WEBVTT 00:00:00.140 --> 00:00:11.120 Over this season we've been using Matthew to help us think about and reflect on the coming of Christ. 00:00:14.919 --> 00:00:17.699 So Matthew's Gospel, Chapter 2. 00:00:23.460 --> 00:00:26.080 Last week we looked at the birth. 00:00:26.079 --> 00:00:31.439 And in Chapter 2 we're going to be thinking about responses. 00:00:31.739 --> 00:00:43.320 So as I read the text, maybe that's something you can be doing is thinking about what are the different responses I see or hear in the text. 00:00:45.599 --> 00:00:51.320 Well let's read Matthew Chapter 2, verses 1 to 12. 00:00:56.079 --> 00:01:04.759 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea during the time of King Herod, 00:01:05.439 --> 00:01:08.799 Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 00:01:08.799 --> 00:01:12.159 Where is the one who's been born King of the Jews? 00:01:12.280 --> 00:01:15.700 We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. 00:01:16.939 --> 00:01:22.679 When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed and all Jerusalem with him. 00:01:23.640 --> 00:01:27.979 When he had called together all the people's chief priests and the teachers of the law, 00:01:28.420 --> 00:01:30.700 he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 00:01:30.700 --> 00:01:34.620 In Bethlehem in Judea, they replied, 00:01:35.379 --> 00:01:37.719 For this is what the prophet has written. 00:01:38.840 --> 00:01:41.340 But you, Bethlehem in the land of Judea, 00:01:41.460 --> 00:01:44.680 are by no means least among the rulers of Judah. 00:01:45.140 --> 00:01:47.159 For out of you will come a ruler 00:01:47.159 --> 00:01:50.460 who will shepherd my people Israel. 00:01:52.060 --> 00:01:54.900 Then Herod called the Magi secretly 00:01:54.900 --> 00:01:58.939 and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 00:01:58.939 --> 00:02:02.140 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, 00:02:02.620 --> 00:02:04.980 Go and search carefully for the child. 00:02:05.579 --> 00:02:09.659 As soon as you find him, report to me so that I too may go and worship him. 00:02:11.079 --> 00:02:13.060 After they had heard the king, 00:02:13.500 --> 00:02:16.800 they went on their way and the star they had seen when it rose, 00:02:17.520 --> 00:02:21.439 went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 00:02:22.620 --> 00:02:24.460 When they saw the star, 00:02:25.180 --> 00:02:26.659 they were overjoyed. 00:02:26.659 --> 00:02:29.259 On coming to the house, 00:02:29.359 --> 00:02:31.340 they saw the child with his mother Mary. 00:02:31.900 --> 00:02:34.000 They bowed down and worshipped him. 00:02:35.099 --> 00:02:36.539 Then they opened their treasures 00:02:36.539 --> 00:02:39.680 and presented him with gifts of gold, 00:02:40.300 --> 00:02:41.139 frankincense, 00:02:41.740 --> 00:02:42.419 and myrrh. 00:02:43.539 --> 00:02:45.460 And having been warned in a dream 00:02:45.460 --> 00:02:47.639 not to go back to Herod, 00:02:48.340 --> 00:02:49.939 they returned to their country 00:02:49.939 --> 00:02:51.579 by another route. 00:02:51.580 --> 00:02:54.040 Well, let's pray 00:02:54.040 --> 00:02:57.380 and ask for God's help. 00:03:03.260 --> 00:03:05.000 Father, thank you for this 00:03:05.000 --> 00:03:07.180 account, for this record 00:03:07.180 --> 00:03:09.900 around the birth of Christ. 00:03:09.900 --> 00:03:15.480 we believe that this is your word to us today, 00:03:16.280 --> 00:03:18.560 speaking into our lives. 00:03:20.379 --> 00:03:23.920 And we pray that as we reflect on this together, 00:03:25.240 --> 00:03:28.719 that your word would travel deeply into our hearts 00:03:28.719 --> 00:03:32.020 and it would cause us 00:03:32.020 --> 00:03:33.859 to respond 00:03:33.859 --> 00:03:36.340 in a way that honours you 00:03:36.340 --> 00:03:39.939 and is good for us. 00:03:41.000 --> 00:03:42.759 So help us now, we pray. 00:03:43.539 --> 00:03:44.060 Amen. 00:03:44.060 --> 00:03:50.060 Brussels sprouts. 00:03:52.140 --> 00:03:53.099 What do you think 00:03:53.099 --> 00:03:55.120 of these festive green veggies 00:03:55.120 --> 00:03:57.479 that appear in our shops 00:03:57.479 --> 00:03:58.460 at this time of year? 00:03:58.800 --> 00:04:00.060 Well, one thing is for sure, 00:04:00.140 --> 00:04:01.500 they're not neutral, are they? 00:04:02.400 --> 00:04:03.800 You either love them 00:04:03.800 --> 00:04:05.699 or you loathe them. 00:04:06.439 --> 00:04:08.719 You either pile them high on your plate 00:04:08.719 --> 00:04:12.640 or you feed them to the dog under the table. 00:04:12.639 --> 00:04:14.799 The humble Brussels 00:04:14.799 --> 00:04:17.399 can be quite divisive, can't it? 00:04:18.560 --> 00:04:20.439 Well, there's another festive ingredient 00:04:20.439 --> 00:04:23.319 that produces an even stronger opinion. 00:04:24.659 --> 00:04:26.159 The birth of Christ. 00:04:27.339 --> 00:04:28.939 And one thing for sure is 00:04:28.939 --> 00:04:31.779 this account is not neutral. 00:04:32.579 --> 00:04:34.979 In fact, it seems that everybody has a view, 00:04:35.099 --> 00:04:35.860 not just then, 00:04:36.159 --> 00:04:36.819 but today. 00:04:36.979 --> 00:04:38.219 If you were to ask people 00:04:38.219 --> 00:04:39.560 or to mention Jesus, 00:04:40.060 --> 00:04:40.759 what you think, 00:04:40.839 --> 00:04:42.159 does he fit into Christmas? 