WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.919 of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 00:00:05.580 --> 00:00:08.199 Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews? 00:00:08.939 --> 00:00:12.359 We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. 00:00:13.500 --> 00:00:19.039 When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed and all Jerusalem with him. 00:00:20.019 --> 00:00:24.240 When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, 00:00:24.719 --> 00:00:28.019 he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 00:00:28.019 --> 00:00:34.200 In Bethlehem in Judea, they replied, for this is what the prophet has written. 00:00:35.439 --> 00:00:42.219 But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judea are by no means least among the rulers of Judah. 00:00:43.000 --> 00:00:48.219 For out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel. 00:00:49.679 --> 00:00:55.620 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 00:00:55.619 --> 00:01:01.259 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, Go and search carefully for the child. 00:01:02.119 --> 00:01:06.979 As soon as you find him, report to me so that I may go and worship him. 00:01:08.219 --> 00:01:11.819 After they had heard the king, they went on their way. 00:01:12.439 --> 00:01:18.959 And the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 00:01:18.959 --> 00:01:23.859 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 00:01:24.879 --> 00:01:31.399 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary and they bowed down and worshipped him. 00:01:32.219 --> 00:01:38.519 Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 00:01:38.519 --> 00:01:46.420 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. 00:01:48.119 --> 00:01:49.199 Let's pray. 00:01:49.200 --> 00:02:08.020 Father God, we thank you for this wonderful, true historical account of the early years of Jesus. 00:02:09.699 --> 00:02:16.379 And particularly this account of the Magi as they come to worship Jesus. 00:02:16.379 --> 00:02:26.699 We pray that we would not just fill our minds with information nor mere facts, 00:02:27.359 --> 00:02:36.500 but that our hearts would be moved and stirred to worship you as the Messiah. 00:02:37.780 --> 00:02:43.680 Teach us today why and what it means to worship you. 00:02:43.680 --> 00:02:49.700 May we see you in all your greatness and in all your glory. 00:02:50.800 --> 00:02:57.599 And may we too be overjoyed at meeting Christ afresh. 00:02:58.819 --> 00:03:00.879 We pray this in Jesus' name. 00:03:01.600 --> 00:03:02.060 Amen. 00:03:02.060 --> 00:03:02.159 Amen. 00:03:06.439 --> 00:03:13.260 Well, Matthew's account introduces us to perhaps the most well-known visitors to Jesus 00:03:13.259 --> 00:03:16.139 in the whole story, the Magi. 00:03:17.399 --> 00:03:25.060 And three things we're going to learn from them and from this passage as we follow their journey to Jesus. 00:03:26.000 --> 00:03:27.060 Here's the first. 00:03:27.299 --> 00:03:29.739 Who the King is. 00:03:30.639 --> 00:03:36.019 Right at the beginning, there's a question mark about who is the true King. 00:03:36.020 --> 00:03:37.780 Have a look at verse 1. 00:03:37.780 --> 00:03:47.939 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 00:03:48.400 --> 00:03:51.760 where is the one who has been born King of the Jews? 00:03:51.759 --> 00:04:01.959 Now, something is not right when you go to the King of the land and ask the King, where is the King? 00:04:03.379 --> 00:04:08.340 It's like knocking on the door of Aras Anukteron and asking Michael D. Higgins, 00:04:08.899 --> 00:04:11.599 can you tell me where the President of Ireland is? 00:04:11.599 --> 00:04:15.680 So, who is the King? 00:04:17.259 --> 00:04:20.439 Well, first, Herod claims to be the King. 00:04:21.740 --> 00:04:27.519 Herod was installed, historians tell us, as King over Judea by the Romans. 00:04:27.740 --> 00:04:29.360 He was a ruthless character. 00:04:30.719 --> 00:04:34.579 He killed off members of his family who were a threat to his power. 00:04:34.920 --> 00:04:37.079 He had no problem disposing of them. 00:04:37.620 --> 00:04:39.860 He ruled with an iron fist. 00:04:39.860 --> 00:04:48.420 So, when we read in verse 3, when King Herod heard this, when he heard that there was another king born, 00:04:49.319 --> 00:04:54.300 he was disturbed and all Jerusalem with him. 00:04:55.360 --> 00:05:02.460 When King Herod's kingship was threatened, there was every reason for people to be in fear. 00:05:03.300 --> 00:05:08.139 In fact, if there was any hint of rebellion, he sent in his hit squad. 00:05:08.139 --> 00:05:12.740 And the events that follow in chapter 2 prove it. 00:05:13.959 --> 00:05:18.219 At the end of verse 13, the dream that had come to Joseph, 00:05:19.180 --> 00:05:21.699 and in the dream he was told, end of verse 13, 00:05:21.819 --> 00:05:27.639 that Herod is going to search for the child, that is Jesus, to kill him. 00:05:27.639 --> 00:05:34.479 Verse 16, when Herod realised that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious. 00:05:35.479 --> 00:05:41.139 And he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and in its vicinity, 00:05:41.659 --> 00:05:48.519 who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. 00:05:48.519 --> 00:05:53.279 A massacre of baby boys. 00:05:53.419 --> 00:05:56.560 It was a nasty, nasty piece of work. 00:05:56.659 --> 00:06:00.939 He was a power-hungry, ruthless tyrant. 00:06:00.939 --> 00:06:08.579 So Herod claims that he is the king. 00:06:09.219 --> 00:06:14.120 But the visit of the Magi would have us look to Jesus. 00:06:15.600 --> 00:06:19.100 Because they claim that Jesus is the king. 00:06:19.980 --> 00:06:22.839 Now we don't know a lot about the Magi. 00:06:23.500 --> 00:06:26.180 Tradition calls them the three wise men. 00:06:27.139 --> 00:06:29.639 I was talking to somebody during coffee and they said, 00:06:29.840 --> 00:06:31.199 we certainly need a lot of them. 00:06:32.400 --> 00:06:33.720 And three kings. 00:06:33.980 --> 00:06:36.319 That's another way they're referred to. 00:06:36.439 --> 00:06:40.240 Probably because there are three gifts mentioned. 00:06:40.400 --> 00:06:43.280 But the fact is, we don't know a whole lot about them. 00:06:43.540 --> 00:06:45.180 We don't know how many there are. 00:06:45.620 --> 00:06:48.740 And nothing tells us that they actually were kings. 00:06:49.840 --> 00:06:52.980 Verse 2 just tells us they were Magi. 00:06:52.980 --> 00:06:56.400 People who studied the stars. 00:06:56.580 --> 00:06:59.120 We might call them astrologers today. 