"Star Gazing and a Trip to See 'The Star'" (Matthew 2:1-12)

“Star Gazing and a Trip to See ‘The Star’”

Matthew 2:1-12

The wise men (magi) from the east followed the star first to Jerusalem and then to its final destination to the little town of Bethlehem. They came because a star was born – the Messiah had come to earth. And when they saw “the child” Jesus, "they fell down and worshiped him" (2:11).
                                                                            
Apparently, when they visited Jesus He was living in a “house” (2:11) instead of a manger (stable or feed trough). We really do not know how long after Jesus’ birth the wise men came. Based on Herod’s rampage (2:16), it could have been as much as two years after His birth. But the time of their coming is not as important as the fact that they came! And when they did come, no other person or object captivated their attention or received their worship, it was Jesus only! There is but one who is worthy of worship, Jesus. He is “The Star” of our Christmas celebrations!

Regardless of what Christmas you finally “come to Jesus,” what matters is that you do come to Him. And when you do arrive, worship Him as the worthy King of Kings that He is! We invite you to join us this Sunday at Carrollwood Baptist Church as we continue in our Christmas sermon series, “Christmas through Matthew’s Eyes.” This week we will be looking at the cast of characters from the Christmas story that we call the wise men. Shown below is the text of this account from Matthew's Gospel. Worship at CBC is at 10:30 a.m. and we are conveniently located one mile east of the Veterans Expressway at 5395 Ehrlich Road. For more information, check us out online at carrollwoodbaptist.org.

See you this Sunday as we gather to glorify our Lord and King together!

For His Glory, By His Grace

 

Pastor Joe

 

 

Matthew 2:1-12English Standard Version (ESV)

The Visit of the Wise Men

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men^[a] from the east came to Jerusalem, ² saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose^[b] and have come to worship him.” ³ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; ⁴ and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. ⁵ They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

 

⁶ “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

⁷ Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. ⁸ And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” ⁹ After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. ¹¹ And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. ¹² And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 2:1 Greek magi; also verses 7, 16
2. Matthew 2:2 Or in the east; also verse 9