00:04:42.160 --> 00:04:45.560 You will be sure to get a response. 00:04:46.939 --> 00:04:47.840 And in our text, 00:04:48.460 --> 00:04:50.740 and maybe you can discuss this with me afterwards 00:04:50.740 --> 00:04:51.780 over tea and coffee, 00:04:52.460 --> 00:04:56.000 I think we see at least three different people 00:04:56.000 --> 00:04:59.920 who give three different responses 00:04:59.920 --> 00:05:02.180 to the birth of Christ. 00:05:03.260 --> 00:05:06.120 In fact, their responses are a reflection 00:05:06.120 --> 00:05:09.120 of the way in which we might respond 00:05:09.120 --> 00:05:09.139 of the way in which we might respond 00:05:09.139 --> 00:05:11.060 to Jesus Christ. 00:05:11.899 --> 00:05:13.259 So at the very outset, 00:05:13.620 --> 00:05:16.300 I have this question for us all. 00:05:16.420 --> 00:05:18.360 What is my response? 00:05:18.519 --> 00:05:20.579 What is your response today 00:05:20.579 --> 00:05:24.259 to the person of Jesus Christ? 00:05:24.899 --> 00:05:26.199 What's your response? 00:05:27.079 --> 00:05:29.780 How does it affect your life? 00:05:29.779 --> 00:05:33.919 Well, here's the first response 00:05:33.919 --> 00:05:35.359 that I think we see. 00:05:35.879 --> 00:05:36.439 Disturbed. 00:05:37.099 --> 00:05:38.239 Look at verse 3. 00:05:39.619 --> 00:05:41.199 When King Herod heard this, 00:05:41.279 --> 00:05:44.000 when he heard about the birth of Jesus, 00:05:44.799 --> 00:05:46.199 he was disturbed 00:05:46.199 --> 00:05:49.319 and all Jerusalem with him. 00:05:49.319 --> 00:05:52.560 Why is Herod disturbed? 00:05:53.279 --> 00:05:55.139 Why is he so upset? 00:05:56.259 --> 00:05:58.079 Well, look back at verse 1. 00:05:59.240 --> 00:06:02.159 Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea 00:06:02.159 --> 00:06:05.240 during the time of King Herod. 00:06:06.079 --> 00:06:07.959 Herod had been made king 00:06:07.959 --> 00:06:10.100 by the occupying Romans. 00:06:10.680 --> 00:06:12.459 And of course, if you are king, 00:06:12.920 --> 00:06:14.360 well, you do happen to have 00:06:14.360 --> 00:06:16.480 a kind of God-like status. 00:06:16.480 --> 00:06:19.100 But now all of a sudden, 00:06:19.220 --> 00:06:20.300 he's been confronted 00:06:20.300 --> 00:06:23.020 with some very disturbing news. 00:06:23.540 --> 00:06:24.960 Herod had some guests 00:06:24.960 --> 00:06:26.720 who've come knocking at his door. 00:06:27.259 --> 00:06:28.560 Look at the rest of verse 1. 00:06:29.120 --> 00:06:32.480 Magi from the east came to Jerusalem. 00:06:33.520 --> 00:06:34.460 Now the Magi, 00:06:34.600 --> 00:06:35.800 from what you may have heard, 00:06:36.100 --> 00:06:37.800 are not just stargazers. 00:06:37.939 --> 00:06:38.759 They're not just there 00:06:38.759 --> 00:06:40.060 looking out of their telescope, 00:06:40.560 --> 00:06:41.640 wondering what's happening 00:06:41.640 --> 00:06:42.540 up in the skies. 00:06:42.879 --> 00:06:44.939 They're well-respected astrologers. 00:06:44.939 --> 00:06:47.180 They were people of great influence, 00:06:47.379 --> 00:06:47.740 wealthy. 00:06:48.500 --> 00:06:50.740 They had a certain amount of authority 00:06:50.740 --> 00:06:52.399 and would give advice 00:06:52.399 --> 00:06:54.719 to leaders and to rulers. 00:06:55.860 --> 00:06:56.819 And they've come 00:06:56.819 --> 00:06:58.660 and found their way to Herod. 00:06:58.879 --> 00:07:00.199 They knock on his door 00:07:00.199 --> 00:07:01.699 and they have a question. 00:07:02.339 --> 00:07:03.240 Where is the one 00:07:03.240 --> 00:07:04.899 who's been born king of the Jews? 00:07:05.779 --> 00:07:07.600 We saw his star when it rose 00:07:07.600 --> 00:07:09.600 and we've come to worship him. 00:07:09.600 --> 00:07:13.160 Well, you could hear 00:07:13.160 --> 00:07:15.860 Herod's unspoken response. 00:07:17.100 --> 00:07:17.740 What? 00:07:19.020 --> 00:07:20.280 What do you mean 00:07:20.280 --> 00:07:21.900 where's the king 00:07:21.900 --> 00:07:23.920 who's been born king of the Jews? 00:07:25.080 --> 00:07:27.140 I'm the king of the Jews. 00:07:29.939 --> 00:07:31.340 What the Magi did 00:07:31.340 --> 00:07:32.240 would be like us 00:07:32.240 --> 00:07:33.439 going off to Moscow 00:07:33.439 --> 00:07:34.600 and having a private audience 00:07:35.160 --> 00:07:35.900 with Putin 00:07:35.900 --> 00:07:37.060 and saying, 00:07:37.060 --> 00:07:38.699 excuse me, Mr. Putin, 00:07:39.319 --> 00:07:40.280 could you tell me 00:07:40.280 --> 00:07:41.180 where I might find 00:07:41.180 --> 00:07:42.399 the president of Russia? 00:07:44.019 --> 00:07:45.240 My goodness me, 00:07:45.439 --> 00:07:46.579 it's not the sort of thing 00:07:46.579 --> 00:07:47.939 you go asking, is it? 00:07:48.480 --> 00:07:49.360 And for Herod 00:07:49.360 --> 00:07:50.800 to be asking him 00:07:50.800 --> 00:07:52.019 that kind of question, 00:07:52.480 --> 00:07:53.459 well, it was equal 00:07:53.459 --> 00:07:54.560 to treason. 00:07:54.699 --> 00:07:55.899 Look at verse 3 again. 00:07:56.459 --> 00:07:57.660 When King Herod 00:07:57.660 --> 00:07:58.740 heard this, 00:07:59.800 --> 00:08:00.720 that they were looking 00:08:00.720 --> 00:08:01.500 for a king, 00:08:01.899 --> 00:08:04.620 he was disturbed. 00:08:04.620 --> 00:08:06.819 literally means 00:08:06.819 --> 00:08:08.639 he was seething. 