00:07:00.060 --> 00:07:02.740 And while their identity is unclear, 00:07:03.379 --> 00:07:06.780 their mission is absolutely clear. 00:07:06.879 --> 00:07:07.780 Look at verse 2. 00:07:08.439 --> 00:07:12.939 They've come from another country to Jerusalem 00:07:12.939 --> 00:07:14.420 and they ask the king, 00:07:14.720 --> 00:07:19.280 where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? 00:07:19.279 --> 00:07:21.959 We saw his star when it rose 00:07:21.959 --> 00:07:25.099 and we have come to worship him. 00:07:27.739 --> 00:07:30.259 Now no one gets to be born a king. 00:07:31.079 --> 00:07:32.899 You become a king. 00:07:33.439 --> 00:07:35.199 To have the right to a throne, 00:07:35.339 --> 00:07:37.599 you have to wait until the present king dies 00:07:37.599 --> 00:07:39.319 or the king abdicates 00:07:39.319 --> 00:07:41.779 or there's some kind of overthrow of the kingdom. 00:07:42.239 --> 00:07:43.779 You are not born a king. 00:07:44.179 --> 00:07:45.399 You become a king. 00:07:45.399 --> 00:07:48.399 But yet the Magi, as they come, 00:07:48.759 --> 00:07:50.439 are claiming that this child, 00:07:50.579 --> 00:07:52.019 whose star they have followed, 00:07:52.539 --> 00:07:53.439 in verse 2, 00:07:53.739 --> 00:07:56.879 is born king of the Jews. 00:07:57.919 --> 00:08:00.459 They're claiming that Herod, 00:08:00.879 --> 00:08:02.399 well, you're not the king, 00:08:03.359 --> 00:08:05.439 but Jesus is the king. 00:08:07.500 --> 00:08:10.039 Now he's not just king of the Jews, 00:08:10.040 --> 00:08:14.879 but Jesus is king of all people and all nations. 00:08:15.800 --> 00:08:17.140 Well, how do we know that? 00:08:18.000 --> 00:08:19.620 Well, there are two things, I think, 00:08:19.740 --> 00:08:20.680 that from this text 00:08:20.680 --> 00:08:23.340 that point to this fact that Jesus is king, 00:08:23.680 --> 00:08:24.820 not just of the Jews, 00:08:24.939 --> 00:08:25.960 but of all people. 00:08:27.320 --> 00:08:31.060 Firstly, the Magi are not Jews themselves. 00:08:31.900 --> 00:08:33.620 They've come from the East, 00:08:33.620 --> 00:08:38.580 but yet they want to worship King Jesus. 00:08:39.799 --> 00:08:42.419 Why would someone from another culture 00:08:42.419 --> 00:08:44.019 and another country 00:08:44.019 --> 00:08:47.620 want to worship the king of another people? 00:08:47.860 --> 00:08:50.080 You don't worship another king 00:08:50.080 --> 00:08:52.419 unless you're sure that the king 00:08:52.419 --> 00:08:55.379 is also your king too. 00:08:57.680 --> 00:09:01.840 Second, the Magi are also staking their life on it. 00:09:01.840 --> 00:09:05.960 They don't just think this is true, 00:09:06.420 --> 00:09:08.759 they're actually ready to put their life 00:09:08.759 --> 00:09:10.440 on the line for it. 00:09:10.700 --> 00:09:13.780 If Herod was ready to kill all the boys under two, 00:09:14.139 --> 00:09:15.759 then you can be quite sure 00:09:15.759 --> 00:09:18.519 he would put these foreigners to death 00:09:18.519 --> 00:09:21.759 even for questioning his kingship. 00:09:23.060 --> 00:09:26.120 The fact is, by asking Herod, 00:09:26.540 --> 00:09:27.780 where is the true king, 00:09:28.180 --> 00:09:31.540 they run the risk of being put to death themselves. 00:09:32.840 --> 00:09:35.660 You see, Matthew is wanting us to see 00:09:35.660 --> 00:09:38.259 that the one born king of the Jews, 00:09:38.420 --> 00:09:39.820 Jesus, is the king. 00:09:40.060 --> 00:09:42.180 But not just king of the Jews, 00:09:42.460 --> 00:09:43.920 he's king of the Magi, 00:09:44.379 --> 00:09:48.420 he's the king of all peoples and all nations. 00:09:49.680 --> 00:09:51.340 And the problem is with that, 00:09:52.160 --> 00:09:53.580 people don't like it. 00:09:54.340 --> 00:09:56.680 And we often don't like it either. 00:09:56.679 --> 00:10:00.299 Because I want to live as king. 00:10:00.500 --> 00:10:06.199 You see, Herod, in his role and in his position of authority, 00:10:07.120 --> 00:10:11.299 can't stand another person taking his place as king. 00:10:11.579 --> 00:10:14.199 He sees it as a threat to his rule. 00:10:14.200 --> 00:10:19.160 In fact, he'll do anything it takes to keep his kingship. 00:10:19.400 --> 00:10:24.120 Even if that means the death of innocent two-year-old boys. 00:10:24.420 --> 00:10:27.680 He will massacre whoever stands in his way. 00:10:28.060 --> 00:10:29.920 Anything to keep hold of power. 00:10:29.919 --> 00:10:35.819 But perhaps what is even more disturbing 00:10:35.819 --> 00:10:39.399 is the fact that I am Herod. 00:10:40.620 --> 00:10:42.979 And you are Herod. 00:10:42.980 --> 00:10:46.860 Because I want to be king of my life 00:10:46.860 --> 00:10:48.920 and king of my world. 00:10:49.480 --> 00:10:52.080 I want to be the one who makes up the rules. 00:10:52.379 --> 00:10:55.060 And no one is going to tell me how I should live. 00:10:55.420 --> 00:10:57.759 No one, especially King Jesus, 00:10:58.159 --> 00:11:00.039 will tell me what I can do 00:11:00.039 --> 00:11:02.360 and what I can't do. 00:11:03.680 --> 00:11:06.680 In fact, we stand alongside the crowd 00:11:06.680 --> 00:11:09.500 who cried for the blood of Jesus. 00:11:09.500 --> 00:11:13.919 It comes later in Matthew's Gospel 00:11:13.919 --> 00:11:15.639 where Jesus has been arrested 00:11:15.639 --> 00:11:17.820 and he is before Pilate. 00:11:19.179 --> 00:11:21.019 Let's read what's on the screen. 00:11:21.179 --> 00:11:23.240 What shall I do then with Jesus 00:11:23.240 --> 00:11:25.080 who is called the Messiah? 00:11:25.659 --> 00:11:28.139 God's chosen king, Pilate asked. 00:11:28.340 --> 00:11:30.879 They all answered, crucify him. 00:11:31.639 --> 00:11:32.220 Why? 00:11:32.919 --> 00:11:35.279 What crime has he committed, asked Pilate. 00:11:35.279 --> 00:11:39.059 But they shouted all the louder, crucify him. 00:11:40.500 --> 00:11:42.759 You see, every time we fight 00:11:42.759 --> 00:11:44.940 against the kingship of Jesus, 00:11:45.659 --> 00:11:48.259 every time we disobey his word, 00:11:48.519 --> 00:11:52.120 when we turn our backs on what he has to say to us, 00:11:52.419 --> 00:11:56.080 we stand with those who called and cried out 00:11:56.080 --> 00:11:58.460 for the death of an innocent man. 00:11:59.740 --> 00:12:00.799 Like Herod, 00:12:01.559 --> 00:12:04.379 we have sought to get rid of Jesus 00:12:04.379 --> 00:12:06.759 to maintain our self-autonomy. 