DECEMBER 20,2020"
Matthew 2:7-15
Introduction:
In our lesson we find the key players, Herod the Great, and the astrologers known as magi or wise men. They have been summoned by Herod to go and seek out the child who is considered king of the Jews that threatens His power,Herod
Is pretentious as to worship this child yet his real intentions are far from worship. What ever his motive is, God Intervenes which changes everything.
1 FOREIGNERS BEFORE A KING (Matthew 2:7-8)
Herod calls private meeting with the magi, claiming a desire to go and worship the child who is true king of Jews. Herod suffers from paranoia, he's had members of his on family killed, he is a ruthless king, yet insecure. His intentions are for the magi, asastrologers to locate this proclaimed king, he has a nefarious plan to illiminate competition.
Ultimately, they follow the star that leads to the child Christ, They worship him with gifts. There assignment was after locating the child they were to return to Herod, but God intervenes. He nullifies Herod's plan, in a dream, they were to told return not to Herod but to go another way.
2 THE MESSIAH IN A FOREIGN LAND (vv. 13-15)
In a dream Joseph is instructed to pack up and move his family to Egypt. Herod was furious finding out that the magi aborted his plan. He ordered soldiers to Bethlehem to kill every male child 2 and under . Joseph follows directions , moves to Egypt until the death of Herod.
CONCLUSION:
In our lesson we learn of true nobility, true meaning of regal. Regal which has much to do with above the ordinary, above what is low ranking. In this account these wise men are looked upon as regal , they are expert astrologers, they follow the special Holy star which leads to Bethlehem and the child Jesus.
Some one once said "wise men still seek God". Many may seek God, find God, but what is the response? These of ancient time of the middle east give a regal response, to the Holy Light, the light of the world. May we seek and find the Holy light, the Christ, celebrating the Christmas season.
Rev, Johnny H, Eskridge
St, Paul Shively Heights