WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:10.120 This morning we're going to be looking at the story in Matthew, and what we see in Matthew that you don't pick up from Luke is the story about the wise men. 00:00:10.200 --> 00:00:20.019 So that's where we're going to be centered this morning. The centerpiece obviously is Jesus because it's his birth, but the action, most of it, is going to be around the wise men. 00:00:20.019 --> 00:00:31.379 And there'll be a few other people that we're going to look at, the chief priests and the scribes and also King Herod himself. We're going to look at their actions to the birth of Christ. 00:00:31.379 --> 00:00:46.960 And the reason we're going to do that is because if we look at their actions, you can kind of put everyone that has ever lived and died and will live, their reactions to Jesus will fall in these basic three categories. 00:00:46.960 --> 00:01:00.299 And so we're going to see that because I think it's helpful for us as we look at ourselves and ask that question, what do I do with Jesus, especially during this season where we celebrate his birth? 00:01:01.520 --> 00:01:08.140 And you also might be wondering, as we look at the wise men, what is so important about the wise men? 00:01:08.140 --> 00:01:16.280 Why are we taking time this morning in this sermon to discuss the wise men? 00:01:17.680 --> 00:01:28.159 And it's important because the wise men represent the Gentiles, or more specifically, they represent us. 00:01:29.260 --> 00:01:35.359 They were the ones that were outside of the chosen ones, the family of God. 00:01:35.359 --> 00:01:47.819 If you remember, Jesus or God first comes to the shepherds and tells them about the birth of Christ and they come to see the Christ child. 00:01:48.780 --> 00:01:54.480 Those were the locals, the Jews, the people who were of God. 00:01:55.439 --> 00:01:59.840 But then they were those who were far off, like the wise men. 00:01:59.840 --> 00:02:05.079 They weren't part of the family of God, but they knew about God. 00:02:05.159 --> 00:02:06.439 They knew about the Jews. 00:02:08.140 --> 00:02:22.599 And so the wise men, as we look in the story, are going to represent us who were outside, but because of Christ, have been brought in and are able to be a part of the family of God. 00:02:22.599 --> 00:02:26.060 So that's why it's important this morning, because it's for us. 00:02:26.859 --> 00:02:33.039 This Jesus that was born, his life, his death, for us, so that we can be part of that. 00:02:38.639 --> 00:02:43.599 We're going to read Matthew chapter 2, the first 12 verses. 00:02:44.680 --> 00:02:45.900 Let's pray before we begin. 00:02:45.900 --> 00:02:56.219 Lord, we come humbly before you and before your word. 00:02:56.759 --> 00:03:02.219 And we ask this morning that you teach us, that you open our eyes and our ears and our hearts. 00:03:03.300 --> 00:03:10.700 You would take away distractions and you would help us to see what you have for us in your word in these verses. 00:03:10.699 --> 00:03:17.419 Teach us today, Lord. 00:03:18.039 --> 00:03:19.839 Encourage us today. 00:03:22.000 --> 00:03:24.359 And Lord, we give you the praise and the glory. 00:03:24.560 --> 00:03:31.239 And we ask all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, who we worship and remember and celebrate today. 00:03:31.679 --> 00:03:32.639 In his name, amen. 00:03:34.339 --> 00:03:36.819 Matthew chapter 2, verse 1. 00:03:36.819 --> 00:03:46.280 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, 00:03:47.139 --> 00:03:49.359 Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? 00:03:49.939 --> 00:03:53.560 For we saw his star when it rose and had come to worship him. 00:03:54.840 --> 00:03:59.759 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 00:03:59.759 --> 00:04:07.340 And assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 00:04:08.099 --> 00:04:11.939 They told him, In Bethlehem of Judea, for it is written by the prophet, 00:04:12.780 --> 00:04:18.099 And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah. 00:04:18.620 --> 00:04:22.539 For from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel. 00:04:22.540 --> 00:04:30.660 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 00:04:31.780 --> 00:04:36.340 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, Go and search diligently for the child. 00:04:36.879 --> 00:04:41.840 And when you have found him, bring me one, that I too may come and worship him. 00:04:42.759 --> 00:04:45.500 After listening to the king, they went on their way. 00:04:45.500 --> 00:04:53.720 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. 00:04:54.579 --> 00:04:58.779 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 00:04:59.180 --> 00:05:05.579 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him. 00:05:06.600 --> 00:05:12.500 Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 00:05:12.500 --> 00:05:19.439 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. 00:05:22.180 --> 00:05:28.860 I'm going to try to leave out a lot of extra stuff in our messages this morning. 00:05:29.720 --> 00:05:37.800 Because as I was doing research on some of the things in these verses, it's easy to just keep digging. 00:05:38.139 --> 00:05:40.540 And digging and reading stories and finding out more. 00:05:40.540 --> 00:05:43.040 And so, I'm going to try to do that. 00:05:44.500 --> 00:05:50.160 But, there are a lot of stories about the wise men. 00:05:50.400 --> 00:05:52.100 Who were the wise men. 00:05:52.180 --> 00:05:53.379 And we're going to get into that. 00:05:54.760 --> 00:06:02.960 I remember growing up, we had a manger scene that we would set up as part of our Christmas decoration. 00:06:02.959 --> 00:06:07.839 And it had this cool roof to the stable, right? 00:06:07.899 --> 00:06:14.099 So, as a kid, I would use it as like a runway for planes and helicopters. 00:06:14.299 --> 00:06:17.539 They could like bring people in to see Jesus and then take back off. 00:06:18.339 --> 00:06:19.679 I don't know where that came from. 00:06:19.740 --> 00:06:21.120 It was just cool as a kid. 00:06:21.120 --> 00:06:29.519 But I remember when I learned that the wise men weren't there for the birth of Jesus. 00:06:29.860 --> 00:06:30.879 They came later. 00:06:31.439 --> 00:06:37.780 So, you know, when mom would set up the nativity, I would move the wise men further away, right? 00:06:37.819 --> 00:06:41.399 They had to go to the piano or maybe the other side of the couch. 00:06:41.899 --> 00:06:43.660 Because they needed more time to get there. 00:06:43.660 --> 00:06:53.020 I say that because there are some details about this story that may not line up exactly with what you had in your mind as a child. 00:06:53.760 --> 00:06:55.480 And that is okay. 00:06:55.640 --> 00:07:02.879 There's details that aren't in there that it's okay to embellish or grow or add details to. 00:07:02.960 --> 00:07:08.040 But there are some details that I want to be faithful to the story that Matthew writes. 