00:12:09.340 --> 00:12:13.299 Jesus is not just king of the Jews 00:12:13.299 --> 00:12:16.200 or just king of the Magi. 00:12:16.879 --> 00:12:19.960 He is born king of my life 00:12:19.960 --> 00:12:22.799 and he's born king of your life. 00:12:24.220 --> 00:12:25.460 So first, 00:12:26.740 --> 00:12:28.000 who is the king? 00:12:28.000 --> 00:12:32.039 Well, Jesus is our true king. 00:12:33.659 --> 00:12:34.379 Second, 00:12:35.299 --> 00:12:38.019 why we worship this king. 00:12:39.100 --> 00:12:41.139 Well, there's two things that show us 00:12:41.139 --> 00:12:44.139 why we should worship Jesus as king. 00:12:44.340 --> 00:12:44.679 First, 00:12:45.759 --> 00:12:47.259 there's the extraordinary events 00:12:48.059 --> 00:12:51.720 around the birth of Jesus Christ. 00:12:51.720 --> 00:12:55.399 when Herod hears that there's another king, 00:12:56.180 --> 00:12:59.320 he calls in all the religious experts 00:12:59.320 --> 00:13:00.340 in verse 4. 00:13:01.720 --> 00:13:03.379 When he had called together 00:13:03.379 --> 00:13:05.279 all the people's chief priests 00:13:05.279 --> 00:13:07.080 and the teachers of the law, 00:13:07.519 --> 00:13:08.399 he asked them 00:13:08.399 --> 00:13:11.340 where the Messiah was to be born. 00:13:12.820 --> 00:13:14.300 And being religious experts, 00:13:14.460 --> 00:13:15.399 they knew the answer. 00:13:16.100 --> 00:13:16.639 Verse 5, 00:13:16.639 --> 00:13:18.299 in Bethlehem in Judea, 00:13:18.360 --> 00:13:18.980 they replied, 00:13:19.559 --> 00:13:21.299 because this is what was written 00:13:21.299 --> 00:13:22.679 by the prophet, 00:13:22.919 --> 00:13:24.120 the prophet Micah. 00:13:24.360 --> 00:13:24.919 Verse 6, 00:13:25.319 --> 00:13:26.019 But you, 00:13:26.460 --> 00:13:27.159 Bethlehem, 00:13:27.340 --> 00:13:28.819 in the land of Judea, 00:13:29.039 --> 00:13:30.379 are by no means 00:13:30.379 --> 00:13:32.299 least among the rulers of Judah. 00:13:32.439 --> 00:13:33.259 For out of you, 00:13:33.340 --> 00:13:34.480 out of Bethlehem, 00:13:34.759 --> 00:13:35.879 will come a ruler 00:13:35.879 --> 00:13:37.240 who will shepherd 00:13:37.240 --> 00:13:39.000 my people Israel. 00:13:39.860 --> 00:13:41.019 Now that quote, 00:13:41.600 --> 00:13:42.179 verse 6, 00:13:42.279 --> 00:13:44.340 comes from the prophet Micah. 00:13:45.200 --> 00:13:46.080 Written over 00:13:46.080 --> 00:13:49.440 700 years before 00:13:49.440 --> 00:13:51.060 the coming of Christ. 00:13:51.440 --> 00:13:51.960 Predicting 00:13:51.960 --> 00:13:53.639 that the Messiah, 00:13:53.820 --> 00:13:54.480 the king, 00:13:54.980 --> 00:13:56.180 God's saving king, 00:13:56.259 --> 00:13:57.000 would be born 00:13:57.000 --> 00:13:58.759 in a town called Bethlehem. 00:14:00.680 --> 00:14:01.740 Well you say, 00:14:02.180 --> 00:14:03.800 what's so unique about that? 00:14:04.100 --> 00:14:04.460 I mean, 00:14:04.660 --> 00:14:05.980 hundreds of babies 00:14:05.980 --> 00:14:06.920 could have been born 00:14:06.920 --> 00:14:07.740 in Bethlehem 00:14:07.740 --> 00:14:08.820 since that prophecy. 00:14:09.300 --> 00:14:10.759 So how do we know 00:14:10.759 --> 00:14:12.600 that Jesus 00:14:12.600 --> 00:14:14.320 is the one being talked about? 00:14:14.320 --> 00:14:15.220 How do we know 00:14:15.220 --> 00:14:16.460 Jesus is the one 00:14:16.460 --> 00:14:17.899 who is to be born 00:14:17.899 --> 00:14:18.879 the king? 00:14:20.580 --> 00:14:21.340 Well something 00:14:21.340 --> 00:14:23.180 had got the Magi's attention. 00:14:24.139 --> 00:14:24.740 Verse 2, 00:14:26.740 --> 00:14:28.879 We saw his star 00:14:28.879 --> 00:14:29.840 when it rose 00:14:29.840 --> 00:14:31.340 and have come 00:14:31.340 --> 00:14:32.300 to worship him. 00:14:33.000 --> 00:14:33.800 Verse 9, 00:14:34.160 --> 00:14:35.379 And after they had heard 00:14:35.379 --> 00:14:35.879 the king, 00:14:35.980 --> 00:14:37.019 they went on their way, 00:14:37.019 --> 00:14:38.519 and the star 00:14:38.519 --> 00:14:39.539 they had seen 00:14:39.539 --> 00:14:40.460 when it rose 00:14:40.460 --> 00:14:41.419 went ahead of them 00:14:41.419 --> 00:14:42.699 until it stopped 00:14:42.699 --> 00:14:43.539 over the place 00:14:43.539 --> 00:14:44.899 where the child was. 00:14:45.899 --> 00:14:47.620 Now that's extraordinary. 00:14:49.000 --> 00:14:50.340 They don't have access 00:14:50.340 --> 00:14:51.519 to Google Maps. 00:14:51.759 --> 00:14:53.500 They have just a star. 00:14:55.079 --> 00:14:56.960 And as astrologers, 00:14:57.340 --> 00:14:58.039 there has been 00:14:58.039 --> 00:14:59.279 something different 00:14:59.279 --> 00:15:00.179 in the sky. 00:15:00.480 --> 00:15:01.279 There is something 00:15:01.279 --> 00:15:02.799 unique about this star. 00:15:02.799 --> 00:15:05.079 something that's different. 00:15:06.219 --> 00:15:07.459 It moved 00:15:07.459 --> 00:15:08.399 so that they could 00:15:08.399 --> 00:15:08.899 follow it. 00:15:09.099 --> 00:15:10.199 We're not quite sure 00:15:10.199 --> 00:15:11.319 how or what, 00:15:11.459 --> 00:15:12.659 but it moved 00:15:12.659 --> 00:15:14.179 in a particular direction 00:15:14.179 --> 00:15:15.699 that they could follow. 00:15:16.939 --> 00:15:18.319 And it was at a level 00:15:18.319 --> 00:15:19.019 or a height, 00:15:19.120 --> 00:15:19.599 I guess, 00:15:19.939 --> 00:15:21.059 where it stopped 00:15:21.059 --> 00:15:22.039 right above 00:15:22.039 --> 00:15:23.199 where Jesus was. 00:15:23.279 --> 00:15:24.159 So they knew 00:15:24.159 --> 00:15:25.819 this was the place 00:15:25.819 --> 00:15:27.839 where Jesus was. 00:15:27.840 --> 00:15:30.660 These are 00:15:30.660 --> 00:15:32.259 extraordinary things. 00:15:32.740 --> 00:15:34.000 A prophecy made 00:15:34.000 --> 00:15:35.820 700 years before 00:15:35.820 --> 00:15:37.280 and a star 00:15:37.280 --> 00:15:38.320 that pinpoints 00:15:38.320 --> 00:15:40.160 the exact location 00:15:40.160 --> 00:15:41.000 of this child. 00:15:42.139 --> 00:15:43.320 At the very least, 00:15:43.440 --> 00:15:44.680 we have to stand back 00:15:44.680 --> 00:15:45.820 and be amazed 00:15:45.820 --> 00:15:47.720 at extraordinary events 00:15:47.720 --> 00:15:48.420 such as this. 00:15:48.700 --> 00:15:49.519 This is no 00:15:49.519 --> 00:15:50.960 ordinary child. 00:15:52.700 --> 00:15:54.360 This is the Messiah 00:15:54.360 --> 00:15:56.300 who is to be 00:15:56.300 --> 00:15:57.280 worshipped. 00:15:57.840 --> 00:15:59.280 It isn't just 00:15:59.280 --> 00:16:00.600 the words of God, 00:16:00.720 --> 00:16:01.639 but also 00:16:01.639 --> 00:16:03.240 all of creation 00:16:03.240 --> 00:16:04.440 through the stars 00:16:04.440 --> 00:16:05.160 themselves 00:16:05.160 --> 00:16:06.320 that point 00:16:06.320 --> 00:16:08.160 to the very fact 00:16:08.160 --> 00:16:09.240 that Jesus 00:16:09.240 --> 00:16:10.440 is here. 00:16:11.320 --> 00:16:12.259 So first, 00:16:12.420 --> 00:16:12.980 we have the 00:16:12.980 --> 00:16:14.139 extraordinary events 00:16:14.139 --> 00:16:15.100 as to why we should 00:16:15.100 --> 00:16:15.460 worship. 