay honor to Herod but to worship this new King of the Jews.

Through some means, these astrologers saw something in the sky and assumed it was of significance for the Jewish throne.

Speculations on the Star

Various people have made various proposals for what the Magi saw—a supernova, a work of God, or something else. What really matters is that they saw something that led them to believe that God was acting in Israel. The proper response to the work of God is nothing short of worship.

Image: Events of global significance

It is not often that we are exposed to an event that is truly of global significance. Sure, we have major elections in superpowers. The Olympics are significant but really nothing compares to the birth of Jesus.

MTR: Acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus in your life and follow the example of the Magi by seeking Jesus earnestly.

Shock at the Significance— The birth of the Savior is an event of local significance (3-6).

Herod's fear at the news of Jesus' birth reminds us that Jesus has local influence in addition to global influence. The local ruling powers were troubled when confronted with Christ's kingship. We are challenged to consider how the arrival of King Jesus might disrupt our lives and to stand firm in their faith despite opposition.

The Messiah was promised to come from the line of David and was incredibly significant to the Jews (3, Isaiah 9:6-7).

Herod's Disturbance at the News of Jesus

Some more details on Herod are helpful as we consider this next passage of Scripture. The text tells us that "When King Herod heard this he was disturbed." The title "King" is significant. Later in the text, Herod will be simply called by his name (as in verse 7), but right now Matthew wants to draw our attention to the contrast between the one "born king of the Jews" and "King Herod."

The Contrast Between Herod and the Messiah - Look at Isaiah 9:6-7

In order to better understand this contrast, let's look at Isaiah 9:6-7: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this."

The rightful ruler of the Jews was to be a king descended from the line of David.

Herod's Illegitimacy as King - Herod was not the rightful King, in fact he was a descendent from Esau not a descendent of Jacob let alone David.

Now a little more on Herod. Herod was not a rightful king of the Jews. Specifically, he was not a descendant of Jacob, let alone David. Herod was an Edomite, that is, a descendant of Esau, Jacob's brother. For this reason, most of the Jews showed a great deal of hatred for Herod despite the things he had done for the region, like updating the temple.

If somebody had been born King of the Jews, this was locally significant, as there was a candidate to usurp the power to which Herod so tightly clung.

On the grand scale, Jesus was the Savior, but locally, accepting Jesus might have radically changed the power that Herod and other Jewish leaders held so tightly, and so all Jerusalem was disturbed at this news.

The Messiah was destined to rule (4-6).

Reflecting on the Messiah's Rule

We already looked at the text of Isaiah 9 and were reminded that the Messiah was destined to rule, but I want to just take a moment and reflect on the significance of Messiah's rule.

Image: People like origin stories.

The Appeal of Origin Stories

In fact, I might argue that origin stories are what make comics popular. Think about it: would you enjoy a Marvel movie even half as much if they removed the origin story from the movie? We love the idea of origin stories in part because we like the relatability of our superheroes. We like them to be local people who are destined for more.

The Origin Story of Jesus

The origin story of Jesus is incredibly significant.

Micah 5:2:

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."

Jesus was born in insignificance in a minor outlying town to a poor family, but he was destined to save the world. Jesus gets us because he was not born in wealth. Jesus is locally accessible.

The Disruptive Nature of Jesus - the local significance of Jesus means he disrupts.

But here is the thing: the local significance of Jesus means he disrupts.

What do I mean by that? Jesus is not a ruler sitting in an ivory tower making decisions of no import or significance.

No, Jesus disrupts that model. Jesus calls on us to have a complete paradigm shift as we accept this ruler of global significance who asks each of us individually to change too!

MTR: Submit to Jesus even if He disrupts your plans and ambitions.

Subterfuge in Self-exaltation — The birth of the Savior inevitably brings fear for some (7-8, 12).

Let's dig deeper by exploring the deceptive intentions of Herod, contrasting them with the sincere search of the Magi. While some may feign to honor Jesus, true worship requires sincerity and sacrifice. Jesus exposes false worship.

Let's dig into Herod's response in verses 7-8 and verse 12.

Often, those who oppose God know exactly what they are doing (7-8).

Herod's Recognition of the Messiah - The Wise men's title and Herod's title in verses 2 and 4

I want you to notice something before we get directly into verses 7 and 8. Notice what the Magi call Jesus in verse 2 and notice what Herod by implication calls Jesus in verse 4. The Magi ask for a king, but Herod recognizes the request is actually more profound—they are looking for the Messiah.

Herod's False Desire to Worship - verse 8

In verse 8, Herod falsely feigns a desire to worship Jesus. The problem that Herod had is a problem that many have. Herod simply didn't want the Messiah.

The more I interact with people who "do not believe in God," the more I am convinced that they, in fact, do believe in God—they just don't like Him. Most of you in the room here today don't fall into this category of people who don't like God, but I do think there are times when we don't like some aspect of God. We don't like a decision He has made or a direction He has led us. We don't like something He did not give us or something He did give us.

Aligning Our Will with God's Will - God did not make Robots but because of that we have a responsibility

God did not make you into a robot, and so having your own will is not a bad thing, but we should seek to align our will with God's will instead of blatantly turning our backs on God. The advice I have given to many people is that they should tell God how they are feeling, but as they do so, call on God to help them be aligned with His will.

