The Characters of Christmas, Week 4. The Wise Men. December 29, 2024. Matthew 2:1-12 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, ]wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ” Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way. Proverbs 24:13-14 My son, eat honey because it is good, and the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste; so shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; if you have found it, there is a prospect, (bright future) and your hope will not be cut off. Jesus is the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1:24) Wisdom brings lasting hope. Wisdom. Receiving insight not naturally known. Knowing what heaven wants you to do. Matthew 2:1-12 Wisdom seeks. Wisdom guides. Wisdom finds. Wisdom transforms. Matthew 2:1-2 Wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” 1. Wisdom Seeks. Seeking sets you apart. Wisdom fuels hope and that hope fuels the seeking. Matthew 2:9 Behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. Matthew 2:12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way. 2. Wisdom guides…TOWARDS God. Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom or understanding or counsel against the Lord. Proverbs 3:5–6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 2. Wisdom guides…in HUMILITY. 2. Wisdom guides…AWAY FROM HARM. Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Matthew 2:9 Behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. Jesus came to be found. You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13) Seek and you will find. (Matthew 7:7, Luke 11:9) 3. Wisdom finds…clarity Wisdom stays focused on what truly matters. 1 Corinthians 1:27 God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty. Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 3. Wisdom finds…joy. The joy of the Lord transcends happenings, circumstances and emotions. Matthew 2:11-12 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way. 4. Wisdom transforms. Through Wisdom, our lives are transformed into expressions of reverence and devotion. Revelation 4:11 You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power. 4. Wisdom transforms. Through Wisdom, our lives are transformed into expressions of generosity. 4. Wisdom transforms. Through Wisdom, our lives are transformed both physically and spiritually. Proverbs 28:1 The righteous are bold as a lion. Colossians 2:3 In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.