00:16:16.780 --> 00:16:18.379 Then who Jesus is 00:16:18.379 --> 00:16:19.660 because Micah 00:16:19.660 --> 00:16:20.620 not only tells us 00:16:20.620 --> 00:16:21.220 where the king 00:16:21.220 --> 00:16:21.960 will be born, 00:16:22.440 --> 00:16:24.100 but what this king 00:16:24.100 --> 00:16:25.340 will be like. 00:16:26.139 --> 00:16:26.800 Let's read 00:16:26.800 --> 00:16:27.720 verse 6 again. 00:16:27.840 --> 00:16:30.240 But you, 00:16:30.700 --> 00:16:31.440 Bethlehem, 00:16:32.000 --> 00:16:33.560 in the land of Judah 00:16:33.560 --> 00:16:35.700 are by no means 00:16:35.700 --> 00:16:37.100 least among 00:16:37.100 --> 00:16:37.680 the rulers 00:16:37.680 --> 00:16:38.379 of Judah. 00:16:38.860 --> 00:16:40.320 For out of you 00:16:40.320 --> 00:16:41.620 will come a ruler 00:16:41.620 --> 00:16:42.620 who will shepherd 00:16:42.620 --> 00:16:44.019 my people Israel. 00:16:46.360 --> 00:16:47.040 Bethlehem. 00:16:47.039 --> 00:16:50.360 you might as well 00:16:50.360 --> 00:16:50.799 call it 00:16:50.799 --> 00:16:51.159 Bally 00:16:51.159 --> 00:16:51.860 go backwards. 00:16:52.860 --> 00:16:53.559 Not a lot 00:16:53.559 --> 00:16:54.199 goes on 00:16:54.199 --> 00:16:55.059 in this small 00:16:55.059 --> 00:16:56.399 town of Bethlehem 00:16:56.399 --> 00:16:57.360 and not a lot 00:16:57.360 --> 00:16:58.199 comes out of 00:16:58.199 --> 00:16:59.159 Bethlehem either. 00:17:00.159 --> 00:17:00.879 But yet, 00:17:00.959 --> 00:17:02.039 what is considered 00:17:02.039 --> 00:17:03.079 to be least 00:17:03.079 --> 00:17:05.119 amongst everybody 00:17:05.119 --> 00:17:06.039 in all the talk, 00:17:06.259 --> 00:17:07.559 it's a least place, 00:17:07.619 --> 00:17:08.940 it's a nothing place. 00:17:09.639 --> 00:17:10.200 Yet, 00:17:10.299 --> 00:17:10.720 the prophet 00:17:10.720 --> 00:17:11.460 tells us, 00:17:11.519 --> 00:17:12.019 verse 6, 00:17:12.019 --> 00:17:12.980 out of you, 00:17:13.339 --> 00:17:14.279 out of backward, 00:17:14.720 --> 00:17:15.539 unimportant, 00:17:16.220 --> 00:17:17.859 insignificant Bethlehem 00:17:17.859 --> 00:17:19.200 will come a ruler 00:17:19.200 --> 00:17:20.660 who will shepherd 00:17:20.660 --> 00:17:22.839 my people Israel. 00:17:22.839 --> 00:17:24.959 Now, 00:17:25.039 --> 00:17:26.399 Matthew identifies 00:17:26.399 --> 00:17:27.179 Jesus 00:17:27.179 --> 00:17:28.419 as being 00:17:28.419 --> 00:17:29.480 this shepherd. 00:17:30.279 --> 00:17:31.259 A little later on 00:17:31.259 --> 00:17:31.720 in Matthew, 00:17:31.859 --> 00:17:32.539 we read this, 00:17:32.639 --> 00:17:33.480 when Jesus saw 00:17:33.480 --> 00:17:34.119 the crowds, 00:17:35.139 --> 00:17:37.019 when he saw 00:17:37.019 --> 00:17:37.659 the crowds, 00:17:38.000 --> 00:17:38.759 Jesus had 00:17:38.759 --> 00:17:40.199 compassion on them 00:17:40.199 --> 00:17:41.720 because they were 00:17:41.720 --> 00:17:42.759 harassed 00:17:42.759 --> 00:17:44.079 and helpless 00:17:44.079 --> 00:17:45.740 like sheep 00:17:45.740 --> 00:17:46.759 without a shepherd. 00:17:48.299 --> 00:17:48.899 You remember 00:17:48.899 --> 00:17:49.519 the reading 00:17:49.519 --> 00:17:50.439 Ralph read 00:17:50.439 --> 00:17:51.379 from Ezekiel? 00:17:51.380 --> 00:17:53.140 The people 00:17:53.140 --> 00:17:54.340 were leaderless. 00:17:55.760 --> 00:17:57.080 They were left 00:17:57.080 --> 00:17:58.320 to themselves, 00:17:58.580 --> 00:17:59.600 nobody looking out, 00:17:59.940 --> 00:18:00.840 everybody just 00:18:00.840 --> 00:18:01.540 looking out 00:18:01.540 --> 00:18:02.820 for their own self. 00:18:03.560 --> 00:18:04.260 And as Jesus 00:18:04.260 --> 00:18:04.960 looked out 00:18:04.960 --> 00:18:05.580 on the world, 00:18:05.680 --> 00:18:06.720 as Jesus looked out 00:18:06.720 --> 00:18:07.400 on the people, 00:18:07.740 --> 00:18:08.740 he saw lives 00:18:08.740 --> 00:18:09.940 broken and ruined 00:18:09.940 --> 00:18:11.620 by sinful behaviours 00:18:11.620 --> 00:18:13.460 and selfish choices. 00:18:14.920 --> 00:18:15.600 Literally, 00:18:16.100 --> 00:18:17.220 heading towards 00:18:17.220 --> 00:18:17.700 hell 00:18:17.700 --> 00:18:18.840 and not even 00:18:18.840 --> 00:18:19.760 knowing they were 00:18:19.760 --> 00:18:20.420 in danger. 00:18:20.420 --> 00:18:21.440 that's what it 00:18:21.440 --> 00:18:21.759 means. 00:18:21.880 --> 00:18:22.259 They are 00:18:22.259 --> 00:18:23.200 harassed 00:18:23.200 --> 00:18:23.840 and helpless. 00:18:25.320 --> 00:18:25.900 They're going 00:18:25.900 --> 00:18:27.000 in every direction 00:18:27.000 --> 00:18:27.940 but the right 00:18:27.940 --> 00:18:28.660 direction. 00:18:30.320 --> 00:18:31.539 And just like 00:18:31.539 --> 00:18:32.320 sheep need 00:18:32.320 --> 00:18:32.840 a shepherd 00:18:32.840 --> 00:18:33.680 to lead them 00:18:33.680 --> 00:18:34.519 and direct them 00:18:34.519 --> 00:18:35.539 and show them 00:18:35.539 --> 00:18:36.240 the way to 00:18:36.240 --> 00:18:36.720 safety, 00:18:37.120 --> 00:18:38.019 so we need 00:18:38.019 --> 00:18:39.039 a shepherd king 00:18:39.039 --> 00:18:40.279 who will lead us 00:18:40.279 --> 00:18:41.039 and bring us 00:18:41.039 --> 00:18:41.779 to safety, 00:18:42.220 --> 00:18:42.759 bring us 00:18:42.759 --> 00:18:43.480 to a place 00:18:43.480 --> 00:18:44.180 of security, 00:18:44.660 --> 00:18:45.120 bring us 00:18:45.120 --> 00:18:45.820 to a place 00:18:45.820 --> 00:18:46.560 of peace 00:18:46.560 --> 00:18:47.539 and joy. 00:18:47.539 --> 00:18:49.659 And that's 00:18:49.659 --> 00:18:50.319 what Jesus, 00:18:50.319 --> 00:18:51.799 the true shepherd, 00:18:51.940 --> 00:18:52.259 did. 00:18:52.899 --> 00:18:54.059 He is the shepherd 00:18:54.059 --> 00:18:55.700 of the people. 00:18:56.339 --> 00:18:57.639 Just as Ezekiel 00:18:57.639 --> 00:18:58.720 had pointed forward 00:18:58.720 --> 00:18:59.019 to, 00:18:59.379 --> 00:18:59.920 God said, 00:19:00.119 --> 00:19:00.920 I will. 00:19:01.659 --> 00:19:02.579 I will come 00:19:02.579 --> 00:19:03.139 and rescue 00:19:03.139 --> 00:19:04.319 and bind up 00:19:04.319 --> 00:19:04.879 their wounds. 