00:07:08.260 --> 00:07:09.700 So, I want to bring those out. 00:07:09.699 --> 00:07:16.000 And again, if those details aren't there, then our imagination is free to fill those in. 00:07:17.199 --> 00:07:20.519 Keeping in mind that Matthew doesn't want us to get hung up on the details. 00:07:21.319 --> 00:07:26.879 The details he wants us to know are the details that he has written for us. 00:07:27.699 --> 00:07:31.120 So, as we look at verses 1 and 2, it says, 00:07:31.120 --> 00:07:35.399 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of hearing the king, 00:07:35.740 --> 00:07:39.980 Behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem. 00:07:41.280 --> 00:07:43.579 There's a lot of tradition around wise men. 00:07:44.019 --> 00:07:44.920 Were they kings? 00:07:45.340 --> 00:07:46.680 Were they not kings? 00:07:47.579 --> 00:07:51.600 There is a popular tradition that they were three kings. 00:07:51.720 --> 00:07:55.160 They even had names and they came from specific countries. 00:07:55.720 --> 00:07:57.579 They came dressed up on camels. 00:07:57.579 --> 00:08:01.039 And it's a really beautiful picture. 00:08:01.139 --> 00:08:02.939 It makes a really beautiful Christmas card. 00:08:03.479 --> 00:08:04.639 And that may be true. 00:08:05.019 --> 00:08:06.120 It may not be true. 00:08:06.859 --> 00:08:12.740 Again, without the details, it's easy to, if you're telling a story, to build on that story. 00:08:12.839 --> 00:08:16.620 And so, over years, those traditions grow and are expanding. 00:08:16.620 --> 00:08:24.939 But the names of the kings didn't come into existence until hundreds of years after the birth of Christ. 00:08:25.079 --> 00:08:29.840 And so, it does lead you to question, were they kings or were they not? 00:08:30.459 --> 00:08:31.939 Matthew doesn't say they're kings. 00:08:32.460 --> 00:08:35.100 And yet he has no problem calling King Herod a king. 00:08:35.600 --> 00:08:37.919 Or Jesus, King of the Jews. 00:08:37.919 --> 00:08:50.279 But wise men, or magi, as some may translate, comes from a word that originally refers to a class of wise men from the area of Persia. 00:08:51.719 --> 00:08:55.879 Wise men would be something like a priest or a philosopher. 00:08:55.879 --> 00:09:01.620 They were educated and respected men that knew about biblical prophecies. 00:09:02.439 --> 00:09:04.959 They read ancient texts. 00:09:05.179 --> 00:09:06.279 They studied stars. 00:09:06.279 --> 00:09:08.439 They were astronomers as well. 00:09:09.339 --> 00:09:17.199 And so, it was common for these magi and these wise men to serve under kings for the purpose of counseling them. 00:09:17.659 --> 00:09:27.079 For helping them make decisions and even interpreting nature, stars, what was going on at certain times of the year. 00:09:27.919 --> 00:09:31.919 One example of this we see in the Bible is of Daniel. 00:09:32.919 --> 00:09:34.819 Just to give a quick summary. 00:09:34.820 --> 00:09:39.660 King Belshazzar of Babylon throws a big party, right? 00:09:40.180 --> 00:09:46.400 And in that party, totally against God, he brings in gold and silver vessels that were taken from the temple. 00:09:46.740 --> 00:09:54.379 And he uses them to pour wine and to party it up with his wives and all the other people in the land. 00:09:54.379 --> 00:09:58.820 And during this party, a hand appears on the wall. 00:09:58.899 --> 00:09:59.480 Just a hand. 00:09:59.820 --> 00:10:00.879 And it writes a message. 00:10:01.419 --> 00:10:03.899 As you can imagine, he's a little freaked out. 00:10:04.399 --> 00:10:07.340 And it says in Daniel 5, starting in verse 7, 00:10:07.340 --> 00:10:13.080 The king called loudly to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans and the astrologers. 00:10:13.500 --> 00:10:15.960 The king declared to the wise men of Babylon, 00:10:16.500 --> 00:10:26.460 Whoever reads this writing and shows me its interpretation shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around his neck and shall be third ruler in the kingdom. 00:10:26.460 --> 00:10:33.700 But all the wise men, they come in and they're unable to interpret or know what this saying is. 00:10:33.700 --> 00:10:37.740 Next, the queen comes in and in verse 11, it says, 00:10:37.740 --> 00:10:42.680 There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holy gods. 00:10:43.680 --> 00:10:49.740 In the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods were found in him. 00:10:50.580 --> 00:10:59.180 And King Nebuchadnezzar, your father, your father the king, made him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans and astrologers 00:10:59.179 --> 00:11:09.519 because of excellent spirit and knowledge and understanding to interpret dreams and explain riddles and solve problems were found in this Daniel, 00:11:10.279 --> 00:11:12.179 whom the king called Belteshazzar. 00:11:13.500 --> 00:11:21.439 And as you know, Daniel comes in and interprets the dream because of knowledge and wisdom that God gave him. 00:11:21.659 --> 00:11:26.959 Daniel was named among the magicians, the astrologers. 00:11:26.960 --> 00:11:30.540 He was chief of the wise men. 00:11:30.920 --> 00:11:36.879 And so you can see from this story how wise men were prominent and influential. 00:11:37.360 --> 00:11:45.660 If they were kings, they could have easily been connected to kings and came with that power as they traveled around. 00:11:47.620 --> 00:11:48.900 Where did they come from? 00:11:48.960 --> 00:11:52.280 It says in verse one that they came from the east. 00:11:52.580 --> 00:11:54.180 Not a lot of detail there. 00:11:54.179 --> 00:11:56.500 There's a lot of countries that are east. 00:11:56.719 --> 00:12:01.819 If you look at Jerusalem and you go east, obviously there's a lot of countries there. 00:12:02.839 --> 00:12:06.779 Popular thought is that it was from Babylon or Persia. 00:12:06.979 --> 00:12:09.319 Both were east of Jerusalem. 00:12:10.620 --> 00:12:13.919 Babylon being where Baghdad is now. 00:12:14.199 --> 00:12:17.199 If you continue to go east, you'll hit Iran. 00:12:17.200 --> 00:12:27.879 So in either case, Balor being the closest, that would have been roughly a 40 days journey to get from where they were to Jerusalem. 00:12:29.120 --> 00:12:36.000 And so that also tells us that they wouldn't have been able to get there for Jesus' birth because they were too far away. 00:12:36.000 --> 00:12:42.440 And we also know from later in this passage that when they showed up, they came to the house where Jesus was. 00:12:42.519 --> 00:12:47.919 And they didn't come to the manger where he was born. 00:12:47.919 --> 00:12:57.479 So a lot of what we don't know, who exactly they were, where they came from. 00:13:00.139 --> 00:13:03.620 But there is a detail that is important that Matthew tells us. 00:13:03.699 --> 00:13:04.539 That's in verse two. 00:13:04.959 --> 00:13:05.939 Why they came. 00:13:06.659 --> 00:13:14.740 They were looking for the one who was born king of the Jews because they saw his star when it rose. 00:13:14.740 --> 00:13:20.340 Some of your Bibles may have a foot, a note there for when it rose. 00:13:21.159 --> 00:13:24.440 It could be translated his star in the east. 00:13:24.840 --> 00:13:28.159 Basically, they were east and they saw a star. 00:13:29.120 --> 00:13:30.820 And so they came to Jerusalem. 