00:08:09.199 --> 00:08:11.079 He is raging. 00:08:12.180 --> 00:08:13.340 Prominent officials 00:08:13.340 --> 00:08:14.959 coming from another country 00:08:14.959 --> 00:08:16.060 and they've come 00:08:16.060 --> 00:08:17.199 to worship a king 00:08:17.199 --> 00:08:19.340 and it's not him. 00:08:20.480 --> 00:08:22.340 The problem for Herod is 00:08:22.340 --> 00:08:24.980 this is all too personal. 00:08:25.959 --> 00:08:26.980 Herod is confronted 00:08:26.980 --> 00:08:27.920 with the reality 00:08:27.920 --> 00:08:29.399 that though he's been 00:08:29.399 --> 00:08:30.819 appointed as a king, 00:08:31.360 --> 00:08:32.799 though he's ruling 00:08:32.799 --> 00:08:33.620 as a king, 00:08:34.219 --> 00:08:35.039 he's not 00:08:35.039 --> 00:08:36.299 the king 00:08:36.299 --> 00:08:38.919 and he doesn't 00:08:38.919 --> 00:08:40.259 like it. 00:08:42.019 --> 00:08:42.979 You see, 00:08:43.120 --> 00:08:43.679 Jesus 00:08:43.679 --> 00:08:45.179 confronts 00:08:45.179 --> 00:08:45.620 our 00:08:45.620 --> 00:08:46.839 autonomy. 00:08:48.120 --> 00:08:49.139 He confronts 00:08:49.139 --> 00:08:49.379 us 00:08:49.379 --> 00:08:50.059 head on. 00:08:50.979 --> 00:08:51.799 Now, we mightn't 00:08:51.799 --> 00:08:53.000 have grand titles 00:08:53.000 --> 00:08:54.379 as King Herod did, 00:08:54.859 --> 00:08:55.799 but we surely 00:08:55.799 --> 00:08:56.839 do act as 00:08:56.839 --> 00:08:57.299 king, 00:08:57.459 --> 00:08:57.899 don't we? 00:08:58.459 --> 00:08:59.399 We appoint 00:08:59.399 --> 00:09:00.059 ourselves 00:09:00.059 --> 00:09:01.119 as king. 00:09:01.739 --> 00:09:02.319 We rule 00:09:02.319 --> 00:09:02.819 as if 00:09:02.819 --> 00:09:04.659 I am king. 00:09:05.159 --> 00:09:05.919 Well, this is 00:09:05.919 --> 00:09:07.019 my life 00:09:07.019 --> 00:09:08.219 and I'm going 00:09:08.219 --> 00:09:08.819 to live it 00:09:08.819 --> 00:09:09.239 the way 00:09:09.239 --> 00:09:10.459 I want to. 00:09:10.819 --> 00:09:11.659 I want to 00:09:11.659 --> 00:09:12.599 express 00:09:12.599 --> 00:09:13.559 myself. 00:09:13.919 --> 00:09:14.719 I want to be 00:09:14.719 --> 00:09:15.699 the real, 00:09:15.899 --> 00:09:16.459 authentic 00:09:16.459 --> 00:09:17.339 me 00:09:17.339 --> 00:09:18.379 and, well, 00:09:18.519 --> 00:09:19.099 that's just 00:09:19.099 --> 00:09:19.819 doing things 00:09:19.819 --> 00:09:20.699 the way I want 00:09:20.699 --> 00:09:21.379 to do it. 00:09:22.259 --> 00:09:23.319 We've all claimed 00:09:23.319 --> 00:09:24.500 a God-like 00:09:24.500 --> 00:09:25.599 status. 00:09:26.799 --> 00:09:27.139 You see, 00:09:27.219 --> 00:09:27.599 the coming 00:09:27.599 --> 00:09:28.619 of Jesus 00:09:28.620 --> 00:09:29.519 confronts 00:09:29.519 --> 00:09:30.019 not just 00:09:30.019 --> 00:09:30.500 Herod 00:09:30.500 --> 00:09:31.419 back in 00:09:31.419 --> 00:09:32.039 Matthew's 00:09:32.039 --> 00:09:32.340 day, 00:09:32.539 --> 00:09:33.419 but he is 00:09:33.419 --> 00:09:34.019 confronting 00:09:34.019 --> 00:09:34.940 us again 00:09:34.940 --> 00:09:36.060 through these 00:09:36.060 --> 00:09:36.399 words. 00:09:36.560 --> 00:09:37.500 He's claiming 00:09:37.500 --> 00:09:38.440 an authority 00:09:38.440 --> 00:09:39.940 over us. 00:09:40.720 --> 00:09:41.240 He's saying, 00:09:41.379 --> 00:09:42.519 I made you, 00:09:42.700 --> 00:09:43.340 I own you, 00:09:43.419 --> 00:09:44.080 you belong 00:09:44.080 --> 00:09:44.519 to me. 00:09:44.799 --> 00:09:45.539 He demands 00:09:45.539 --> 00:09:46.259 an allegiance 00:09:46.259 --> 00:09:47.200 from us. 00:09:48.399 --> 00:09:48.919 In fact, 00:09:49.019 --> 00:09:49.799 with any king, 00:09:49.919 --> 00:09:50.379 there's only 00:09:50.379 --> 00:09:51.240 one throne, 00:09:51.360 --> 00:09:51.899 isn't there? 00:09:52.519 --> 00:09:53.180 And there's 00:09:53.180 --> 00:09:54.060 room for only 00:09:54.060 --> 00:09:54.919 one person 00:09:54.919 --> 00:09:55.740 to sit on it. 00:09:56.120 --> 00:09:56.860 Either I'm 00:09:56.860 --> 00:09:57.519 going to sit 00:09:57.519 --> 00:09:58.240 on the throne, 00:09:58.620 --> 00:10:00.519 or God 00:10:00.519 --> 00:10:01.700 is going 00:10:01.700 --> 00:10:02.120 to sit 00:10:02.120 --> 00:10:02.700 on the throne. 00:10:04.820 --> 00:10:05.120 Well, 00:10:05.159 --> 00:10:05.659 Herod was 00:10:05.659 --> 00:10:06.759 so resistant, 00:10:07.700 --> 00:10:08.220 he took 00:10:08.220 --> 00:10:09.580 extreme action, 00:10:09.700 --> 00:10:10.120 didn't he? 00:10:10.379 --> 00:10:10.960 Just jump 00:10:10.960 --> 00:10:11.440 ahead to 00:10:11.440 --> 00:10:12.080 chapter 2, 00:10:12.159 --> 00:10:13.039 verse 16. 00:10:15.840 --> 00:10:16.720 Chapter 2, 00:10:16.799 --> 00:10:17.399 verse 16. 00:10:17.480 --> 00:10:17.960 When Herod 00:10:17.960 --> 00:10:18.860 realised that 00:10:18.860 --> 00:10:19.379 he had been 00:10:19.379 --> 00:10:20.179 outwitted 00:10:20.179 --> 00:10:21.259 by the Magi, 00:10:21.620 --> 00:10:22.159 he was 00:10:22.159 --> 00:10:22.879 furious 00:10:22.879 --> 00:10:24.440 and he gave 00:10:24.440 --> 00:10:25.100 orders to 00:10:25.100 --> 00:10:25.700 kill all the 00:10:25.700 --> 00:10:26.259 boys in 00:10:26.259 --> 00:10:26.840 Bethlehem 00:10:26.840 --> 00:10:27.139 and in 00:10:27.139 --> 00:10:27.840 its vicinity 00:10:27.840 --> 00:10:28.780 who were 00:10:28.780 --> 00:10:29.620 two years 00:10:29.620 --> 00:10:30.639 and under. 