00:19:05.220 --> 00:19:06.220 I will heal 00:19:06.220 --> 00:19:06.480 them. 00:19:06.720 --> 00:19:07.819 I will restore 00:19:07.819 --> 00:19:08.059 them. 00:19:08.319 --> 00:19:09.379 I will lead 00:19:09.379 --> 00:19:09.659 them. 00:19:09.660 --> 00:19:12.259 And so Jesus 00:19:12.259 --> 00:19:13.019 is that 00:19:13.019 --> 00:19:13.640 promised 00:19:13.640 --> 00:19:14.960 shepherd king 00:19:14.960 --> 00:19:16.620 who came 00:19:16.620 --> 00:19:17.360 to give 00:19:17.360 --> 00:19:18.040 his life 00:19:18.040 --> 00:19:18.660 for us 00:19:18.660 --> 00:19:20.180 on the cross, 00:19:20.580 --> 00:19:22.100 who rose 00:19:22.100 --> 00:19:22.540 again 00:19:22.540 --> 00:19:23.720 from the grave 00:19:23.720 --> 00:19:24.900 defeating death 00:19:24.900 --> 00:19:26.000 and giving us 00:19:26.000 --> 00:19:27.400 true life. 00:19:29.400 --> 00:19:29.800 You see, 00:19:29.860 --> 00:19:30.540 many people 00:19:30.540 --> 00:19:31.500 will see Jesus 00:19:31.500 --> 00:19:32.940 as insignificant 00:19:32.940 --> 00:19:35.040 and unimportant. 00:19:36.000 --> 00:19:36.680 The Christmas 00:19:36.680 --> 00:19:37.440 celebrations 00:19:37.440 --> 00:19:38.380 will go on 00:19:38.380 --> 00:19:39.500 but Jesus 00:19:39.500 --> 00:19:40.680 doesn't get 00:19:40.680 --> 00:19:41.360 involved 00:19:41.360 --> 00:19:42.040 or isn't 00:19:42.040 --> 00:19:42.600 included 00:19:42.600 --> 00:19:43.160 because, 00:19:43.340 --> 00:19:43.460 well, 00:19:43.520 --> 00:19:44.240 he's from 00:19:44.240 --> 00:19:45.640 Bethlehem. 00:19:46.820 --> 00:19:47.540 Backward, 00:19:48.160 --> 00:19:48.900 unimportant, 00:19:49.660 --> 00:19:50.440 insignificant. 00:19:51.880 --> 00:19:52.820 But yet, 00:19:53.240 --> 00:19:54.020 he is the 00:19:54.020 --> 00:19:55.300 great shepherd, 00:19:56.080 --> 00:19:56.860 the one who 00:19:56.860 --> 00:19:57.360 has given 00:19:57.360 --> 00:19:58.080 his life 00:19:58.080 --> 00:19:59.220 so that we 00:19:59.220 --> 00:19:59.920 might have 00:19:59.920 --> 00:20:00.240 life. 00:20:00.680 --> 00:20:01.580 This is 00:20:01.580 --> 00:20:02.340 the Messiah 00:20:02.340 --> 00:20:03.060 who has 00:20:03.060 --> 00:20:03.680 come into 00:20:03.680 --> 00:20:04.220 the world 00:20:04.220 --> 00:20:04.960 for you 00:20:04.960 --> 00:20:06.260 and for me. 00:20:06.680 --> 00:20:07.160 He is 00:20:07.160 --> 00:20:07.620 the king. 00:20:08.380 --> 00:20:08.960 who is 00:20:08.960 --> 00:20:09.320 to be 00:20:09.320 --> 00:20:09.960 worshipped. 00:20:11.400 --> 00:20:12.160 You see, 00:20:12.300 --> 00:20:12.640 Jesus 00:20:12.640 --> 00:20:15.240 is worth it. 00:20:15.820 --> 00:20:16.280 Look at 00:20:16.280 --> 00:20:16.920 verse 10. 00:20:19.420 --> 00:20:20.100 Look at 00:20:20.100 --> 00:20:20.860 the response 00:20:20.860 --> 00:20:21.420 of the 00:20:21.420 --> 00:20:21.900 Magi. 00:20:22.040 --> 00:20:22.520 Verse 10, 00:20:22.600 --> 00:20:22.940 when they 00:20:22.940 --> 00:20:23.660 saw the 00:20:23.660 --> 00:20:24.240 star, 00:20:25.660 --> 00:20:26.300 they were 00:20:26.300 --> 00:20:27.800 overjoyed. 00:20:28.880 --> 00:20:29.660 When we 00:20:29.660 --> 00:20:30.580 examine these 00:20:30.580 --> 00:20:31.440 extraordinary 00:20:31.440 --> 00:20:32.240 events, 00:20:32.560 --> 00:20:34.260 a 700-year-old 00:20:34.260 --> 00:20:34.860 prophecy, 00:20:35.340 --> 00:20:36.180 a moving 00:20:36.180 --> 00:20:36.860 star, 00:20:36.859 --> 00:20:38.099 when we 00:20:38.099 --> 00:20:38.919 see that 00:20:38.919 --> 00:20:39.659 Jesus is 00:20:39.659 --> 00:20:40.219 the great 00:20:40.219 --> 00:20:41.159 shepherd who 00:20:41.159 --> 00:20:42.039 loves us 00:20:42.039 --> 00:20:42.759 and gives 00:20:42.759 --> 00:20:43.459 his life 00:20:43.459 --> 00:20:43.919 for us, 00:20:43.919 --> 00:20:44.699 we will 00:20:44.699 --> 00:20:45.479 not be 00:20:45.479 --> 00:20:46.199 disappointed. 00:20:46.719 --> 00:20:47.079 We will 00:20:47.079 --> 00:20:48.519 be overjoyed. 00:20:48.799 --> 00:20:49.159 In other 00:20:49.159 --> 00:20:49.419 words, 00:20:49.500 --> 00:20:49.819 when we 00:20:49.819 --> 00:20:50.339 come to 00:20:50.339 --> 00:20:50.759 Jesus, 00:20:50.979 --> 00:20:51.479 it is 00:20:51.479 --> 00:20:52.439 beyond what 00:20:52.439 --> 00:20:53.479 our imagination 00:20:53.479 --> 00:20:54.199 could ever 00:20:54.199 --> 00:20:54.839 take in. 00:20:57.039 --> 00:20:58.159 In fact, 00:20:58.759 --> 00:20:59.679 it is only 00:20:59.679 --> 00:21:00.359 those who 00:21:00.359 --> 00:21:01.519 worship Jesus 00:21:01.519 --> 00:21:03.519 experience 00:21:03.519 --> 00:21:04.180 true and 00:21:04.180 --> 00:21:05.099 lasting joy. 00:21:06.119 --> 00:21:06.700 Look back 00:21:06.700 --> 00:21:07.099 at these 00:21:07.099 --> 00:21:07.559 religious 00:21:07.559 --> 00:21:08.619 experts in 00:21:08.619 --> 00:21:09.240 verse 4. 00:21:11.359 --> 00:21:12.079 They had 00:21:12.079 --> 00:21:12.519 all the 00:21:12.519 --> 00:21:12.980 scriptures, 00:21:14.480 --> 00:21:15.180 they had 00:21:15.180 --> 00:21:15.559 all the 00:21:15.559 --> 00:21:16.259 knowledge about 00:21:16.259 --> 00:21:16.980 where Jesus, 00:21:17.160 --> 00:21:17.680 the Messiah, 00:21:17.859 --> 00:21:18.559 God's chosen 00:21:18.559 --> 00:21:18.920 king, 00:21:19.000 --> 00:21:19.559 was going to 00:21:19.559 --> 00:21:20.000 be born. 00:21:20.319 --> 00:21:20.839 They only 00:21:20.839 --> 00:21:21.420 needed to be 00:21:21.420 --> 00:21:21.839 asked and 00:21:21.839 --> 00:21:22.339 they knew 00:21:22.339 --> 00:21:22.779 it straight 00:21:22.779 --> 00:21:22.980 away. 00:21:23.099 --> 00:21:23.440 Oh yeah, 00:21:23.579 --> 00:21:23.960 Micah, 00:21:24.220 --> 00:21:24.740 the prophet, 00:21:24.980 --> 00:21:25.519 Bethlehem, 00:21:25.740 --> 00:21:26.339 you'll find 00:21:26.339 --> 00:21:26.799 him there. 00:21:26.799 --> 00:21:30.460 But they 00:21:30.460 --> 00:21:31.019 don't move 00:21:31.019 --> 00:21:31.419 an inch, 00:21:31.500 --> 00:21:31.839 do they? 00:21:33.019 --> 00:21:33.839 They don't 00:21:33.839 --> 00:21:34.539 follow after 00:21:34.539 --> 00:21:35.180 the Magi. 00:21:35.940 --> 00:21:36.740 They just 00:21:36.740 --> 00:21:37.440 stay put. 00:21:38.419 --> 00:21:38.960 They would 00:21:38.960 --> 00:21:39.700 not worship. 00:21:41.440 --> 00:21:42.159 But look 00:21:42.159 --> 00:21:42.839 at the Magi. 00:21:43.940 --> 00:21:44.599 These were 00:21:44.599 --> 00:21:45.559 pagans, 00:21:46.259 --> 00:21:47.019 non-religious 00:21:47.019 --> 00:21:47.519 people. 00:21:48.500 --> 00:21:49.059 They didn't 00:21:49.059 --> 00:21:49.879 have a Bible. 00:21:50.919 --> 00:21:51.180 Well, 00:21:51.220 --> 00:21:51.460 they had 00:21:51.460 --> 00:21:52.159 heard about 00:21:52.159 --> 00:21:53.180 the king 00:21:53.180 --> 00:21:54.000 of the Jews, 00:21:54.599 --> 00:21:55.659 but they 00:21:55.659 --> 00:21:56.139 didn't have 00:21:56.139 --> 00:21:56.740 the privilege 00:21:56.740 --> 00:21:57.299 of having 00:21:57.299 --> 00:21:58.059 the scriptures. 