I will admit there are times when I do not like the direction God has taken me, but in these times, what I find most helpful is to tell God and then cry out Mark 9:24: "Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'"

Herod's Deception Confirmed (Verse 12)

With that being said, I want us to jump ahead to verse 12 just to confirm our suspicion of Herod.

There are those who would even seek to thwart God's plans (12).

Herod's Direct Opposition to God - if rejecting God is bad then what about those who choose to directly oppose God?

One response to God is the response of rejection, and another response is the response of direct opposition. Herod chose to directly oppose God, and verse 12 makes it clear. Herod has nothing good in mind, and the rest of Matthew 2 confirms this truth. The wise men are warned and return by another way. Herod's direct attack on God is thwarted.

Image: The Extended Family

The Stress of Extended Family Visits

I called this sermon the extended family portrait because of the visit of the Magi. But I want us to consider something: when extended family come to visit, they often put new stresses on people, and our true self can emerge under that stress.

Herod's True Nature Exposed

This is exactly what happened with Herod. The people knew Herod was a lunatic, but here the real extent of the lunacy emerges. Herod is willing to knowingly oppose even God Himself to keep his power.

Examining Our Hearts in Worship

So what should we do? Well, I think we should examine our hearts and intentions in worship of Christ. When extended family comes to visit, it is often helpful to develop a plan. What are we going to do if such and such happens? Where can we get some alone time? How will we recharge? A visit from extended family, when planned out, can be a wonderful opportunity for growth and quality time, but only if care is taken to examine your heart, motives, and needs.

Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas

As we come into Christmas, we should examine our hearts and motives in worship of Christ. Where do we need to grow? What do we need to do to be more submissive?

MTR: Commit to true worship while examining your heart and intentions in worship of Christ.

It is easy to be pretty down after considering Herod's response to Jesus, but the story doesn't end with Herod, and neither should our response to Jesus end with Herod.

Sincerity in Submission - The birth of the Savior brings joy for many (9-11).

The gifts presented to Jesus—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—each represents an aspect of Jesus' identity. Like the Magi, we are encouraged to present our best to Him, recognizing His kingship and priesthood. The gifts symbolize our call to worship and consecrate our lives to Him, emulating their reverence.

God Guided the Wise Men to the Savior (9-10)

It is not a long journey from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, only about 6 miles or a two-hour walk. And Bethlehem was not a large city but a small town. But that did not change God's provision of guidance. The star they had seen appears and guides them to the very house where Jesus is staying. God is still in complete control.

The appearance of the Star and Submission of the Wise Men to Follow God brings great joy.

The Magi respond to God's provision by submitting in following the star and being filled with what Matthew describes as "great joy". A lot of people debate exactly what this star was and how it came to be. I will tell you that I truly don't know, and every explanation I have seen has significant problems that I cannot solve. Here is what I know. God guided the wise men; they submitted to God's guidance, He provided the guidance, and they rejoiced. In my own life when I submit to God's guidance, I am always surprised at how he guided and the joy it brought. There is a great contrast here between the Magi who submit to God and are able to rejoice and Herod who rebels against God and is found to be a raving lunatic! So, what now?

Worship is the Proper Response to the Joy of a Savior (11)

The text tells us that when the Magi came to the house and found Mary and Jesus they fell on their knees and worshipped. Worship is the proper response to a Savior. Their worship is enhanced with specific gifts that have been brought to the Savior.

I don't know if the Magi understood the significance of the gifts, but there are no accidents with God.

• Gold — Representative of Christ's deity and royalty.
• Frankincense - a fragrant spice used in the best perfumes fitting for someone who was God himself.
• Myrrh - a resinous gum from trees native to Arabia often used in embalming.

But more than the metaphorical meanings associated with these gifts, these gifts represent the blessings of the world to the King because the nations are blessed by the King. Finally, these gifts certainly provided Mary and Joseph the financial resources to be able to survive flight to Egypt. I suspect the Magi never realized that their gifts in worship were the means through which the one they worshipped was able to survive!

Image: You never know how your gifts will be used. A tract in Kenya

About 15 years ago I was sitting at my computer when an email came in. The text of the email looked suspicious but at the same time I couldn't ignore it. A man from Kenya was writing because he had found a tract that contained the Gospel message and had the church's email address on the back. This man had read the tract, accepted Jesus as Savior, led his family to Christ, his orphanage, and now was seeking more materials to train because he had essentially become a pastor of the church that consisted of his family and the orphans. My first thought was, this is amazing, my second thought was yeah right. But then as I tried to figure things out I learned of a family in the church who had been traveling and lost their suitcase. In their suitcase they had clothes but they always traveled with some tracts. Suddenly the story became plausible.

My next step was to reach out to Baptist Mid Missions, a missions agency with missionaries in Kenya. I told them the story and they put me in touch with a missionary in Kenya. Working together across thousands of miles we were able to have the missionary meet up with this gentleman and provide training for several years.

Who would have known that a lost bag would result in the Gospel being spread. When we give things up to God we never know the impact it might have.

MTR: Present your best to Jesus.