00:13:33.419 --> 00:13:38.519 Notice, too, that Matthew doesn't see that the wise men followed the star to Jerusalem. 00:13:39.259 --> 00:13:41.399 But that they saw a star. 00:13:41.399 --> 00:13:50.840 See, the star, like at other times, a star was an astronomical sign of something. 00:13:50.959 --> 00:13:53.379 In this case, signifying a royal birth. 00:13:54.059 --> 00:13:57.000 A birth that the wise men had been waiting for. 00:13:57.679 --> 00:14:05.699 And through their knowledge of scripture, they connected it to the promised Messiah, the king of the Jews. 00:14:05.700 --> 00:14:08.920 So when they saw it, they knew what it meant. 00:14:09.980 --> 00:14:13.820 Not knowing where to go, the first obvious choice is Jerusalem. 00:14:14.040 --> 00:14:18.400 Jerusalem is where the center of Jewish worship took place. 00:14:18.780 --> 00:14:19.940 So that made sense. 00:14:20.040 --> 00:14:21.100 Let's go to Jerusalem. 00:14:22.259 --> 00:14:26.240 But imagine their surprise when they show up. 00:14:27.920 --> 00:14:30.500 But see no one expecting a king. 00:14:30.500 --> 00:14:33.940 They see no one looking for a king. 00:14:37.220 --> 00:14:42.960 Imagine if, and this doesn't apply for everybody, I know it's a very small example. 00:14:43.159 --> 00:14:46.980 But think about if you were in your workplace and you have a specific title. 00:14:47.500 --> 00:14:52.820 And some, a group of people show up and they're looking for that title. 00:14:53.659 --> 00:14:57.480 We're looking for, in my case, I'm a systems administrator. 00:14:57.480 --> 00:15:00.180 They're looking for the new systems administrator. 00:15:00.519 --> 00:15:01.100 Well, that's me. 00:15:01.200 --> 00:15:01.560 No, no, no. 00:15:01.740 --> 00:15:04.879 We've been told that there's one that's been born. 00:15:05.039 --> 00:15:05.740 We're looking for him. 00:15:06.440 --> 00:15:13.720 Or someone comes and tells Sean, we're looking for the lead elder for Trinity Community Church. 00:15:13.960 --> 00:15:15.200 Or Trinity Cambridge Church. 00:15:15.300 --> 00:15:16.180 Have you seen him yet? 00:15:16.259 --> 00:15:16.920 He's been, no, no, no. 00:15:16.960 --> 00:15:18.019 There's someone else. 00:15:18.420 --> 00:15:23.740 That would be a little troubling to think about. 00:15:23.740 --> 00:15:30.560 So you can imagine as the news that there's a group of people looking for the king of the Jews. 00:15:30.659 --> 00:15:34.460 When that news gets to King Herod, he's troubled by that. 00:15:36.320 --> 00:15:37.320 What do you mean? 00:15:37.580 --> 00:15:38.799 I am the king of the Jews. 00:15:40.120 --> 00:15:43.759 Rome assigned me this position of the king. 00:15:43.759 --> 00:15:50.980 It is also interesting that Jesus was born king. 00:15:52.039 --> 00:15:55.939 Most earthly kings are chosen or elected. 00:15:56.279 --> 00:16:01.840 Or if they're born in a royal line, they start out as a prince and then turn into a king. 00:16:02.480 --> 00:16:05.399 Jesus is born a king. 00:16:05.399 --> 00:16:15.779 So as you imagine, Herod is troubled because he fears losing his power, his place on the throne. 00:16:18.459 --> 00:16:29.759 And we know from some of the details that Sean has shared in weeks back that Herod is already a troubled king. 00:16:29.759 --> 00:16:31.220 He's very jealous. 00:16:33.600 --> 00:16:39.059 Even to the point of killing people to maintain his status. 00:16:40.000 --> 00:16:48.019 Known to have killed several of his children and a wife because of fear of losing his kingship. 00:16:48.159 --> 00:16:51.799 Fear that someone else was planning something against him. 00:16:53.960 --> 00:16:58.899 So their arrival to Jerusalem stirred up trouble. 00:16:59.759 --> 00:17:00.500 With the king. 00:17:00.679 --> 00:17:06.839 And you can imagine that if the king is troubled like that, the people under him are troubled as well. 00:17:08.700 --> 00:17:14.759 It's also why I think there was probably more than just three wise men coming by themselves. 00:17:15.599 --> 00:17:17.619 Three maybe with a larger caravan. 00:17:18.299 --> 00:17:20.640 Or maybe more wise men altogether. 00:17:21.359 --> 00:17:27.359 But to come in and to have this effect on the king and its people would have been troubling. 00:17:27.359 --> 00:17:35.419 In verse 4 it says that Herod assembled all the chief priests and the scribes of the people. 00:17:36.579 --> 00:17:42.779 Notice that in verse 4 that Herod said he wants to know what Christ was born. 00:17:42.959 --> 00:17:47.000 Herod makes the connection between king of the Jews and the Christ. 00:17:47.000 --> 00:17:54.400 And so he then asked them, where is this king of the Jews, this Christ to be born? 00:17:57.019 --> 00:17:58.599 And there's no discussion. 00:17:59.319 --> 00:18:00.980 There's no huddle time. 00:18:01.099 --> 00:18:03.160 At least not that Matthew records for us. 00:18:03.420 --> 00:18:06.740 It's almost as if it is blurted out without hesitation. 00:18:06.740 --> 00:18:11.099 In Bethlehem of Judea, for it was written by the prophet. 00:18:11.579 --> 00:18:12.359 They knew this. 00:18:12.440 --> 00:18:19.759 This was common knowledge for the religious elite, those who knew the scriptures. 00:18:21.839 --> 00:18:24.519 And in verse 6 Matthew gives a quote. 00:18:24.819 --> 00:18:29.500 This quote is taken from two different passages in the Old Testament. 00:18:29.500 --> 00:18:36.160 So I wanted to look at these two just so it didn't, so that it makes more sense if you look at that. 00:18:36.380 --> 00:18:37.240 If you want to put that up. 00:18:37.279 --> 00:18:39.480 I'm going to share the two verses from the Old Testament. 00:18:39.980 --> 00:18:43.440 You can stay here and see the quotation as Matthew gives it. 00:18:44.200 --> 00:18:46.259 They don't exactly line up. 00:18:46.339 --> 00:18:48.519 But I want to help us understand it a little bit better. 00:18:48.660 --> 00:18:53.019 Micah 5.2 is known as a messianic prophecy. 00:18:53.019 --> 00:18:54.559 And it says, 00:18:54.759 --> 00:19:00.519 But you, O Bethlehem, Ephraim, you are too little to be among the clans of Judah. 00:19:01.400 --> 00:19:06.420 From you shall come forth for me one who is to be the ruler in Israel. 00:19:07.259 --> 00:19:09.200 This question that he poses, 00:19:10.339 --> 00:19:14.039 Who are too little to be among the clans of Judah? 00:19:14.240 --> 00:19:16.920 Is actually a way of saying the opposite. 00:19:18.559 --> 00:19:20.259 Judah, aren't you little? 00:19:20.259 --> 00:19:27.420 And yet you are not too little to have been the birthplace of Israel's king. 00:19:29.039 --> 00:19:31.940 And Matthew wants to emphasize that. 00:19:32.079 --> 00:19:36.500 And so that's why there is a little bit of a rewording that we see in Matthew 6. 00:19:37.299 --> 00:19:40.920 You are by no means least among the rulers of Judah. 