00:10:31.580 --> 00:10:32.240 I'm 00:10:32.240 --> 00:10:33.340 getting rid 00:10:33.340 --> 00:10:34.720 of this 00:10:34.720 --> 00:10:35.639 king. 00:10:37.160 --> 00:10:37.759 Now, 00:10:37.820 --> 00:10:38.600 we're rightfully 00:10:38.600 --> 00:10:40.000 horrified with 00:10:40.000 --> 00:10:41.060 Herod's actions, 00:10:42.060 --> 00:10:42.740 yet at the 00:10:42.740 --> 00:10:43.639 same time, 00:10:44.320 --> 00:10:45.460 let's face 00:10:45.460 --> 00:10:46.120 reality. 00:10:47.120 --> 00:10:47.840 There's a little 00:10:47.840 --> 00:10:48.780 Herod sitting 00:10:48.780 --> 00:10:49.460 on the throne 00:10:49.460 --> 00:10:50.100 of our own 00:10:50.100 --> 00:10:50.480 hearts, 00:10:50.540 --> 00:10:51.019 isn't there? 00:10:51.019 --> 00:10:53.240 any challenge 00:10:53.240 --> 00:10:54.319 to self-rule 00:10:54.319 --> 00:10:55.699 and we 00:10:55.699 --> 00:10:56.399 tend to 00:10:56.399 --> 00:10:57.399 push 00:10:57.399 --> 00:10:58.799 Jesus out. 00:11:00.439 --> 00:11:01.299 What's your 00:11:01.299 --> 00:11:02.159 response 00:11:02.159 --> 00:11:03.480 to Jesus 00:11:03.480 --> 00:11:03.980 today? 00:11:04.819 --> 00:11:05.579 This is my 00:11:05.579 --> 00:11:06.100 life 00:11:06.100 --> 00:11:07.579 and I'm 00:11:07.579 --> 00:11:08.000 going to 00:11:08.000 --> 00:11:08.740 live as I 00:11:08.740 --> 00:11:09.399 please? 00:11:11.399 --> 00:11:12.179 Are you 00:11:12.179 --> 00:11:13.100 disturbed 00:11:13.100 --> 00:11:15.079 with Jesus' 00:11:15.360 --> 00:11:15.840 claim 00:11:15.840 --> 00:11:16.639 over you? 00:11:16.639 --> 00:11:19.399 So, 00:11:19.759 --> 00:11:20.279 disturbed 00:11:20.279 --> 00:11:21.559 is one 00:11:21.559 --> 00:11:22.919 response. 00:11:24.460 --> 00:11:25.240 Here's the 00:11:25.240 --> 00:11:25.580 second 00:11:25.580 --> 00:11:26.340 response. 00:11:27.620 --> 00:11:28.340 Unmoved. 00:11:29.600 --> 00:11:30.159 Who's 00:11:30.159 --> 00:11:30.860 unmoved? 00:11:31.559 --> 00:11:31.840 Well, 00:11:31.939 --> 00:11:32.399 we'll find 00:11:32.399 --> 00:11:32.699 out. 00:11:32.779 --> 00:11:33.120 Have a look 00:11:33.120 --> 00:11:33.439 at verse 00:11:33.439 --> 00:11:33.779 four. 00:11:34.759 --> 00:11:35.319 When he 00:11:35.319 --> 00:11:35.779 had called 00:11:35.779 --> 00:11:36.919 together all 00:11:36.919 --> 00:11:37.779 the people's 00:11:37.779 --> 00:11:38.620 chief priests 00:11:38.620 --> 00:11:39.019 and the 00:11:39.019 --> 00:11:39.559 teachers of 00:11:39.559 --> 00:11:39.980 the law, 00:11:40.700 --> 00:11:41.299 Herod asked 00:11:41.299 --> 00:11:41.539 them, 00:11:41.840 --> 00:11:42.939 where's this 00:11:42.939 --> 00:11:44.200 Messiah to 00:11:44.200 --> 00:11:44.759 be born? 00:11:44.759 --> 00:11:46.379 Now, 00:11:46.460 --> 00:11:46.779 we know 00:11:46.779 --> 00:11:47.259 he's got 00:11:47.259 --> 00:11:48.319 ulterior motives. 00:11:48.519 --> 00:11:48.919 He's wanting 00:11:48.919 --> 00:11:49.679 to find out 00:11:49.679 --> 00:11:50.100 where he 00:11:50.100 --> 00:11:51.139 is so 00:11:51.139 --> 00:11:51.480 that he 00:11:51.480 --> 00:11:52.019 can kill 00:11:52.019 --> 00:11:52.299 him. 00:11:52.779 --> 00:11:53.039 So, 00:11:53.080 --> 00:11:53.539 he brings 00:11:53.539 --> 00:11:54.059 in all 00:11:54.059 --> 00:11:54.480 the most 00:11:54.480 --> 00:11:55.059 respected 00:11:55.059 --> 00:11:55.559 religious 00:11:55.559 --> 00:11:56.319 scholars of 00:11:56.319 --> 00:11:56.679 the day. 00:11:57.059 --> 00:11:57.679 After all, 00:11:57.740 --> 00:11:58.259 he was in 00:11:58.259 --> 00:11:59.139 Jewish territory 00:11:59.139 --> 00:12:00.159 and, 00:12:00.360 --> 00:12:00.500 well, 00:12:00.580 --> 00:12:01.259 the experts, 00:12:01.439 --> 00:12:01.899 they knew 00:12:01.899 --> 00:12:02.740 their scriptures, 00:12:02.980 --> 00:12:03.340 they knew 00:12:03.340 --> 00:12:04.039 their Bible 00:12:04.039 --> 00:12:04.939 and they 00:12:04.939 --> 00:12:05.299 were going 00:12:05.299 --> 00:12:05.720 to be the 00:12:05.720 --> 00:12:06.019 best 00:12:06.019 --> 00:12:06.700 interpreters 00:12:06.700 --> 00:12:07.059 and they 00:12:07.059 --> 00:12:07.340 were going 00:12:07.340 --> 00:12:07.799 to tell 00:12:07.799 --> 00:12:08.960 him where 00:12:08.960 --> 00:12:09.980 Jesus was 00:12:09.980 --> 00:12:10.439 going to 00:12:10.439 --> 00:12:10.879 be born. 00:12:11.019 --> 00:12:11.159 And, 00:12:11.240 --> 00:12:11.679 sure enough, 00:12:11.759 --> 00:12:12.220 they don't 00:12:12.220 --> 00:12:12.799 disappoint. 00:12:13.439 --> 00:12:14.019 Verse five, 00:12:14.019 --> 00:12:16.259 Bethlehem 00:12:16.259 --> 00:12:17.159 in Judea. 00:12:18.439 --> 00:12:18.659 Well, 00:12:18.699 --> 00:12:19.000 how do 00:12:19.000 --> 00:12:19.379 they know 00:12:19.379 --> 00:12:19.740 that? 00:12:20.120 --> 00:12:20.419 Well, 00:12:20.539 --> 00:12:21.100 because, 00:12:21.360 --> 00:12:22.000 verse five, 00:12:22.139 --> 00:12:22.659 this is what 00:12:22.659 --> 00:12:23.179 the prophet 00:12:23.179 --> 00:12:23.679 has written 00:12:23.679 --> 00:12:24.059 and they 00:12:24.059 --> 00:12:24.559 quote the 00:12:24.559 --> 00:12:24.960 prophet 00:12:24.960 --> 00:12:26.039 Micah. 