00:21:58.740 --> 00:21:59.319 They didn't 00:21:59.319 --> 00:21:59.920 have great 00:21:59.920 --> 00:22:00.680 teachers to 00:22:00.680 --> 00:22:01.160 teach them 00:22:01.160 --> 00:22:01.700 about the 00:22:01.700 --> 00:22:02.539 coming Messiah. 00:22:04.099 --> 00:22:04.799 But what 00:22:04.799 --> 00:22:05.640 little knowledge 00:22:05.640 --> 00:22:06.200 they did 00:22:06.200 --> 00:22:06.640 have, 00:22:07.420 --> 00:22:08.039 what they 00:22:08.039 --> 00:22:08.799 saw from 00:22:08.799 --> 00:22:09.480 creation 00:22:09.480 --> 00:22:10.279 itself, 00:22:10.839 --> 00:22:11.859 they acted 00:22:11.859 --> 00:22:12.319 upon. 00:22:13.180 --> 00:22:13.539 They 00:22:13.539 --> 00:22:14.519 followed the 00:22:14.519 --> 00:22:16.200 star and 00:22:16.200 --> 00:22:16.539 they were 00:22:16.539 --> 00:22:17.920 not disappointed. 00:22:18.859 --> 00:22:19.539 They were 00:22:19.539 --> 00:22:20.940 overjoyed. 00:22:22.380 --> 00:22:23.400 How much 00:22:23.400 --> 00:22:24.279 more privileged 00:22:24.279 --> 00:22:25.059 are we 00:22:25.059 --> 00:22:26.059 today 00:22:26.059 --> 00:22:28.299 in 2018 00:22:28.299 --> 00:22:29.039 to have 00:22:29.039 --> 00:22:29.839 the fullness 00:22:29.839 --> 00:22:31.079 of God's 00:22:31.079 --> 00:22:31.599 revelation? 00:22:32.119 --> 00:22:32.700 All the 00:22:32.700 --> 00:22:33.079 scriptures, 00:22:33.559 --> 00:22:34.259 the account 00:22:34.259 --> 00:22:34.940 of Matthew, 00:22:35.159 --> 00:22:35.700 all of it 00:22:35.700 --> 00:22:36.299 written down 00:22:36.299 --> 00:22:36.639 for us, 00:22:36.960 --> 00:22:37.500 the gift 00:22:37.500 --> 00:22:37.859 of his 00:22:37.859 --> 00:22:38.659 Holy Spirit 00:22:38.659 --> 00:22:39.659 to lead 00:22:39.659 --> 00:22:40.079 us and 00:22:40.079 --> 00:22:40.639 to show 00:22:40.639 --> 00:22:41.399 us who 00:22:41.399 --> 00:22:41.839 is the 00:22:41.839 --> 00:22:42.480 true king. 00:22:42.480 --> 00:22:45.920 God's 00:22:45.920 --> 00:22:54.380 Lord's 00:22:54.380 --> 00:22:55.000 and we 00:22:55.000 --> 00:22:55.519 could name 00:22:55.519 --> 00:22:56.019 all the 00:22:56.019 --> 00:22:56.799 different people 00:22:56.799 --> 00:22:57.319 and all the 00:22:57.319 --> 00:22:58.019 different folk 00:22:58.019 --> 00:22:58.420 who came 00:22:58.420 --> 00:22:58.900 to visit 00:22:58.900 --> 00:22:59.339 Jesus, 00:22:59.740 --> 00:23:00.160 where it 00:23:00.160 --> 00:23:00.519 happened, 00:23:00.660 --> 00:23:01.000 when it 00:23:01.000 --> 00:23:01.440 happened, 00:23:02.000 --> 00:23:02.400 who he 00:23:02.400 --> 00:23:02.799 is. 00:23:03.900 --> 00:23:04.620 But we 00:23:04.620 --> 00:23:05.099 can stay 00:23:05.099 --> 00:23:05.700 put where 00:23:05.700 --> 00:23:06.160 we are 00:23:06.160 --> 00:23:06.680 in our 00:23:06.680 --> 00:23:07.079 seats 00:23:07.079 --> 00:23:10.059 and not budge an inch 00:23:10.059 --> 00:23:13.119 and worship the true Messiah. 00:23:14.279 --> 00:23:16.919 We just go home and carry on our lives 00:23:16.919 --> 00:23:18.240 as per normal. 00:23:19.299 --> 00:23:20.460 Nothing changes. 00:23:21.159 --> 00:23:23.359 Just full of religiosity, 00:23:23.740 --> 00:23:25.519 full of knowledge in our heads, 00:23:25.519 --> 00:23:28.460 but never in our hearts. 00:23:31.559 --> 00:23:35.720 We only experience true and lasting joy 00:23:35.720 --> 00:23:38.759 when we follow with the Magi 00:23:38.759 --> 00:23:40.819 and worship him 00:23:40.819 --> 00:23:43.980 and we will be overjoyed. 00:23:45.480 --> 00:23:47.900 Jesus is worth it. 00:23:49.559 --> 00:23:52.559 So, who the King is, 00:23:53.200 --> 00:23:55.019 why we worship the King, 00:23:56.279 --> 00:23:59.339 and then third, how we worship the King. 00:24:00.779 --> 00:24:02.900 The Magi, it's crystal clear, 00:24:03.000 --> 00:24:05.039 have come to worship Jesus. 00:24:05.039 --> 00:24:07.180 We see that at the end of verse 2. 00:24:07.299 --> 00:24:08.940 We saw his star when it rose 00:24:08.940 --> 00:24:11.440 and have come to worship him. 00:24:12.399 --> 00:24:15.980 Now, worship, to worship someone or something, 00:24:16.220 --> 00:24:19.079 is to give them the highest value 00:24:19.079 --> 00:24:21.200 or the greatest worth. 00:24:22.639 --> 00:24:25.559 So, it's not surprising that in the New Testament, 00:24:26.139 --> 00:24:28.819 the word worship is only ever used 00:24:28.819 --> 00:24:30.599 in relation to God. 00:24:30.899 --> 00:24:33.299 No one else receives worship. 00:24:33.299 --> 00:24:36.059 No one else is deserving of worship. 00:24:36.599 --> 00:24:40.940 Worship is set apart for God alone. 00:24:41.359 --> 00:24:43.359 And Matthew helps us to understand 00:24:43.359 --> 00:24:45.680 how we should worship Jesus, 00:24:46.279 --> 00:24:48.319 God's King, the God-Man. 00:24:48.879 --> 00:24:51.799 Two things we see from verse 11. 00:24:52.000 --> 00:24:55.379 First, we submit to Jesus. 00:24:56.579 --> 00:24:57.480 Verse 11. 00:24:57.480 --> 00:24:59.579 On coming to the house, 00:25:00.140 --> 00:25:02.620 they saw the child with his mother Mary, 00:25:03.319 --> 00:25:07.279 and they bowed down and worshipped him. 00:25:08.380 --> 00:25:11.920 Bowing down, that physical act of bowing down 00:25:11.920 --> 00:25:14.660 is to lower yourself before someone 00:25:14.660 --> 00:25:17.079 who is greater than you. 00:25:17.079 --> 00:25:20.480 I mean, they're before a child, 00:25:20.919 --> 00:25:21.559 an infant. 00:25:22.899 --> 00:25:24.399 But they bow down, 00:25:24.939 --> 00:25:26.139 lowering themselves. 00:25:27.240 --> 00:25:27.919 In other words, 00:25:28.000 --> 00:25:30.019 they are acknowledging that this child 00:25:30.019 --> 00:25:31.179 who they come before 00:25:31.179 --> 00:25:34.639 has authority and power over them. 00:25:35.299 --> 00:25:37.259 And when we bow down to someone, 00:25:37.419 --> 00:25:38.039 we are saying, 00:25:38.439 --> 00:25:39.879 they are worth trusting. 00:25:39.880 --> 00:25:43.080 You deserve my total allegiance 00:25:43.080 --> 00:25:45.140 and unwavering loyalty. 00:25:46.900 --> 00:25:48.660 Yes, there were other folk there. 00:25:48.800 --> 00:25:49.620 Mary was there. 00:25:49.720 --> 00:25:51.620 I assume Joseph was there too. 00:25:52.240 --> 00:25:56.340 But only Jesus gets the worship. 00:25:57.340 --> 00:25:59.520 The one born a King. 00:26:00.640 --> 00:26:03.740 And that is exactly what is expected of us. 00:26:04.880 --> 00:26:06.960 Worship is not just singing songs 00:26:06.960 --> 00:26:08.680 for 20 minutes on a Sunday. 00:26:08.680 --> 00:26:10.519 It includes our singing. 00:26:11.860 --> 00:26:15.440 But worship is submitting yourself to Jesus. 