00:19:40.920 --> 00:19:52.019 Pointing to the line of David and reminding them of the prophecy that this one being born had to come from the line of David in Judah. 00:19:52.960 --> 00:19:54.960 As it was prophesied ahead of time. 00:19:56.940 --> 00:20:00.180 And then he also quotes 2 Samuel 5.2. 00:20:00.300 --> 00:20:01.620 The last part of that verse. 00:20:01.700 --> 00:20:02.039 He says, 00:20:02.039 --> 00:20:15.440 This is to emphasize that the ruler, this king of the Jews, would also shepherd the people of Israel. 00:20:15.599 --> 00:20:21.279 Not like Herod and how he was to rule over his people. 00:20:21.279 --> 00:20:26.720 But a king who loved his people and shepherd and protected them. 00:20:26.720 --> 00:20:37.339 But these passages, while we might have to dig in to exactly see where they come from, they weren't lost on the Jews. 00:20:37.779 --> 00:20:40.000 They understood this to be about the Messiah. 00:20:40.960 --> 00:20:42.640 John 7.42 says, 00:20:42.640 --> 00:21:02.259 Before we move on, I just want to draw your attention to the chief priests and the scribes here. 00:21:03.940 --> 00:21:06.240 When they give Herod their answer. 00:21:08.140 --> 00:21:09.280 They're the religious. 00:21:09.480 --> 00:21:10.400 They're the educated. 00:21:10.400 --> 00:21:16.960 But here, talking about the king of the Jews, they were apathetic. 00:21:18.460 --> 00:21:20.160 They were speaking of Jesus. 00:21:21.560 --> 00:21:24.000 They knew the Old Testament and the scriptures. 00:21:24.780 --> 00:21:27.180 And the wise men had come asking then. 00:21:28.460 --> 00:21:30.640 And yet they were indifferent to it all. 00:21:32.660 --> 00:21:35.180 It is like their life was unaffected. 00:21:36.940 --> 00:21:39.680 God again was in their midst. 00:21:40.400 --> 00:21:45.019 As he was so often in the nation of Israel's history. 00:21:45.740 --> 00:21:47.140 And yet they still didn't believe. 00:21:47.460 --> 00:21:49.720 They didn't connect it. 00:21:50.680 --> 00:21:53.220 Their eyes remained closed to the truth. 00:21:53.300 --> 00:21:54.500 They knew the religion. 00:21:55.560 --> 00:21:57.300 But their faith was cold. 00:21:57.299 --> 00:22:03.460 And it's at this point that Herod starts his scheming. 00:22:04.419 --> 00:22:06.579 Worried about his place on the throne. 00:22:07.119 --> 00:22:09.039 He's working on his backup plan. 00:22:09.159 --> 00:22:12.960 How he's going to get rid of this child, this king of the Jews. 00:22:12.960 --> 00:22:20.200 His feelings of being troubled are starting to grow. 00:22:20.819 --> 00:22:23.779 And hatred is starting to seep in. 00:22:23.779 --> 00:22:36.120 And he starts this monstrous plan towards killing off this rival king that he was so worried about. 00:22:36.119 --> 00:22:41.039 Verse 7 says that he summoned the wise men secretly. 00:22:41.039 --> 00:22:47.440 And ascertained from them, what time did you see the star? 00:22:47.440 --> 00:22:53.980 Why would he care when the star appeared? 00:22:54.980 --> 00:23:01.420 If it was just out of curiosity, if he truly wanted to go and worship this king, then why would he ask them secretly? 00:23:03.059 --> 00:23:10.279 He didn't because if the child can't be found by the wise men, Herod has another plan to start working on. 00:23:10.279 --> 00:23:22.019 Herod's response to Jesus sounds cruel, but Herod's response actually is a lot like a lot of people. 00:23:25.019 --> 00:23:25.700 Right? 00:23:25.700 --> 00:23:38.000 His response ranges from irritation of this thing that might change his world to fear, even to hatred. 00:23:40.279 --> 00:23:43.579 I think we can all relate to that to some degree. 00:23:44.359 --> 00:23:47.940 Irritation about what God might want from us. 00:23:48.079 --> 00:23:50.460 Irritation that it might change our life. 00:23:53.480 --> 00:23:57.539 Fear of being a Christian. 00:23:59.680 --> 00:24:04.779 Maybe even before being saved, maybe hatred towards the word of God. 00:24:05.079 --> 00:24:07.139 Hatred towards those Christians. 00:24:07.140 --> 00:24:11.520 This is not an uncommon reaction to Jesus. 00:24:17.960 --> 00:24:20.460 But he sends a wise men off to Bethlehem. 00:24:21.220 --> 00:24:23.220 Trying to be sincere, he says, 00:24:23.880 --> 00:24:24.100 Go. 00:24:24.920 --> 00:24:26.300 Search for him diligently. 00:24:26.520 --> 00:24:27.180 Do your best. 00:24:27.500 --> 00:24:28.040 Find him. 00:24:28.800 --> 00:24:30.060 And when you've found him, 00:24:30.540 --> 00:24:33.100 bring me back words so that I can come to him 00:24:33.100 --> 00:24:34.680 and I can worship him also. 00:24:34.680 --> 00:24:45.200 So it's at this point where the wise men pick up their search and continue on. 00:24:45.340 --> 00:24:47.400 This time, they're headed towards Bethlehem. 00:24:48.580 --> 00:24:52.200 Still not full with a lot of information about what to look for, right? 00:24:52.440 --> 00:24:53.840 No address to go to. 00:24:55.759 --> 00:24:59.220 I imagine on their way, they're trying to come up with a plan. 00:24:59.220 --> 00:25:02.019 How do we find this baby Jesus? 00:25:02.920 --> 00:25:05.319 We're not exactly sure how old he is. 00:25:07.400 --> 00:25:09.160 We're not sure what he looks like. 00:25:09.960 --> 00:25:14.039 Pictures we have in some picture, 00:25:14.240 --> 00:25:17.120 we see in some picture on some Christmas card, 00:25:17.400 --> 00:25:19.579 Jesus has this glow around his head, right? 00:25:20.440 --> 00:25:22.940 So I don't think that that was going to work. 00:25:23.019 --> 00:25:26.779 I don't think they came into the place where he was and saw a glow and said that's the one. 00:25:26.779 --> 00:25:29.119 But imagine, just imagine, 00:25:29.339 --> 00:25:30.920 and they're going to Bethlehem, 00:25:31.000 --> 00:25:32.960 and they're going from house to house. 00:25:33.000 --> 00:25:34.240 How else would you do it? 00:25:36.000 --> 00:25:40.839 Excuse me, but have you had a child in the last couple months, a year? 00:25:41.700 --> 00:25:42.940 We're looking for a child. 00:25:43.019 --> 00:25:43.759 Oh, you had one? 00:25:43.859 --> 00:25:44.000 Great. 00:25:44.059 --> 00:25:46.099 But we're looking for a special boy. 00:25:46.440 --> 00:25:47.480 Well, I have a special boy. 00:25:47.539 --> 00:25:51.319 We're looking for a special boy who's born king of the Jews. 00:25:51.319 --> 00:25:54.000 Well, I think my baby is very special, 00:25:54.099 --> 00:25:57.579 and he has potential to be anything that he wants to be. 00:25:58.339 --> 00:26:00.059 It sounds comical, but you understand. 00:26:00.480 --> 00:26:02.919 They kind of had a difficult challenge in front of them, 00:26:03.039 --> 00:26:05.319 finding this one they were looking for. 00:26:05.319 --> 00:26:10.819 But then, behold, Matthew says, 00:26:10.899 --> 00:26:14.519 behold, because it's important, it wants to get attention to it. 00:26:14.659 --> 00:26:15.639 Verse 9 says, 00:26:16.139 --> 00:26:20.299 The star that they had seen when it rose went before them 00:26:20.299 --> 00:26:24.579 until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 00:26:26.899 --> 00:26:28.960 And verse 10 summarizes how they felt. 00:26:29.079 --> 00:26:31.419 Now, I don't have to worry about this crazy plan 00:26:31.420 --> 00:26:33.600 and weeks of looking for someone. 