00:12:26.980 --> 00:12:27.919 Verse six, 00:12:28.039 --> 00:12:28.720 but you, 00:12:29.319 --> 00:12:29.960 Bethlehem, 00:12:30.019 --> 00:12:30.579 in the land 00:12:30.579 --> 00:12:31.279 of Judea, 00:12:31.579 --> 00:12:32.519 are by no 00:12:32.519 --> 00:12:33.379 means least 00:12:33.379 --> 00:12:34.000 among the 00:12:34.000 --> 00:12:34.620 rulers of 00:12:34.620 --> 00:12:35.019 Judah. 00:12:35.799 --> 00:12:36.360 Bethlehem 00:12:36.360 --> 00:12:37.059 being an 00:12:37.059 --> 00:12:38.000 insignificant, 00:12:38.699 --> 00:12:39.759 tiny little 00:12:39.759 --> 00:12:41.120 outcrop of 00:12:41.120 --> 00:12:42.019 a few houses 00:12:42.019 --> 00:12:42.659 and a few 00:12:42.659 --> 00:12:43.179 buildings. 00:12:44.019 --> 00:12:44.740 Kind of 00:12:44.740 --> 00:12:45.699 Ballyhonas 00:12:45.699 --> 00:12:46.419 territory. 00:12:47.500 --> 00:12:48.559 For out of 00:12:48.559 --> 00:12:48.919 you will 00:12:48.919 --> 00:12:49.720 come a 00:12:49.720 --> 00:12:51.120 ruler who 00:12:51.120 --> 00:12:51.759 will shepherd 00:12:51.759 --> 00:12:52.659 my people 00:12:52.659 --> 00:12:53.779 Israel. 00:12:54.379 --> 00:12:54.799 Now, 00:12:54.840 --> 00:12:55.299 this is a 00:12:55.299 --> 00:12:55.720 prophecy, 00:12:55.960 --> 00:12:56.259 isn't it, 00:12:56.259 --> 00:12:56.679 about the 00:12:56.679 --> 00:12:57.199 coming of 00:12:57.199 --> 00:12:57.579 Jesus, 00:12:58.480 --> 00:12:59.000 God's 00:12:59.000 --> 00:12:59.399 promised 00:12:59.399 --> 00:12:59.799 king. 00:13:00.480 --> 00:13:00.740 And, 00:13:00.740 --> 00:13:01.360 these 00:13:01.360 --> 00:13:02.779 magi have 00:13:02.779 --> 00:13:03.639 heard about 00:13:03.639 --> 00:13:04.419 this promised 00:13:04.419 --> 00:13:05.480 king and 00:13:05.480 --> 00:13:06.179 they're seeking 00:13:06.179 --> 00:13:07.059 out this 00:13:07.059 --> 00:13:07.819 very king 00:13:07.819 --> 00:13:08.679 and the 00:13:08.679 --> 00:13:09.079 religious 00:13:09.079 --> 00:13:09.819 authorities 00:13:09.819 --> 00:13:10.860 have just 00:13:10.860 --> 00:13:11.500 quoted, 00:13:11.500 --> 00:13:11.639 understood, 00:13:12.480 --> 00:13:13.000 this is 00:13:13.000 --> 00:13:13.519 where he's 00:13:13.519 --> 00:13:14.279 coming from. 00:13:14.600 --> 00:13:14.980 So, 00:13:15.100 --> 00:13:15.500 we would 00:13:15.500 --> 00:13:16.320 expect, 00:13:16.480 --> 00:13:17.019 wouldn't we, 00:13:17.059 --> 00:13:17.659 the religious 00:13:17.659 --> 00:13:18.779 leaders to 00:13:18.779 --> 00:13:19.240 go and 00:13:19.240 --> 00:13:19.799 join in 00:13:19.799 --> 00:13:20.299 the search 00:13:20.299 --> 00:13:21.320 because surely 00:13:21.320 --> 00:13:22.580 they too 00:13:22.580 --> 00:13:23.200 want to 00:13:23.200 --> 00:13:23.580 worship 00:13:23.580 --> 00:13:24.740 the promised 00:13:24.740 --> 00:13:25.120 king. 00:13:25.120 --> 00:13:25.159 king. 00:13:27.220 --> 00:13:27.799 But, 00:13:27.879 --> 00:13:28.139 no, 00:13:29.500 --> 00:13:29.840 these 00:13:29.840 --> 00:13:30.279 religious 00:13:30.279 --> 00:13:31.100 folk are 00:13:31.100 --> 00:13:31.840 completely 00:13:31.840 --> 00:13:33.399 unmoved. 00:13:34.120 --> 00:13:34.460 There's 00:13:34.460 --> 00:13:35.159 nothing in 00:13:35.159 --> 00:13:35.700 the text 00:13:35.700 --> 00:13:36.460 whatsoever 00:13:36.460 --> 00:13:38.600 indicating that 00:13:38.600 --> 00:13:39.100 they were in 00:13:39.100 --> 00:13:39.799 the slightest 00:13:39.799 --> 00:13:40.879 bit interested. 00:13:42.320 --> 00:13:42.840 Imagine, 00:13:43.600 --> 00:13:44.700 after all the 00:13:44.700 --> 00:13:45.539 years and all 00:13:45.539 --> 00:13:46.220 the waiting and 00:13:46.220 --> 00:13:46.940 all the history 00:13:46.940 --> 00:13:47.580 and all the 00:13:47.580 --> 00:13:47.980 promises, 00:13:48.440 --> 00:13:49.460 all building up, 00:13:49.519 --> 00:13:50.200 the Messiah is 00:13:50.200 --> 00:13:50.500 coming, 00:13:50.600 --> 00:13:51.299 the Messiah is 00:13:51.299 --> 00:13:51.600 coming, 00:13:51.960 --> 00:13:52.820 the expectation 00:13:52.820 --> 00:13:53.400 of a 00:13:53.400 --> 00:13:53.879 rescuer. 00:13:54.260 --> 00:13:54.620 Quick, 00:13:54.900 --> 00:13:55.379 come on, 00:13:55.600 --> 00:13:56.200 he's here, 00:13:56.460 --> 00:13:57.220 let's go find 00:13:57.220 --> 00:13:57.780 the king. 00:14:00.379 --> 00:14:00.960 But, 00:14:01.040 --> 00:14:01.160 they're 00:14:01.160 --> 00:14:01.600 completely 00:14:01.600 --> 00:14:02.660 disinterested, 00:14:04.400 --> 00:14:04.879 indifferent. 00:14:06.360 --> 00:14:06.860 They are 00:14:06.860 --> 00:14:07.640 totally 00:14:07.640 --> 00:14:09.360 unmoved. 00:14:10.440 --> 00:14:11.480 Of all the 00:14:11.480 --> 00:14:12.080 people you 00:14:12.080 --> 00:14:12.760 would expect 00:14:12.760 --> 00:14:13.180 to be 00:14:13.180 --> 00:14:14.180 interested and 00:14:14.180 --> 00:14:14.720 excited, 00:14:15.320 --> 00:14:16.460 it must be 00:14:16.460 --> 00:14:17.640 the religious 00:14:17.640 --> 00:14:18.160 leaders. 00:14:20.380 --> 00:14:20.780 Well, 00:14:20.820 --> 00:14:21.280 it seems 00:14:21.280 --> 00:14:22.040 being religious 00:14:22.039 --> 00:14:22.679 and knowing 00:14:22.679 --> 00:14:23.299 your Bible 00:14:23.299 --> 00:14:23.799 and going 00:14:23.799 --> 00:14:24.419 to church 00:14:24.419 --> 00:14:24.879 and doing 00:14:24.879 --> 00:14:25.299 all the 00:14:25.299 --> 00:14:25.860 right kind 00:14:25.860 --> 00:14:26.399 of stuff 00:14:26.399 --> 00:14:27.299 doesn't 00:14:27.299 --> 00:14:28.299 actually mean 00:14:28.299 --> 00:14:29.779 that you 00:14:29.779 --> 00:14:31.559 love Jesus. 