00:26:15.620 --> 00:26:17.220 It's bowing down to him. 00:26:17.840 --> 00:26:20.600 Bowing our lives to him 24-7. 00:26:21.380 --> 00:26:23.380 The one who deserves and demands 00:26:23.380 --> 00:26:24.640 our total allegiance 00:26:24.640 --> 00:26:26.480 and unwavering loyalty. 00:26:28.500 --> 00:26:29.880 In bowing down, 00:26:30.019 --> 00:26:32.259 we are submitting to his word, 00:26:32.400 --> 00:26:34.200 to the authority of God's word. 00:26:34.500 --> 00:26:36.720 It's living a life that says daily, 00:26:36.720 --> 00:26:38.640 your will be done. 00:26:38.680 --> 00:26:40.900 Not my will be done. 00:26:41.840 --> 00:26:44.620 It's surrendering our self-autonomy. 00:26:45.380 --> 00:26:47.279 This willing and wanting ourselves 00:26:47.279 --> 00:26:49.039 to rule over our life. 00:26:49.240 --> 00:26:51.220 It's putting that to one side. 00:26:52.360 --> 00:26:54.100 Turning from it in repentance. 00:26:54.779 --> 00:26:57.460 And joyfully obeying Jesus. 00:26:57.460 --> 00:27:01.120 So how do we worship this King? 00:27:01.120 --> 00:27:04.340 We submit to him. 00:27:07.340 --> 00:27:08.460 Second, 00:27:09.019 --> 00:27:12.019 we serve Jesus. 00:27:13.019 --> 00:27:14.799 Look at the rest of verse 11. 00:27:14.799 --> 00:27:19.619 Then they opened their treasures 00:27:19.619 --> 00:27:23.159 and presented him with gifts of gold, 00:27:23.799 --> 00:27:24.740 frankincense, 00:27:25.299 --> 00:27:26.000 and myrrh. 00:27:26.000 --> 00:27:27.640 Now, 00:27:27.700 --> 00:27:28.940 an awful lot has been said 00:27:28.940 --> 00:27:30.500 about the meaning of these gifts 00:27:30.500 --> 00:27:31.539 and their symbolism. 00:27:32.579 --> 00:27:34.160 Some talk about gold 00:27:34.160 --> 00:27:35.960 being of value, 00:27:36.480 --> 00:27:37.400 great treasure, 00:27:38.339 --> 00:27:39.019 frankincense, 00:27:39.099 --> 00:27:40.180 gold for a king, 00:27:40.440 --> 00:27:42.539 frankincense for deity, 00:27:43.740 --> 00:27:44.160 myrrh, 00:27:44.539 --> 00:27:45.799 speaking of his death 00:27:45.799 --> 00:27:46.720 and his burial. 00:27:46.720 --> 00:27:49.660 But Matthew doesn't actually say 00:27:49.660 --> 00:27:51.299 anything about their meaning, 00:27:51.500 --> 00:27:52.860 so we can't be quite sure 00:27:52.860 --> 00:27:53.720 about that. 00:27:54.579 --> 00:27:56.339 But the emphasis seems to be 00:27:56.339 --> 00:27:57.500 on their treasures 00:27:57.500 --> 00:27:58.920 and gifts. 00:27:59.600 --> 00:28:00.860 The point is that 00:28:00.860 --> 00:28:01.900 what they bring 00:28:01.900 --> 00:28:03.160 is valuable 00:28:03.160 --> 00:28:04.460 and precious. 00:28:05.019 --> 00:28:06.319 The Magi have sought 00:28:06.319 --> 00:28:08.579 to give their best treasures. 00:28:09.220 --> 00:28:10.720 They opened their treasures 00:28:11.400 --> 00:28:12.799 and presented him 00:28:12.799 --> 00:28:13.819 with gifts. 00:28:15.039 --> 00:28:15.940 In other words, 00:28:16.440 --> 00:28:17.720 nothing is too extravagant 00:28:18.519 --> 00:28:19.519 for Jesus. 00:28:21.039 --> 00:28:22.019 And this is what 00:28:22.019 --> 00:28:23.500 getting to the heart of worship 00:28:23.500 --> 00:28:24.779 is all about. 00:28:25.079 --> 00:28:27.039 So let me ask us all a question. 00:28:28.279 --> 00:28:30.480 What is it that you most treasure 00:28:30.480 --> 00:28:32.120 in your life? 00:28:33.299 --> 00:28:34.779 Think about it for a minute. 00:28:35.500 --> 00:28:36.720 What is your greatest love 00:28:37.319 --> 00:28:38.579 or possession? 00:28:38.579 --> 00:28:42.379 or who do you value the most? 00:28:43.419 --> 00:28:44.759 Maybe it's your spouse 00:28:44.759 --> 00:28:45.740 or your child. 00:28:46.839 --> 00:28:48.019 Maybe it's your house 00:28:48.019 --> 00:28:49.059 or your job. 00:28:50.759 --> 00:28:52.919 Because whatever you value 00:28:52.919 --> 00:28:53.659 the most, 00:28:54.039 --> 00:28:55.339 whatever you set up 00:28:55.339 --> 00:28:55.980 to be having 00:28:55.980 --> 00:28:57.480 the greatest value, 00:28:58.059 --> 00:28:59.439 that is what you worship. 00:29:00.659 --> 00:29:02.899 It's what you give your life to. 00:29:03.500 --> 00:29:05.059 It's what you serve. 00:29:05.599 --> 00:29:06.699 It's what you dedicate 00:29:06.699 --> 00:29:08.119 your time in doing. 00:29:08.579 --> 00:29:15.539 The account of the Magi 00:29:15.539 --> 00:29:16.659 is telling us this, 00:29:16.759 --> 00:29:18.659 that there is only one person 00:29:18.659 --> 00:29:21.480 who is worth our worship. 00:29:22.240 --> 00:29:23.779 Only one who deserves 00:29:23.779 --> 00:29:24.579 our service. 00:29:25.099 --> 00:29:25.419 Therefore, 00:29:25.819 --> 00:29:27.059 everything else 00:29:27.059 --> 00:29:28.639 and everyone else 00:29:28.639 --> 00:29:30.919 is to be given over to him. 00:29:31.159 --> 00:29:32.240 All our desires, 00:29:32.720 --> 00:29:33.559 all our hopes, 00:29:33.740 --> 00:29:34.399 all our wishes, 00:29:34.599 --> 00:29:35.519 all our dreams 00:29:35.519 --> 00:29:37.900 are to be put 00:29:37.900 --> 00:29:39.099 and sacrificed 00:29:39.099 --> 00:29:40.059 to him. 00:29:41.420 --> 00:29:42.480 He is to be 00:29:42.480 --> 00:29:43.940 our greatest treasure, 00:29:44.539 --> 00:29:46.000 our greatest value. 00:29:47.440 --> 00:29:48.299 And if he is 00:29:48.299 --> 00:29:49.319 our greatest treasure, 00:29:49.819 --> 00:29:51.379 then it demands 00:29:51.379 --> 00:29:53.400 our very life itself. 00:29:54.740 --> 00:29:56.420 Listen to what Jesus said. 00:29:56.420 --> 00:29:58.580 Just flick forward 00:29:58.580 --> 00:30:00.640 to Matthew chapter 10. 00:30:03.640 --> 00:30:05.240 Matthew chapter 10. 00:30:12.600 --> 00:30:14.259 Verse 37. 00:30:14.259 --> 00:30:14.300 Verse 37. 00:30:14.299 --> 00:30:27.740 As we read these verses, 00:30:28.559 --> 00:30:31.119 just think of that question. 00:30:31.319 --> 00:30:32.919 Who do you treasure the most? 00:30:33.059 --> 00:30:35.659 What is your greatest value? 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:38.220 What's of worth to you? 00:30:38.220 --> 00:30:40.880 Verse 37. 00:30:41.960 --> 00:30:43.440 Anyone who loves 00:30:43.440 --> 00:30:44.620 their father 00:30:44.620 --> 00:30:46.200 or mother, 00:30:46.259 --> 00:30:47.519 this is Jesus speaking, 00:30:47.680 --> 00:30:48.680 anyone who loves 00:30:48.680 --> 00:30:49.480 their father 00:30:49.480 --> 00:30:50.200 or mother 00:30:50.200 --> 00:30:51.279 more than me 00:30:51.279 --> 00:30:53.720 is not worthy of me. 00:30:54.640 --> 00:30:56.100 Anyone who loves 00:30:56.100 --> 00:30:56.880 their son 00:30:56.880 --> 00:30:57.799 or daughter 00:30:57.799 --> 00:30:59.299 more than me 00:30:59.299 --> 00:31:01.579 is not worthy of me. 00:31:02.759 --> 00:31:03.440 No one. 00:31:04.120 --> 00:31:04.860 No one. 00:31:05.759 --> 00:31:07.220 Not even your closest spouse 00:31:07.220 --> 00:31:09.079 or child 00:31:09.079 --> 00:31:11.200 can come before 00:31:11.200 --> 00:31:13.640 your first 00:31:13.640 --> 00:31:14.880 primary love 00:31:14.880 --> 00:31:15.900 of Jesus. 