00:26:34.039 --> 00:26:36.920 They rejoice exceedingly with great joy. 00:26:37.460 --> 00:26:37.740 Why? 00:26:38.560 --> 00:26:41.920 Because God met them again. 00:26:42.980 --> 00:26:46.720 He got their attention when they were in the east with a star. 00:26:48.400 --> 00:26:50.700 And as they continued to search for him, 00:26:51.519 --> 00:26:54.279 he connected with them again with that same star, 00:26:54.640 --> 00:26:56.019 a supernatural star. 00:26:56.140 --> 00:26:57.480 It says his star. 00:26:57.480 --> 00:27:02.059 Now, again, this is another area where the more you dig into it, 00:27:02.099 --> 00:27:04.079 you can read a lot of thoughts and theories 00:27:04.079 --> 00:27:06.980 and possibilities for what that star was. 00:27:08.140 --> 00:27:11.000 Some that I read about were the planet Jupiter, 00:27:11.839 --> 00:27:14.240 a meteor, the North Star, 00:27:14.880 --> 00:27:16.039 and there's several others, 00:27:16.160 --> 00:27:17.420 and they're interesting thoughts. 00:27:18.900 --> 00:27:20.299 But in the end, 00:27:20.420 --> 00:27:24.380 this star was able to lead them to the house. 00:27:24.380 --> 00:27:28.780 I don't know of very many stars that are that specific. 00:27:29.500 --> 00:27:30.160 They're up there, 00:27:30.260 --> 00:27:32.640 and they can kind of take you to a general area. 00:27:32.780 --> 00:27:35.020 But as you get close to a star, 00:27:35.100 --> 00:27:36.000 you can stand there, 00:27:36.280 --> 00:27:37.740 you can stand five miles away, 00:27:37.800 --> 00:27:40.060 it will still look like it's pointing to you. 00:27:40.880 --> 00:27:43.200 There's something special about this star. 00:27:44.660 --> 00:27:50.680 One example that I heard was kind of like the cloud of fire 00:27:50.680 --> 00:27:53.220 that the Israelites followed through the wilderness. 00:27:53.220 --> 00:27:56.279 Just maybe in a little smaller form. 00:27:56.900 --> 00:28:00.100 Israelites were possibly millions at that time. 00:28:00.500 --> 00:28:01.660 They needed a big cloud. 00:28:02.860 --> 00:28:04.519 Wise men were a little bit smaller, 00:28:04.740 --> 00:28:05.920 and they were looking for a star. 00:28:06.039 --> 00:28:07.980 This somehow, to them, 00:28:08.180 --> 00:28:11.960 had all the right characteristics of a star, 00:28:12.079 --> 00:28:14.640 yet had the ability to bring them to the house 00:28:14.640 --> 00:28:16.579 where Jesus was. 00:28:16.579 --> 00:28:19.199 Before they were seeking, 00:28:19.319 --> 00:28:24.059 now the wise men are at this house. 00:28:24.399 --> 00:28:25.139 They've been seeking, 00:28:25.259 --> 00:28:27.079 and now they have found it. 00:28:27.139 --> 00:28:28.220 They stand there, 00:28:28.980 --> 00:28:31.559 the wise men and whoever else is with them, 00:28:31.960 --> 00:28:33.079 in front of the house 00:28:33.079 --> 00:28:35.960 where Jesus now lives. 00:28:35.960 --> 00:28:41.120 Years of studying, 00:28:41.380 --> 00:28:42.420 of anticipation, 00:28:43.799 --> 00:28:45.840 of watching the stars. 00:28:46.019 --> 00:28:46.240 Why? 00:28:46.600 --> 00:28:48.759 Because they knew 00:28:48.759 --> 00:28:51.539 something special was coming. 00:28:51.799 --> 00:28:53.779 Would it be in their lifetime? 00:28:54.460 --> 00:28:55.819 And then the star comes, 00:28:55.880 --> 00:28:57.039 and they start to plan 00:28:57.039 --> 00:28:58.880 the expense of going, 00:28:59.340 --> 00:29:00.779 and they go on this trip 00:29:00.779 --> 00:29:01.940 to find the one, 00:29:02.059 --> 00:29:03.960 and they're finally here. 00:29:04.980 --> 00:29:05.899 They stand there 00:29:05.899 --> 00:29:07.319 in front of the house 00:29:07.319 --> 00:29:10.019 where Jesus is. 00:29:13.480 --> 00:29:16.099 I was studying this yesterday 00:29:16.099 --> 00:29:17.599 in Dunkin' Donuts, 00:29:17.859 --> 00:29:21.879 and God just met me 00:29:21.879 --> 00:29:22.920 with that thought, 00:29:23.079 --> 00:29:24.920 and I'm like crying at the table, 00:29:25.099 --> 00:29:26.339 and then the guys at Dunkin' 00:29:26.339 --> 00:29:26.639 were like, 00:29:26.720 --> 00:29:27.899 dude, this guy's got issues. 00:29:30.779 --> 00:29:32.339 But just to think about 00:29:32.339 --> 00:29:33.539 the build up 00:29:33.539 --> 00:29:35.859 of them coming 00:29:35.859 --> 00:29:36.619 and standing 00:29:36.619 --> 00:29:38.200 at the door 00:29:38.200 --> 00:29:41.519 where this supernatural star 00:29:41.519 --> 00:29:43.279 was over, 00:29:43.440 --> 00:29:44.759 the king of the Jews. 00:29:46.220 --> 00:29:47.980 Think about that phrase, 00:29:48.440 --> 00:29:49.279 king of the Jews. 00:29:49.420 --> 00:29:50.859 It's only mentioned twice 00:29:50.859 --> 00:29:52.039 in the Bible 00:29:52.039 --> 00:29:54.359 for two situations. 00:29:54.579 --> 00:29:55.960 One is here when he's born. 00:29:56.599 --> 00:29:58.139 The star is pointing 00:29:58.139 --> 00:29:59.119 to the king of the Jews, 00:29:59.119 --> 00:30:00.299 and the next time 00:30:00.299 --> 00:30:01.539 is at his death, 00:30:01.599 --> 00:30:02.659 at his crucifixion, 00:30:02.939 --> 00:30:04.199 the sign above his head 00:30:04.199 --> 00:30:05.539 says king of the Jews. 00:30:10.339 --> 00:30:11.639 And then they go in, 00:30:12.199 --> 00:30:13.419 and they see him. 00:30:13.859 --> 00:30:15.579 They see Jesus 00:30:15.579 --> 00:30:17.059 with his mother, 00:30:18.359 --> 00:30:19.619 the prophesied king. 00:30:19.839 --> 00:30:20.899 He's right there. 00:30:22.919 --> 00:30:24.279 Maybe she's holding him. 00:30:24.579 --> 00:30:25.759 Maybe he's old enough 00:30:25.759 --> 00:30:26.799 to be on the floor 00:30:26.799 --> 00:30:28.539 on his hands and knees. 00:30:29.119 --> 00:30:30.799 And they drop to the floor 00:30:30.799 --> 00:30:32.159 and they worship him. 00:30:33.399 --> 00:30:35.079 It's all they can do. 00:30:40.179 --> 00:30:41.859 Something supernatural 00:30:41.859 --> 00:30:43.519 led them there. 00:30:45.279 --> 00:30:46.839 Something of God 00:30:46.839 --> 00:30:49.239 made that connection 00:30:49.239 --> 00:30:50.079 with them 00:30:50.079 --> 00:30:51.479 from this star 00:30:51.479 --> 00:30:53.239 to the king of kings 00:30:53.240 --> 00:30:54.920 and brought them here. 00:30:54.920 --> 00:30:57.319 And they fell 00:30:57.319 --> 00:30:58.620 and worshipped him. 00:31:02.720 --> 00:31:04.380 As they worshipped, 00:31:04.720 --> 00:31:06.240 they brought out their gifts. 00:31:07.200 --> 00:31:08.000 Expensive, 00:31:08.240 --> 00:31:09.539 significant gifts. 00:31:09.920 --> 00:31:11.400 Gold and frankincense. 00:31:12.460 --> 00:31:13.920 Fitting for a king. 00:31:15.279 --> 00:31:15.980 And myrrh. 