00:14:33.459 --> 00:14:34.059 Well, 00:14:34.120 --> 00:14:34.459 how could 00:14:34.459 --> 00:14:35.059 this be? 00:14:37.019 --> 00:14:37.659 Well, 00:14:39.139 --> 00:14:39.500 Jesus 00:14:39.500 --> 00:14:40.159 reveals 00:14:40.159 --> 00:14:41.980 our pride. 00:14:43.779 --> 00:14:44.339 It seems 00:14:44.339 --> 00:14:44.919 the religious 00:14:44.919 --> 00:14:45.860 leaders saw 00:14:45.860 --> 00:14:46.939 no need 00:14:46.939 --> 00:14:47.659 of Jesus 00:14:47.659 --> 00:14:48.799 personally. 00:14:50.120 --> 00:14:50.839 After all, 00:14:50.840 --> 00:14:51.379 they were 00:14:51.379 --> 00:14:52.080 the leaders, 00:14:52.259 --> 00:14:52.680 they were 00:14:52.680 --> 00:14:53.460 top of 00:14:53.460 --> 00:14:54.019 their field. 00:14:55.200 --> 00:14:55.560 Others 00:14:55.560 --> 00:14:56.440 might need 00:14:56.440 --> 00:14:56.860 Jesus, 00:14:57.100 --> 00:14:58.220 but not 00:14:58.220 --> 00:14:58.740 us. 00:15:00.480 --> 00:15:01.100 Look again 00:15:01.100 --> 00:15:01.399 at the 00:15:01.399 --> 00:15:01.740 quote, 00:15:02.080 --> 00:15:02.460 the end 00:15:02.460 --> 00:15:02.800 of verse 00:15:02.800 --> 00:15:03.220 six. 00:15:04.580 --> 00:15:05.139 It says, 00:15:05.200 --> 00:15:05.540 out of 00:15:05.540 --> 00:15:06.280 Bethlehem 00:15:06.280 --> 00:15:07.740 will come 00:15:07.740 --> 00:15:08.300 a ruler 00:15:08.300 --> 00:15:09.960 who will 00:15:09.960 --> 00:15:10.680 shepherd 00:15:10.680 --> 00:15:12.180 my people 00:15:12.180 --> 00:15:13.040 Israel. 00:15:14.480 --> 00:15:15.120 Jesus, 00:15:15.320 --> 00:15:15.720 we're told, 00:15:15.800 --> 00:15:16.300 is coming 00:15:16.300 --> 00:15:17.500 as a shepherd. 00:15:17.500 --> 00:15:18.679 But hang 00:15:18.679 --> 00:15:19.379 on a minute, 00:15:20.460 --> 00:15:21.419 isn't that 00:15:21.419 --> 00:15:21.820 what the 00:15:21.820 --> 00:15:22.220 religious 00:15:22.220 --> 00:15:23.100 rulers were? 00:15:23.460 --> 00:15:23.799 Weren't 00:15:23.799 --> 00:15:24.480 they meant 00:15:24.480 --> 00:15:24.799 to be 00:15:24.799 --> 00:15:25.740 the shepherds 00:15:25.740 --> 00:15:26.500 and the 00:15:26.500 --> 00:15:27.039 carers 00:15:27.039 --> 00:15:27.879 of God's 00:15:27.879 --> 00:15:28.279 people? 00:15:29.600 --> 00:15:30.120 Who's 00:15:30.120 --> 00:15:30.500 this 00:15:30.500 --> 00:15:31.299 shepherd 00:15:31.299 --> 00:15:32.320 that's 00:15:32.320 --> 00:15:32.659 coming? 00:15:35.139 --> 00:15:35.460 Well, 00:15:35.539 --> 00:15:35.860 we get 00:15:35.860 --> 00:15:36.519 an insight 00:15:36.519 --> 00:15:37.279 into what 00:15:37.279 --> 00:15:37.919 this shepherd 00:15:37.919 --> 00:15:38.360 would be 00:15:38.360 --> 00:15:38.960 like if we 00:15:38.960 --> 00:15:39.940 just jump 00:15:39.940 --> 00:15:40.539 on a couple 00:15:40.539 --> 00:15:41.080 of pages 00:15:41.080 --> 00:15:41.840 to Matthew 00:15:41.840 --> 00:15:42.799 chapter 9. 00:15:43.799 --> 00:15:44.600 Have a look 00:15:44.600 --> 00:15:45.019 over there 00:15:45.019 --> 00:15:45.460 with me. 00:15:45.579 --> 00:15:46.399 Chapter 9 00:15:46.399 --> 00:15:47.659 verse 36. 00:16:01.100 --> 00:16:01.939 Just one 00:16:01.939 --> 00:16:02.939 verse helping 00:16:02.939 --> 00:16:03.659 us to see 00:16:03.659 --> 00:16:04.340 what this 00:16:04.340 --> 00:16:05.340 shepherd Jesus 00:16:05.340 --> 00:16:05.919 would be 00:16:05.919 --> 00:16:06.319 like. 00:16:07.439 --> 00:16:08.360 Verse 36, 00:16:08.460 --> 00:16:09.019 when he, 00:16:09.159 --> 00:16:09.699 when Jesus 00:16:09.699 --> 00:16:10.379 saw the 00:16:10.379 --> 00:16:10.960 crowds, 00:16:11.860 --> 00:16:12.340 he had 00:16:12.340 --> 00:16:13.000 compassion 00:16:13.000 --> 00:16:13.639 on them 00:16:13.639 --> 00:16:15.220 because they 00:16:15.220 --> 00:16:17.220 were harassed 00:16:17.220 --> 00:16:17.899 and helpless 00:16:17.899 --> 00:16:19.779 like sheep 00:16:19.779 --> 00:16:20.939 without a 00:16:20.939 --> 00:16:21.279 shepherd. 00:16:22.679 --> 00:16:23.559 When Jesus 00:16:23.559 --> 00:16:24.439 looks out 00:16:24.439 --> 00:16:24.879 and as he 00:16:24.879 --> 00:16:25.580 went walking 00:16:25.580 --> 00:16:26.139 about the 00:16:26.139 --> 00:16:26.559 towns, 00:16:27.679 --> 00:16:29.100 he saw 00:16:29.100 --> 00:16:29.699 wandering 00:16:29.699 --> 00:16:30.319 sheep. 00:16:31.759 --> 00:16:32.240 That's what 00:16:32.240 --> 00:16:32.819 people were 00:16:32.819 --> 00:16:33.559 like to him. 00:16:34.840 --> 00:16:35.539 Sheep get 00:16:35.539 --> 00:16:36.480 lost by 00:16:36.480 --> 00:16:37.039 themselves, 00:16:37.179 --> 00:16:37.539 don't they? 00:16:37.559 --> 00:16:37.980 And they get 00:16:37.980 --> 00:16:38.639 into trouble 00:16:38.639 --> 00:16:39.419 and they can't 00:16:39.419 --> 00:16:40.519 help themselves. 00:16:41.519 --> 00:16:42.080 And Jesus 00:16:42.080 --> 00:16:42.860 is looking out 00:16:42.860 --> 00:16:43.100 and he's 00:16:43.100 --> 00:16:43.300 saying, 00:16:43.840 --> 00:16:44.159 well, 00:16:44.480 --> 00:16:45.240 that's what 00:16:45.240 --> 00:16:45.759 people are 00:16:45.759 --> 00:16:46.200 like. 00:16:47.279 --> 00:16:47.740 In fact, 00:16:47.800 --> 00:16:48.600 he describes 00:16:48.600 --> 00:16:49.019 them as 00:16:49.019 --> 00:16:50.800 being harassed 00:16:50.800 --> 00:16:52.360 and helpless. 