00:31:17.460 --> 00:31:18.640 Verse 38. 00:31:19.319 --> 00:31:20.480 Whoever does not 00:31:20.480 --> 00:31:21.779 take up their cross 00:31:21.779 --> 00:31:23.259 and follow me 00:31:23.259 --> 00:31:25.240 is not worthy of me. 00:31:26.000 --> 00:31:27.240 If you cannot 00:31:27.240 --> 00:31:28.019 sacrifice 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:29.420 and let go 00:31:29.420 --> 00:31:30.579 of your treasures 00:31:30.579 --> 00:31:33.400 and take up 00:31:33.400 --> 00:31:34.140 your cross, 00:31:35.100 --> 00:31:36.440 you're not worthy of me. 00:31:37.220 --> 00:31:39.600 whoever finds 00:31:39.600 --> 00:31:40.339 their life 00:31:40.339 --> 00:31:41.380 will lose it 00:31:41.380 --> 00:31:43.380 and whoever 00:31:43.380 --> 00:31:45.079 loses their life 00:31:45.079 --> 00:31:46.120 for my sake 00:31:46.120 --> 00:31:48.400 will find it. 00:31:50.900 --> 00:31:52.360 Jesus is saying, 00:31:53.360 --> 00:31:54.539 you must give 00:31:54.539 --> 00:31:55.240 your life 00:31:55.240 --> 00:31:56.579 to me. 00:31:57.900 --> 00:31:59.600 That's what worship is. 00:32:00.600 --> 00:32:01.559 Give your life 00:32:01.559 --> 00:32:02.000 to me. 00:32:03.380 --> 00:32:04.519 Submit to me 00:32:04.519 --> 00:32:06.639 as your true shepherd. 00:32:07.639 --> 00:32:08.519 Serve me 00:32:08.519 --> 00:32:09.980 as your true shepherd. 00:32:10.079 --> 00:32:10.940 The one who gave 00:32:10.940 --> 00:32:12.299 his life for you. 00:32:12.579 --> 00:32:13.319 The one who will 00:32:13.319 --> 00:32:14.599 lead you in paths 00:32:14.599 --> 00:32:15.720 that are plentiful. 00:32:16.019 --> 00:32:16.819 The one who will 00:32:16.819 --> 00:32:17.759 give you life 00:32:17.759 --> 00:32:19.180 in all its abundance. 00:32:19.900 --> 00:32:20.279 Life 00:32:20.279 --> 00:32:21.460 where you will be 00:32:21.460 --> 00:32:22.799 overjoyed. 00:32:26.220 --> 00:32:27.500 Jesus is the king 00:32:27.500 --> 00:32:30.599 and the king 00:32:30.599 --> 00:32:31.720 is to be worshipped. 00:32:33.220 --> 00:32:34.839 He is worth it 00:32:34.839 --> 00:32:37.420 because he has given 00:32:37.420 --> 00:32:38.200 his all, 00:32:38.539 --> 00:32:39.359 his everything 00:32:39.359 --> 00:32:40.559 for us. 00:32:42.960 --> 00:32:43.880 Let's pray. 00:32:43.880 --> 00:32:59.520 As we pray, 00:33:00.160 --> 00:33:01.200 let's just take 00:33:01.200 --> 00:33:02.680 a moment 00:33:02.680 --> 00:33:04.940 in the quietness 00:33:04.940 --> 00:33:08.440 to reflect 00:33:08.440 --> 00:33:09.600 on those things 00:33:09.600 --> 00:33:10.220 that we 00:33:10.220 --> 00:33:11.680 value 00:33:11.680 --> 00:33:12.680 and treasure 00:33:12.680 --> 00:33:13.220 more 00:33:13.220 --> 00:33:15.160 than the Lord 00:33:15.160 --> 00:33:15.600 Jesus. 00:33:19.279 --> 00:33:20.279 Ask him 00:33:20.279 --> 00:33:22.380 to help us 00:33:22.380 --> 00:33:23.160 to surrender 00:33:23.160 --> 00:33:23.880 those things 00:33:23.880 --> 00:33:24.420 to him 00:33:24.420 --> 00:33:28.519 and that we 00:33:28.519 --> 00:33:29.060 would give 00:33:29.060 --> 00:33:29.900 our life 00:33:29.900 --> 00:33:31.240 to him 00:33:31.240 --> 00:33:32.580 in complete 00:33:32.580 --> 00:33:33.100 surrender. 00:33:33.100 --> 00:33:33.259 Amen. 00:33:42.680 --> 00:34:08.539 Father, we are 00:34:08.539 --> 00:34:09.039 sorry. 00:34:09.039 --> 00:34:11.039 Sorry for 00:34:11.039 --> 00:34:11.579 playing 00:34:11.579 --> 00:34:12.279 Herod, 00:34:13.079 --> 00:34:14.619 for wanting 00:34:14.619 --> 00:34:15.199 to rule 00:34:15.199 --> 00:34:15.679 over our 00:34:15.679 --> 00:34:16.259 own life 00:34:16.259 --> 00:34:16.659 and to 00:34:16.659 --> 00:34:17.079 protect 00:34:17.079 --> 00:34:18.199 our self-autonomy. 00:34:20.519 --> 00:34:21.279 Father, 00:34:21.420 --> 00:34:22.440 please forgive us. 00:34:24.340 --> 00:34:25.420 We run 00:34:25.420 --> 00:34:26.420 afresh to you, 00:34:27.440 --> 00:34:28.019 the true 00:34:28.019 --> 00:34:28.860 shepherd king 00:34:28.860 --> 00:34:31.340 who loves 00:34:31.340 --> 00:34:31.920 us 00:34:31.920 --> 00:34:33.400 immensely, 00:34:34.739 --> 00:34:35.739 who has 00:34:35.739 --> 00:34:36.659 given his life 00:34:36.659 --> 00:34:37.539 for us, 00:34:38.079 --> 00:34:39.399 who has 00:34:39.399 --> 00:34:39.920 given us 00:34:39.920 --> 00:34:40.379 life 00:34:40.379 --> 00:34:41.339 in all 00:34:41.339 --> 00:34:41.879 its fullness. 00:34:44.379 --> 00:34:45.279 And so 00:34:45.279 --> 00:34:45.819 we come, 00:34:46.139 --> 00:34:46.219 Father, 00:34:46.339 --> 00:34:47.719 we bow 00:34:47.719 --> 00:34:48.819 before you. 00:34:50.139 --> 00:34:51.379 We submit, 00:34:51.859 --> 00:34:52.719 we surrender. 00:34:54.599 --> 00:34:55.579 We give 00:34:55.579 --> 00:34:56.779 our life 00:34:56.779 --> 00:34:58.659 as our gift 00:34:58.659 --> 00:34:59.199 to you 00:34:59.199 --> 00:35:00.879 to say 00:35:00.879 --> 00:35:01.480 thank you. 00:35:02.199 --> 00:35:03.099 Thank you for 00:35:03.099 --> 00:35:03.659 being our 00:35:03.659 --> 00:35:03.879 king. 00:35:03.880 --> 00:35:06.720 help us 00:35:06.720 --> 00:35:08.519 that we 00:35:08.519 --> 00:35:09.160 would worship 00:35:09.160 --> 00:35:10.460 you rightly 00:35:10.460 --> 00:35:12.360 and honor 00:35:12.360 --> 00:35:12.720 you 00:35:12.720 --> 00:35:14.260 for who 00:35:14.260 --> 00:35:14.760 you are. 00:35:16.400 --> 00:35:16.840 And may 00:35:16.840 --> 00:35:17.500 the world 00:35:17.500 --> 00:35:19.099 also follow 00:35:19.099 --> 00:35:20.200 in the steps 00:35:20.200 --> 00:35:21.160 of the 00:35:21.160 --> 00:35:21.619 Magi. 00:35:22.740 --> 00:35:23.740 May people 00:35:23.740 --> 00:35:24.360 we meet 00:35:24.360 --> 00:35:25.900 this season 00:35:25.900 --> 00:35:27.320 see 00:35:27.320 --> 00:35:28.480 the greatness 00:35:28.480 --> 00:35:29.180 of Jesus 00:35:29.180 --> 00:35:31.360 and may 00:35:31.360 --> 00:35:31.840 they bow 00:35:31.840 --> 00:35:32.260 down 00:35:32.260 --> 00:35:33.820 and be 00:35:33.820 --> 00:35:34.920 overjoyed. 00:35:36.320 --> 00:35:37.180 We pray 00:35:37.180 --> 00:35:37.640 this in 00:35:37.640 --> 00:35:37.920 Jesus' 00:35:38.140 --> 00:35:38.340 name. 00:35:39.240 --> 00:35:39.640 Amen.