00:31:15.980 --> 00:31:19.200 A unique gift. 00:31:19.940 --> 00:31:20.740 Most likely 00:31:20.740 --> 00:31:22.360 signifying his death 00:31:22.360 --> 00:31:23.339 because it was used 00:31:23.339 --> 00:31:25.120 as they were 00:31:25.120 --> 00:31:26.620 embalming 00:31:26.620 --> 00:31:28.299 people who had died 00:31:28.299 --> 00:31:29.319 or putting 00:31:29.319 --> 00:31:31.259 incense on them 00:31:31.259 --> 00:31:32.319 before they went 00:31:32.319 --> 00:31:33.240 into the grave. 00:31:35.740 --> 00:31:37.140 So signifying 00:31:37.140 --> 00:31:39.099 the loyalty, 00:31:39.319 --> 00:31:40.039 the kingship 00:31:40.039 --> 00:31:40.720 of Jesus 00:31:40.720 --> 00:31:41.940 at the same time 00:31:41.940 --> 00:31:42.740 is death. 00:31:55.079 --> 00:31:55.839 I don't know 00:31:55.839 --> 00:31:56.279 what happened 00:31:56.279 --> 00:31:57.200 to the wise men 00:31:57.200 --> 00:31:58.460 after that. 00:31:58.579 --> 00:31:59.279 It doesn't say. 00:32:00.140 --> 00:32:01.100 But I can imagine 00:32:01.100 --> 00:32:01.900 that their lives 00:32:01.900 --> 00:32:02.500 were affected. 00:32:04.799 --> 00:32:05.620 Their lives 00:32:05.620 --> 00:32:07.000 were changed 00:32:07.000 --> 00:32:08.440 after that. 00:32:12.519 --> 00:32:13.400 After they left, 00:32:13.500 --> 00:32:13.880 we know that 00:32:13.880 --> 00:32:14.740 it was God's plan 00:32:14.740 --> 00:32:15.980 to protect baby Jesus 00:32:15.980 --> 00:32:16.519 and so 00:32:16.519 --> 00:32:18.279 he sends them 00:32:18.279 --> 00:32:19.420 warning in a dream. 00:32:19.559 --> 00:32:20.599 Don't go back to Herod. 00:32:22.819 --> 00:32:23.299 He's 00:32:23.299 --> 00:32:24.940 a hater 00:32:24.940 --> 00:32:26.480 of this Christ child. 00:32:26.660 --> 00:32:27.480 Go another way. 00:32:27.480 --> 00:32:27.519 Go another way. 00:32:27.519 --> 00:32:40.559 We saw how God 00:32:40.559 --> 00:32:42.940 got the attention 00:32:42.940 --> 00:32:43.960 of the wise men 00:32:43.960 --> 00:32:45.339 and as they sought him, 00:32:45.900 --> 00:32:47.059 he met them 00:32:47.059 --> 00:32:48.980 and they were changed 00:32:48.980 --> 00:32:49.779 from seekers 00:32:49.779 --> 00:32:51.160 to worshipers. 00:32:53.000 --> 00:32:54.920 We saw the religious ones 00:32:54.920 --> 00:32:55.740 with their knowledge 00:32:55.740 --> 00:32:56.599 and their practices 00:32:56.599 --> 00:32:57.639 and yet 00:32:57.639 --> 00:32:58.299 when it actually 00:32:58.299 --> 00:32:59.000 became real, 00:32:59.119 --> 00:32:59.579 when Jesus 00:32:59.579 --> 00:33:00.759 showed up on the scene, 00:33:00.859 --> 00:33:02.359 they were apathetic, 00:33:03.019 --> 00:33:03.719 unaffected. 00:33:04.959 --> 00:33:05.740 Their life 00:33:05.740 --> 00:33:06.399 just continued 00:33:06.399 --> 00:33:06.899 because 00:33:06.899 --> 00:33:08.559 they didn't need 00:33:08.559 --> 00:33:08.879 a king. 00:33:10.919 --> 00:33:11.939 And then we saw 00:33:11.939 --> 00:33:12.419 Herod 00:33:12.419 --> 00:33:14.659 who signifies 00:33:14.659 --> 00:33:15.839 those who stand 00:33:15.839 --> 00:33:16.879 adamantly 00:33:16.879 --> 00:33:17.899 against 00:33:17.899 --> 00:33:19.099 God, 00:33:19.359 --> 00:33:19.719 against 00:33:19.719 --> 00:33:20.579 his rule. 00:33:23.659 --> 00:33:24.219 Hating 00:33:24.219 --> 00:33:24.819 the one 00:33:24.819 --> 00:33:25.299 who gave 00:33:25.299 --> 00:33:25.899 his life 00:33:25.900 --> 00:33:26.759 for them, 00:33:28.660 --> 00:33:29.200 denying 00:33:29.200 --> 00:33:30.440 the truth 00:33:30.440 --> 00:33:31.000 and claiming 00:33:31.000 --> 00:33:31.680 that they don't 00:33:31.680 --> 00:33:32.460 need a savior. 00:33:33.500 --> 00:33:33.900 I'm just 00:33:33.900 --> 00:33:34.759 finding the way 00:33:34.759 --> 00:33:35.540 that I am. 00:33:36.600 --> 00:33:37.620 So my question 00:33:37.620 --> 00:33:38.840 is where are you 00:33:38.840 --> 00:33:40.080 this Christmas season? 00:33:41.380 --> 00:33:41.860 Do you fall 00:33:41.860 --> 00:33:42.460 into one of those 00:33:42.460 --> 00:33:43.120 categories? 00:33:43.880 --> 00:33:45.019 How has your life 00:33:45.019 --> 00:33:45.820 been changed 00:33:45.820 --> 00:33:46.640 by this 00:33:46.640 --> 00:33:47.300 king 00:33:47.300 --> 00:33:48.220 of the Jews? 00:33:48.220 --> 00:33:49.220 Jesus? 00:33:49.220 --> 00:33:49.360 I'm just 00:33:49.360 --> 00:33:50.220 going to 00:33:50.220 --> 00:33:51.220 see you. 00:33:51.220 --> 00:33:51.480 I'm just 00:33:51.480 --> 00:33:52.160 going to 00:33:52.160 --> 00:33:53.160 see you. 00:33:53.160 --> 00:33:53.460 There's one 00:33:53.460 --> 00:33:54.200 last aspect 00:33:54.200 --> 00:33:55.319 that I want 00:33:55.319 --> 00:33:55.700 to leave you 00:33:55.700 --> 00:33:56.200 with this 00:33:56.200 --> 00:33:56.620 morning. 00:33:57.140 --> 00:33:58.059 We saw it 00:33:58.059 --> 00:33:58.380 back at the 00:33:58.380 --> 00:33:58.860 end of verse 00:33:58.860 --> 00:34:00.160 6 where 00:34:00.160 --> 00:34:00.799 Matthew says 00:34:00.799 --> 00:34:01.220 that Jesus 00:34:01.220 --> 00:34:01.860 is the one 00:34:01.860 --> 00:34:02.339 who will 00:34:02.339 --> 00:34:03.220 shepherd 00:34:03.220 --> 00:34:04.120 his people. 00:34:04.119 --> 00:34:08.000 being a 00:34:08.000 --> 00:34:08.699 Christian means 00:34:08.699 --> 00:34:09.460 that we 00:34:09.460 --> 00:34:10.059 believe in 00:34:10.059 --> 00:34:10.739 Jesus and 00:34:10.739 --> 00:34:11.579 we've accepted 00:34:11.579 --> 00:34:12.199 him as our 00:34:12.199 --> 00:34:12.719 Lord and 00:34:12.719 --> 00:34:13.079 king. 00:34:13.579 --> 00:34:13.960 But in 00:34:13.960 --> 00:34:14.539 addition to 00:34:14.539 --> 00:34:14.839 that I 00:34:14.839 --> 00:34:15.119 want to 00:34:15.119 --> 00:34:15.920 encourage you 00:34:15.920 --> 00:34:17.259 with the 00:34:17.259 --> 00:34:17.819 truth that he 00:34:17.819 --> 00:34:18.500 also comes 00:34:18.500 --> 00:34:18.859 as your 00:34:18.859 --> 00:34:19.179 shepherd. 00:34:23.380 --> 00:34:23.980 A couple 00:34:23.980 --> 00:34:24.639 weeks ago 00:34:24.639 --> 00:34:26.440 Sean covered 00:34:26.440 --> 00:34:27.339 chapter 1 00:34:27.339 --> 00:34:27.799 and verse 00:34:27.799 --> 00:34:29.099 21 where it 00:34:29.099 --> 00:34:30.000 says he 00:34:30.000 --> 00:34:30.779 Jesus will 00:34:30.779 --> 00:34:31.279 save his 00:34:31.279 --> 00:34:32.440 people from 00:34:32.440 --> 00:34:33.139 their sins. 00:34:34.619 --> 00:34:35.500 It was in 00:34:35.500 --> 00:34:36.860 our readings 00:34:36.860 --> 00:34:37.400 this morning 00:34:37.400 --> 00:34:38.079 from Isaiah 00:34:38.079 --> 00:34:38.480 where it 00:34:38.480 --> 00:34:39.159 says all we 00:34:39.159 --> 00:34:39.740 like sheep 00:34:39.740 --> 00:34:40.139 have gone 00:34:40.139 --> 00:34:40.619 astray. 00:34:41.179 --> 00:34:41.440 We have 00:34:41.440 --> 00:34:41.980 turned. 00:34:42.220 --> 00:34:42.920 We have 00:34:42.920 --> 00:34:43.860 turned every 00:34:43.860 --> 00:34:44.579 one of us 00:34:44.579 --> 00:34:45.820 to our 00:34:45.820 --> 00:34:46.780 own way. 00:34:47.780 --> 00:34:48.039 And the 00:34:48.039 --> 00:34:48.720 Lord has 00:34:48.720 --> 00:34:49.720 laid on him 00:34:49.720 --> 00:34:51.019 this baby 00:34:51.019 --> 00:34:51.500 Jesus, 00:34:51.820 --> 00:34:53.240 this king. 00:34:53.619 --> 00:34:53.980 He has 00:34:53.980 --> 00:34:54.519 laid on him 00:34:54.519 --> 00:34:55.260 the iniquity, 00:34:55.720 --> 00:34:56.380 the sin of 00:34:56.380 --> 00:34:56.960 us all. 00:34:59.099 --> 00:34:59.840 In becoming 00:34:59.840 --> 00:35:00.519 our king, 00:35:01.700 --> 00:35:02.420 he's also 00:35:02.420 --> 00:35:02.940 our shepherd. 