00:16:53.740 --> 00:16:54.139 To be 00:16:54.139 --> 00:16:54.879 harassed is 00:16:54.879 --> 00:16:55.320 to be 00:16:55.320 --> 00:16:56.019 overcome 00:16:56.019 --> 00:16:57.200 with anxiety 00:16:57.200 --> 00:16:57.960 and fears. 00:16:58.259 --> 00:16:58.960 It's a 00:16:58.960 --> 00:16:59.519 consequence 00:16:59.519 --> 00:17:00.200 of living 00:17:00.200 --> 00:17:01.000 without God, 00:17:01.419 --> 00:17:02.080 constantly 00:17:02.080 --> 00:17:03.039 overwhelmed 00:17:03.039 --> 00:17:04.180 and frantically 00:17:04.180 --> 00:17:04.880 trying to 00:17:04.880 --> 00:17:05.559 control our 00:17:05.559 --> 00:17:06.059 future. 00:17:07.039 --> 00:17:07.660 Never at 00:17:07.660 --> 00:17:08.200 peace. 00:17:09.160 --> 00:17:09.640 Always 00:17:09.640 --> 00:17:10.240 searching, 00:17:10.440 --> 00:17:11.140 never finding. 00:17:11.140 --> 00:17:12.640 harassed 00:17:12.640 --> 00:17:13.880 with the 00:17:13.880 --> 00:17:14.300 pressures 00:17:14.300 --> 00:17:14.960 of life. 00:17:16.620 --> 00:17:17.080 But as 00:17:17.080 --> 00:17:17.500 he also 00:17:17.500 --> 00:17:17.940 looked at 00:17:17.940 --> 00:17:18.440 the crowds, 00:17:18.560 --> 00:17:18.980 he says, 00:17:19.520 --> 00:17:19.640 well, 00:17:19.680 --> 00:17:19.980 we're not 00:17:19.980 --> 00:17:20.700 just harassed, 00:17:20.740 --> 00:17:21.060 but we're 00:17:21.060 --> 00:17:21.500 helpless. 00:17:22.640 --> 00:17:23.160 We're 00:17:23.160 --> 00:17:23.940 helpless to 00:17:23.940 --> 00:17:24.480 see how 00:17:24.480 --> 00:17:25.720 serious our 00:17:25.720 --> 00:17:26.720 situation is, 00:17:27.080 --> 00:17:27.759 helpless to 00:17:27.759 --> 00:17:28.259 do anything 00:17:28.259 --> 00:17:28.840 about it. 00:17:29.040 --> 00:17:29.380 And the 00:17:29.380 --> 00:17:30.080 problem is, 00:17:30.740 --> 00:17:31.460 we can't 00:17:31.460 --> 00:17:32.060 even see 00:17:32.060 --> 00:17:32.380 it. 00:17:33.420 --> 00:17:34.160 We're in 00:17:34.160 --> 00:17:34.620 danger, 00:17:34.759 --> 00:17:35.220 living a 00:17:35.220 --> 00:17:35.740 life on 00:17:35.740 --> 00:17:36.180 our own 00:17:36.180 --> 00:17:36.759 without 00:17:36.759 --> 00:17:38.200 God. 00:17:39.099 --> 00:17:39.359 A 00:17:39.359 --> 00:17:39.839 helpless 00:17:39.839 --> 00:17:41.599 situation. 00:17:44.079 --> 00:17:44.759 That's 00:17:44.759 --> 00:17:45.339 what Jesus 00:17:45.339 --> 00:17:46.920 saw as 00:17:46.920 --> 00:17:47.500 he wandered 00:17:47.500 --> 00:17:48.200 the streets. 00:17:48.559 --> 00:17:49.039 Not just 00:17:49.039 --> 00:17:49.460 people, 00:17:49.640 --> 00:17:50.379 but the 00:17:50.379 --> 00:17:50.779 religious 00:17:50.779 --> 00:17:51.259 leaders 00:17:51.259 --> 00:17:51.660 too. 00:17:53.400 --> 00:17:54.240 So how 00:17:54.240 --> 00:17:54.599 would you 00:17:54.599 --> 00:17:55.319 feel about 00:17:55.319 --> 00:17:56.240 God's 00:17:56.240 --> 00:17:56.779 assessment 00:17:56.779 --> 00:17:57.379 of you 00:17:57.379 --> 00:17:58.579 and me 00:17:58.579 --> 00:17:58.940 that, 00:17:59.119 --> 00:17:59.279 well, 00:17:59.299 --> 00:17:59.839 he sees 00:17:59.839 --> 00:18:00.980 people who 00:18:00.980 --> 00:18:02.500 are harassed 00:18:02.500 --> 00:18:03.960 and helpless. 00:18:05.920 --> 00:18:06.500 It knocks 00:18:06.500 --> 00:18:07.220 our pride 00:18:07.220 --> 00:18:07.599 a little 00:18:07.599 --> 00:18:07.839 bit, 00:18:07.900 --> 00:18:08.140 doesn't 00:18:08.140 --> 00:18:08.319 it? 00:18:08.519 --> 00:18:09.079 Especially 00:18:09.079 --> 00:18:09.660 religious 00:18:09.660 --> 00:18:10.140 folk. 00:18:11.160 --> 00:18:11.420 You see, 00:18:11.480 --> 00:18:11.859 we can be 00:18:11.859 --> 00:18:12.440 all doing 00:18:12.440 --> 00:18:13.119 the right 00:18:13.119 --> 00:18:13.900 religious 00:18:13.900 --> 00:18:14.640 things, 00:18:14.880 --> 00:18:16.259 but never 00:18:16.259 --> 00:18:16.880 actually 00:18:16.880 --> 00:18:18.380 seeing our 00:18:18.380 --> 00:18:19.039 desperate 00:18:19.039 --> 00:18:20.559 need of 00:18:20.559 --> 00:18:20.980 Jesus. 00:18:22.519 --> 00:18:22.740 Well, 00:18:22.779 --> 00:18:23.440 my life is 00:18:23.440 --> 00:18:23.839 in good 00:18:23.839 --> 00:18:24.259 shape. 00:18:24.880 --> 00:18:25.660 I have 00:18:25.660 --> 00:18:26.240 it together. 00:18:27.539 --> 00:18:28.140 I know 00:18:28.140 --> 00:18:28.599 the Bible 00:18:28.599 --> 00:18:29.160 story. 00:18:29.359 --> 00:18:30.019 I get 00:18:30.019 --> 00:18:30.440 church. 00:18:30.539 --> 00:18:31.079 I understand 00:18:31.079 --> 00:18:31.779 what that's 00:18:31.779 --> 00:18:32.319 all about. 00:18:33.480 --> 00:18:34.319 But when 00:18:34.319 --> 00:18:34.859 it comes 00:18:34.859 --> 00:18:35.759 to seeing 00:18:35.759 --> 00:18:36.400 our need 00:18:36.400 --> 00:18:36.920 of him 00:18:36.920 --> 00:18:38.619 and living 00:18:38.619 --> 00:18:39.259 for him 00:18:39.259 --> 00:18:40.500 and experiencing 00:18:40.500 --> 00:18:41.240 him in our 00:18:41.240 --> 00:18:41.619 life, 00:18:43.000 --> 00:18:43.220 well, 00:18:43.259 --> 00:18:44.000 maybe sometimes 00:18:44.000 --> 00:18:44.539 we can be 00:18:44.539 --> 00:18:45.420 just completely 00:18:45.420 --> 00:18:46.819 unmoved. 00:18:48.099 --> 00:18:48.339 Oh, 00:18:48.380 --> 00:18:48.700 I know 00:18:48.700 --> 00:18:49.359 the story. 00:18:49.500 --> 00:18:50.000 I know 00:18:50.000 --> 00:18:50.460 the Christmas 00:18:50.460 --> 00:18:50.839 story. 