00:35:03.740 --> 00:35:04.300 Just like 00:35:04.300 --> 00:35:04.820 he was the 00:35:04.820 --> 00:35:05.400 shepherd to 00:35:05.400 --> 00:35:05.920 the wise 00:35:05.920 --> 00:35:06.420 man as 00:35:06.420 --> 00:35:07.539 he brought 00:35:07.539 --> 00:35:08.119 them to 00:35:08.119 --> 00:35:08.780 himself. 00:35:10.619 --> 00:35:11.559 John 10 00:35:11.559 --> 00:35:12.440 verse 11 00:35:12.440 --> 00:35:13.099 says I 00:35:13.099 --> 00:35:13.519 am the 00:35:13.519 --> 00:35:14.000 good shepherd. 00:35:14.260 --> 00:35:14.579 This is 00:35:14.579 --> 00:35:15.340 Jesus speaking. 00:35:16.940 --> 00:35:17.420 The good 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:18.200 shepherd lays 00:35:18.200 --> 00:35:18.780 down his 00:35:18.780 --> 00:35:19.460 life for 00:35:19.460 --> 00:35:20.079 his sheep. 00:35:21.920 --> 00:35:22.559 If you 00:35:22.559 --> 00:35:23.159 don't know 00:35:23.159 --> 00:35:23.740 him today, 00:35:24.960 --> 00:35:25.940 I urge you 00:35:25.940 --> 00:35:26.420 to seek 00:35:26.420 --> 00:35:26.700 him. 00:35:27.860 --> 00:35:28.579 He doesn't 00:35:28.579 --> 00:35:29.240 turn people 00:35:29.240 --> 00:35:29.700 away. 00:35:30.940 --> 00:35:31.539 And like the 00:35:31.539 --> 00:35:32.179 wise men, 00:35:32.699 --> 00:35:33.159 if you 00:35:33.159 --> 00:35:33.719 are seeking, 00:35:34.460 --> 00:35:34.820 he will 00:35:34.820 --> 00:35:35.460 bring you 00:35:35.460 --> 00:35:36.219 to himself. 00:35:39.279 --> 00:35:40.019 If you're 00:35:40.019 --> 00:35:40.860 pushing against 00:35:40.860 --> 00:35:41.199 him, 00:35:43.059 --> 00:35:43.519 the King 00:35:43.519 --> 00:35:44.340 Herod type, 00:35:45.800 --> 00:35:46.559 I urge 00:35:46.559 --> 00:35:46.940 you, 00:35:46.940 --> 00:35:47.719 I urge you, 00:35:47.840 --> 00:35:49.779 I pray for 00:35:49.779 --> 00:35:49.980 you, 00:35:50.059 --> 00:35:50.820 I plead with 00:35:50.820 --> 00:35:52.980 you to 00:35:52.980 --> 00:35:53.800 let go of 00:35:53.800 --> 00:35:54.420 your pride. 00:35:54.420 --> 00:35:56.200 God, and 00:35:56.200 --> 00:35:56.980 even this 00:35:56.980 --> 00:35:57.820 Christmas season 00:35:57.820 --> 00:35:58.280 as we 00:35:58.280 --> 00:35:59.260 celebrate this 00:35:59.260 --> 00:36:01.039 birth of 00:36:01.039 --> 00:36:01.980 Jesus Christ 00:36:01.980 --> 00:36:03.320 that you 00:36:03.320 --> 00:36:04.180 let him 00:36:04.180 --> 00:36:04.700 into your 00:36:04.700 --> 00:36:06.300 heart this 00:36:06.300 --> 00:36:06.680 Christmas 00:36:06.680 --> 00:36:07.960 season. 00:36:09.079 --> 00:36:09.820 Because he 00:36:09.820 --> 00:36:10.360 loves you. 00:36:11.920 --> 00:36:12.960 Because he 00:36:12.960 --> 00:36:13.740 wants to lead 00:36:13.740 --> 00:36:14.539 you in a 00:36:14.539 --> 00:36:15.200 better way, 00:36:15.320 --> 00:36:16.440 a way to 00:36:16.440 --> 00:36:17.360 himself, a 00:36:17.360 --> 00:36:17.920 way that does 00:36:17.920 --> 00:36:18.599 not end in 00:36:18.599 --> 00:36:19.599 death and 00:36:19.599 --> 00:36:20.059 suffering. 00:36:20.059 --> 00:36:23.759 And if 00:36:23.759 --> 00:36:24.079 you know 00:36:24.079 --> 00:36:24.719 him already, 00:36:25.900 --> 00:36:26.960 then I 00:36:26.960 --> 00:36:27.679 want to 00:36:27.679 --> 00:36:28.400 remind you 00:36:28.400 --> 00:36:29.460 that whatever 00:36:29.460 --> 00:36:30.159 life brings, 00:36:30.239 --> 00:36:30.920 you can rest 00:36:30.920 --> 00:36:32.239 in the arms 00:36:32.239 --> 00:36:32.900 of your 00:36:32.900 --> 00:36:33.779 good shepherd. 00:36:36.340 --> 00:36:37.599 Psalm 23, 00:36:38.119 --> 00:36:38.699 David knew 00:36:38.699 --> 00:36:39.119 his good 00:36:39.119 --> 00:36:39.420 shepherd. 00:36:41.299 --> 00:36:41.940 David 00:36:41.940 --> 00:36:43.719 depended on 00:36:43.719 --> 00:36:44.279 his good 00:36:44.279 --> 00:36:44.579 shepherd. 00:36:45.659 --> 00:36:46.059 He said, 00:36:46.139 --> 00:36:46.679 the Lord is 00:36:46.679 --> 00:36:47.380 my shepherd, 00:36:47.599 --> 00:36:48.299 I shall not 00:36:48.299 --> 00:36:48.639 want. 00:36:48.639 --> 00:36:50.000 He makes 00:36:50.000 --> 00:36:50.519 me lie 00:36:50.519 --> 00:36:51.059 down in 00:36:51.059 --> 00:36:52.019 green pastures. 00:36:52.420 --> 00:36:52.980 He leads 00:36:52.980 --> 00:36:53.619 me beside 00:36:53.619 --> 00:36:54.460 still waters. 00:36:56.579 --> 00:36:57.599 Sheep are 00:36:57.599 --> 00:36:58.139 not very 00:36:58.139 --> 00:36:58.659 smart. 00:37:00.079 --> 00:37:00.400 Sometimes 00:37:00.400 --> 00:37:00.859 they have 00:37:00.859 --> 00:37:01.239 to be 00:37:01.239 --> 00:37:03.019 forced to 00:37:03.019 --> 00:37:03.639 do what 00:37:03.639 --> 00:37:04.339 is necessary 00:37:04.339 --> 00:37:05.259 for them, 00:37:05.759 --> 00:37:06.219 for their 00:37:06.219 --> 00:37:06.739 well-being, 00:37:06.940 --> 00:37:07.779 and sometimes 00:37:07.779 --> 00:37:08.940 God does 00:37:08.940 --> 00:37:09.319 that. 00:37:10.179 --> 00:37:10.819 We need 00:37:10.819 --> 00:37:11.259 to lie 00:37:11.259 --> 00:37:11.639 down. 00:37:11.839 --> 00:37:12.739 We need 00:37:12.739 --> 00:37:13.339 to be 00:37:13.339 --> 00:37:13.799 beside 00:37:13.799 --> 00:37:14.579 still waters. 00:37:14.739 --> 00:37:15.159 We need 00:37:15.159 --> 00:37:16.639 to have 00:37:16.639 --> 00:37:17.639 our soul 00:37:17.639 --> 00:37:18.619 restored. 00:37:18.639 --> 00:37:19.400 and strengthened. 00:37:20.059 --> 00:37:20.759 He does 00:37:20.759 --> 00:37:21.500 that for 00:37:21.500 --> 00:37:21.960 us. 00:37:23.879 --> 00:37:24.859 He leads 00:37:24.859 --> 00:37:25.199 us in 00:37:25.199 --> 00:37:25.619 paths of 00:37:25.619 --> 00:37:26.059 righteousness 00:37:26.059 --> 00:37:28.119 for our 00:37:28.119 --> 00:37:28.500 good, 00:37:28.980 --> 00:37:29.599 more importantly 00:37:29.599 --> 00:37:30.239 for his 00:37:30.239 --> 00:37:31.099 namesake, 00:37:31.799 --> 00:37:32.659 because of 00:37:32.659 --> 00:37:34.000 who he is. 00:37:35.179 --> 00:37:35.779 Even though 00:37:35.779 --> 00:37:36.339 I walk 00:37:36.339 --> 00:37:37.099 through the 00:37:37.099 --> 00:37:37.819 valley of 00:37:37.819 --> 00:37:38.500 the shadow 00:37:38.500 --> 00:37:39.219 of death, 00:37:39.759 --> 00:37:40.619 I will fear 00:37:40.619 --> 00:37:41.299 no evil, 00:37:41.539 --> 00:37:42.199 for you, 00:37:42.420 --> 00:37:43.219 my God, 00:37:43.379 --> 00:37:44.199 my shepherd, 00:37:44.359 --> 00:37:45.179 are with me. 00:37:46.159 --> 00:37:46.799 Your rod 00:37:46.799 --> 00:37:47.179 and your 00:37:47.179 --> 00:37:47.599 staff 00:37:47.599 --> 00:37:48.119 can comfort 00:37:48.119 --> 00:37:48.519 me. 00:37:48.960 --> 00:37:49.399 You, 00:37:50.099 --> 00:37:50.899 my shepherd, 00:37:51.199 --> 00:37:52.099 my God, 00:37:52.679 --> 00:37:53.179 prepare a 00:37:53.179 --> 00:37:53.819 table before 00:37:53.819 --> 00:37:54.219 me, 00:37:54.440 --> 00:37:55.000 even when 00:37:55.000 --> 00:37:55.299 it's in 00:37:55.299 --> 00:37:55.739 the midst 00:37:55.739 --> 00:37:56.159 of my 00:37:56.159 --> 00:37:56.599 enemies. 00:37:58.599 --> 00:37:59.539 You anoint 00:37:59.539 --> 00:38:00.039 my head 00:38:00.039 --> 00:38:00.619 with oil, 00:38:01.619 --> 00:38:02.199 my cup 00:38:02.199 --> 00:38:02.519 of a 00:38:02.519 --> 00:38:03.000 flutters. 00:38:03.559 --> 00:38:03.919 Surely 00:38:03.919 --> 00:38:04.599 goodness 00:38:04.599 --> 00:38:05.299 and mercy 00:38:05.299 --> 00:38:05.980 shall follow 00:38:05.980 --> 00:38:06.519 me all the 00:38:06.519 --> 00:38:06.940 days of 00:38:06.940 --> 00:38:07.519 my life, 00:38:07.599 --> 00:38:07.799 and I 00:38:07.799 --> 00:38:08.219 will dwell 00:38:08.219 --> 00:38:08.559 in my 00:38:08.559 --> 00:38:08.879 house 00:38:08.879 --> 00:38:09.379 forever. 00:38:09.380 --> 00:38:09.820 forever. 00:38:10.300 --> 00:38:10.720 Does it 00:38:10.720 --> 00:38:11.360 mean all 00:38:11.360 --> 00:38:11.700 the days 00:38:11.700 --> 00:38:11.980 of my 00:38:11.980 --> 00:38:12.420 life, 00:38:12.720 --> 00:38:13.079 I will 00:38:13.079 --> 00:38:13.500 not have 00:38:13.500 --> 00:38:14.119 problems, 00:38:14.640 --> 00:38:15.059 I will 00:38:15.059 --> 00:38:15.480 have no 00:38:15.480 --> 00:38:15.980 struggles, 00:38:16.420 --> 00:38:16.740 there will 00:38:16.740 --> 00:38:17.039 be no 00:38:17.039 --> 00:38:17.680 death in 00:38:17.680 --> 00:38:18.180 my life, 00:38:18.240 --> 00:38:18.539 is not 00:38:18.539 --> 00:38:18.780 what it 00:38:18.780 --> 00:38:19.160 means. 00:38:20.220 --> 00:38:20.880 But when 00:38:20.880 --> 00:38:21.480 the trouble 00:38:21.480 --> 00:38:22.180 comes, 00:38:23.380 --> 00:38:24.059 when the 00:38:24.059 --> 00:38:25.180 pain comes, 00:38:26.340 --> 00:38:28.019 he is our 00:38:28.019 --> 00:38:28.480 shepherd. 00:38:29.280 --> 00:38:29.880 He is the 00:38:29.880 --> 00:38:30.340 one that we 00:38:30.340 --> 00:38:30.860 look to, 00:38:30.920 --> 00:38:31.760 to be reminded 00:38:31.760 --> 00:38:34.800 that he will 00:38:34.800 --> 00:38:35.780 always be 00:38:35.780 --> 00:38:36.200 there. 00:38:36.980 --> 00:38:37.460 And in 00:38:37.460 --> 00:38:37.940 the end, 00:38:37.940 --> 00:38:38.940 he is the 00:38:38.940 --> 00:38:39.420 one who 00:38:39.420 --> 00:38:40.059 died, 00:38:40.880 --> 00:38:41.619 so that 00:38:41.619 --> 00:38:42.200 we can be 00:38:42.200 --> 00:38:42.700 with him. 00:38:45.940 --> 00:38:46.679 And so I 00:38:46.679 --> 00:38:47.059 want you to 00:38:47.059 --> 00:38:47.800 be encouraged. 00:38:47.940 --> 00:38:48.200 If you're 00:38:48.200 --> 00:38:48.639 here next 00:38:48.639 --> 00:38:49.000 week, 00:38:50.200 --> 00:38:50.960 we'll get 00:38:50.960 --> 00:38:51.700 to hear the 00:38:51.700 --> 00:38:52.280 rest of 00:38:52.280 --> 00:38:52.960 this story. 00:38:54.800 --> 00:38:55.500 If you're 00:38:55.500 --> 00:38:55.820 not, 00:38:55.920 --> 00:38:56.659 be encouraged. 00:38:57.200 --> 00:38:57.740 My brother, 00:38:58.179 --> 00:38:58.840 my sister, 00:39:00.720 --> 00:39:02.860 or those 00:39:02.860 --> 00:39:03.579 who are 00:39:03.579 --> 00:39:05.039 still pushing 00:39:05.039 --> 00:39:07.920 against 00:39:07.920 --> 00:39:08.460 Jesus, 00:39:08.659 --> 00:39:09.260 be encouraged 00:39:09.260 --> 00:39:09.639 that he 00:39:09.639 --> 00:39:10.119 loves you. 00:39:10.500 --> 00:39:10.940 He doesn't 00:39:10.940 --> 00:39:11.840 want to be 00:39:11.840 --> 00:39:12.840 coherent to 00:39:12.840 --> 00:39:13.099 you. 00:39:13.880 --> 00:39:14.300 He wants 00:39:14.300 --> 00:39:14.920 to be your 00:39:14.920 --> 00:39:15.280 Savior. 00:39:16.680 --> 00:39:17.079 Meet him 00:39:17.079 --> 00:39:17.860 there this 00:39:17.860 --> 00:39:18.180 season. 00:39:19.760 --> 00:39:20.440 Let's pray 00:39:20.440 --> 00:39:20.720 together. 00:39:22.079 --> 00:39:22.960 Lord God, 00:39:23.019 --> 00:39:23.539 we thank you 00:39:23.539 --> 00:39:24.099 for this 00:39:24.099 --> 00:39:25.099 encouraging 00:39:25.099 --> 00:39:27.280 story about 00:39:27.280 --> 00:39:28.159 wise men 00:39:28.159 --> 00:39:28.659 and how 00:39:28.659 --> 00:39:29.980 you reached 00:39:29.980 --> 00:39:30.920 out to 00:39:30.920 --> 00:39:31.820 those who 00:39:31.820 --> 00:39:32.559 were not 00:39:32.559 --> 00:39:34.480 of your 00:39:34.480 --> 00:39:34.900 promised 00:39:34.900 --> 00:39:35.360 people. 00:39:35.360 --> 00:39:36.940 you loved 00:39:36.940 --> 00:39:37.480 them and 00:39:37.480 --> 00:39:37.940 you brought 00:39:37.940 --> 00:39:38.440 them in 00:39:38.440 --> 00:39:40.260 and you 00:39:40.260 --> 00:39:41.260 showed them 00:39:41.260 --> 00:39:42.960 this king 00:39:42.960 --> 00:39:43.300 of the 00:39:43.300 --> 00:39:43.640 Jews, 00:39:43.820 --> 00:39:45.120 this good 00:39:45.120 --> 00:39:45.559 shepherd. 00:39:46.400 --> 00:39:46.700 Lord, I 00:39:46.700 --> 00:39:47.120 pray that you 00:39:47.120 --> 00:39:47.660 would encourage 00:39:47.660 --> 00:39:48.220 us with this 00:39:48.220 --> 00:39:48.400 word. 00:39:48.599 --> 00:39:49.519 I pray that 00:39:49.519 --> 00:39:50.760 this Christmas 00:39:50.760 --> 00:39:51.599 season we 00:39:51.599 --> 00:39:52.900 would take 00:39:52.900 --> 00:39:53.780 time to 00:39:53.780 --> 00:39:55.820 rejoice, 00:39:56.360 --> 00:39:56.960 celebrate, 00:39:56.960 --> 00:40:00.240 to grab 00:40:00.240 --> 00:40:00.980 on to 00:40:00.980 --> 00:40:01.760 that truth 00:40:01.760 --> 00:40:02.220 of who 00:40:02.220 --> 00:40:02.720 you are 00:40:02.720 --> 00:40:03.559 for us 00:40:03.559 --> 00:40:04.240 and that 00:40:04.240 --> 00:40:04.800 this Christmas 00:40:04.800 --> 00:40:05.380 just wouldn't 00:40:05.380 --> 00:40:07.440 be, when 00:40:07.440 --> 00:40:07.860 it's over, 00:40:07.960 --> 00:40:08.500 be empty, 00:40:09.500 --> 00:40:10.099 but we 00:40:10.099 --> 00:40:10.420 would be 00:40:10.420 --> 00:40:11.199 encouraged 00:40:11.199 --> 00:40:12.220 and know 00:40:12.220 --> 00:40:12.800 the love 00:40:12.800 --> 00:40:13.260 and truth 00:40:13.260 --> 00:40:13.780 of Jesus 00:40:13.780 --> 00:40:14.380 Christ. 00:40:15.480 --> 00:40:15.820 I pray 00:40:15.820 --> 00:40:16.380 these things 00:40:16.380 --> 00:40:16.679 in your 00:40:16.679 --> 00:40:17.240 holy name. 00:40:17.619 --> 00:40:17.780 Amen. 00:40:17.780 --> 00:40:17.960 Amen. 00:40:17.960 --> 00:40:18.019 Amen. 00:40:18.019 --> 00:40:18.079 Amen. 00:40:18.079 --> 00:40:18.579 Amen. 00:40:18.579 --> 00:40:19.079 Amen. 00:40:19.079 --> 00:40:20.079 Amen. 00:40:20.079 --> 00:40:20.139 Amen. 00:40:20.139 --> 00:40:22.079 Amen. 00:40:22.079 --> 00:40:22.579 Amen. 00:40:22.579 --> 00:40:23.079 Amen. 00:40:23.079 --> 00:40:23.139 Amen. 00:40:23.139 --> 00:40:24.079 Amen. 00:40:24.079 --> 00:40:24.199 Amen. 00:40:24.199 --> 00:40:25.079 Amen. 00:40:25.079 --> 00:40:25.139 Amen. 00:40:25.139 --> 00:40:25.199 Amen. 00:40:25.199 --> 00:40:26.199 Amen. 00:40:26.199 --> 00:40:26.940 Amen.