00:18:50.920 --> 00:18:51.380 I've heard 00:18:51.380 --> 00:18:51.660 it. 00:18:53.599 --> 00:18:54.559 Our hearts 00:18:54.559 --> 00:18:55.140 remain 00:18:55.140 --> 00:18:56.440 disinterested 00:18:56.440 --> 00:18:58.200 and indifferent. 00:19:00.940 --> 00:19:01.680 Is that 00:19:01.680 --> 00:19:02.480 your response 00:19:02.480 --> 00:19:02.940 today? 00:19:04.360 --> 00:19:05.220 It's not 00:19:05.220 --> 00:19:05.880 me who 00:19:05.880 --> 00:19:06.259 needs 00:19:06.259 --> 00:19:06.880 Jesus. 00:19:08.000 --> 00:19:08.700 Other people 00:19:08.700 --> 00:19:09.120 might, 00:19:10.259 --> 00:19:10.819 but not 00:19:10.819 --> 00:19:11.120 me. 00:19:13.579 --> 00:19:14.180 So, 00:19:14.380 --> 00:19:15.200 maybe it's 00:19:15.200 --> 00:19:15.620 a case 00:19:15.620 --> 00:19:16.000 of being 00:19:16.000 --> 00:19:16.720 disturbed. 00:19:18.059 --> 00:19:18.680 Maybe it's 00:19:18.680 --> 00:19:19.059 a case 00:19:19.059 --> 00:19:19.500 of being 00:19:19.500 --> 00:19:20.279 unmoved. 00:19:21.740 --> 00:19:22.500 Or there's 00:19:22.500 --> 00:19:22.900 a third 00:19:22.900 --> 00:19:23.599 response. 00:19:26.420 --> 00:19:27.019 Overjoyed. 00:19:27.019 --> 00:19:28.480 look at 00:19:28.480 --> 00:19:28.879 how the 00:19:28.879 --> 00:19:29.319 magi 00:19:29.319 --> 00:19:30.000 responded. 00:19:30.180 --> 00:19:30.440 Look at 00:19:30.440 --> 00:19:31.079 verse 10 00:19:31.079 --> 00:19:31.619 with me. 00:19:32.119 --> 00:19:32.720 Chapter 2, 00:19:32.819 --> 00:19:33.379 verse 10. 00:19:34.039 --> 00:19:34.859 Go back 00:19:34.859 --> 00:19:35.379 to where we 00:19:35.379 --> 00:19:35.559 were. 00:19:35.680 --> 00:19:36.480 Chapter 2, 00:19:36.720 --> 00:19:37.299 verse 10. 00:19:37.299 --> 00:19:41.379 When they 00:19:41.379 --> 00:19:42.160 saw the 00:19:42.160 --> 00:19:42.960 star, 00:19:43.759 --> 00:19:44.299 they were 00:19:44.299 --> 00:19:45.299 overjoyed. 00:19:46.900 --> 00:19:47.920 Rather than 00:19:47.920 --> 00:19:49.379 disturbed like 00:19:49.379 --> 00:19:49.920 Herod, 00:19:50.920 --> 00:19:51.539 instead of 00:19:51.539 --> 00:19:52.859 being unmoved 00:19:52.859 --> 00:19:53.460 like the 00:19:53.460 --> 00:19:54.319 religious leaders, 00:19:55.140 --> 00:19:56.160 these magi 00:19:56.160 --> 00:19:58.000 are overjoyed. 00:19:58.059 --> 00:19:58.340 They're 00:19:58.340 --> 00:19:59.259 overwhelmed. 00:20:01.180 --> 00:20:02.019 Why are they 00:20:02.019 --> 00:20:02.880 so joyful? 00:20:04.920 --> 00:20:05.600 Well, 00:20:05.660 --> 00:20:06.340 consider two 00:20:06.340 --> 00:20:07.079 things with me. 00:20:07.200 --> 00:20:07.579 First, 00:20:07.779 --> 00:20:08.440 the star. 00:20:08.579 --> 00:20:09.380 The star is 00:20:09.380 --> 00:20:10.460 all over the 00:20:10.460 --> 00:20:10.840 text, 00:20:10.920 --> 00:20:11.279 isn't it, 00:20:11.299 --> 00:20:11.740 that we've 00:20:11.740 --> 00:20:12.019 read? 00:20:12.019 --> 00:20:13.259 It's no 00:20:13.259 --> 00:20:14.000 ordinary 00:20:14.000 --> 00:20:14.599 star. 00:20:15.379 --> 00:20:15.720 Have a 00:20:15.720 --> 00:20:15.980 look at 00:20:15.980 --> 00:20:16.619 verse 2. 00:20:18.420 --> 00:20:19.139 Where is 00:20:19.139 --> 00:20:19.500 the one 00:20:19.500 --> 00:20:19.960 who's been 00:20:19.960 --> 00:20:20.720 born king 00:20:20.720 --> 00:20:21.039 of the 00:20:21.039 --> 00:20:21.500 Jews? 00:20:22.119 --> 00:20:22.839 We saw 00:20:22.839 --> 00:20:23.539 his star 00:20:23.539 --> 00:20:24.000 when it 00:20:24.000 --> 00:20:24.559 rose, 00:20:25.319 --> 00:20:25.720 and have 00:20:25.720 --> 00:20:26.180 come to 00:20:26.180 --> 00:20:26.859 worship him. 00:20:27.819 --> 00:20:28.119 Now, 00:20:28.180 --> 00:20:28.379 it's 00:20:28.379 --> 00:20:29.099 fascinating, 00:20:29.299 --> 00:20:29.460 it's 00:20:29.460 --> 00:20:30.220 extraordinary. 00:20:31.539 --> 00:20:32.000 It was 00:20:32.000 --> 00:20:32.660 moving, 00:20:32.779 --> 00:20:33.519 this star 00:20:33.519 --> 00:20:34.139 in the sky 00:20:34.139 --> 00:20:34.920 was moving 00:20:34.920 --> 00:20:35.579 in such a 00:20:35.579 --> 00:20:36.400 way that 00:20:36.400 --> 00:20:36.759 they could 00:20:36.759 --> 00:20:37.440 follow it. 00:20:38.700 --> 00:20:39.299 Theologians 00:20:39.299 --> 00:20:40.200 and historians 00:20:40.200 --> 00:20:40.900 reckon that 00:20:40.900 --> 00:20:41.700 these magi 00:20:41.700 --> 00:20:42.640 had travelled 00:20:42.640 --> 00:20:43.680 up to a 00:20:43.680 --> 00:20:44.779 thousand miles 00:20:44.779 --> 00:20:46.240 following 00:20:46.240 --> 00:20:47.860 this star. 00:20:49.779 --> 00:20:50.500 This 00:20:50.500 --> 00:20:51.620 strange event 00:20:51.620 --> 00:20:52.059 in the 00:20:52.059 --> 00:20:52.440 skies. 00:20:53.840 --> 00:20:54.059 And 00:20:54.059 --> 00:20:54.259 they're 00:20:54.259 --> 00:20:55.019 concerned to 00:20:55.019 --> 00:20:55.600 find out 00:20:55.600 --> 00:20:57.100 what's this 00:20:57.100 --> 00:20:57.759 star all 00:20:57.759 --> 00:20:58.100 about? 00:20:58.240 --> 00:20:58.620 What does 00:20:58.620 --> 00:20:59.180 it mean? 00:21:01.840 --> 00:21:02.580 Well, 00:21:02.640 --> 00:21:03.420 the star 00:21:03.420 --> 00:21:04.620 led them 00:21:04.620 --> 00:21:05.840 secondly to 00:21:05.840 --> 00:21:06.580 a person. 00:21:07.460 --> 00:21:07.880 Again, 00:21:08.019 --> 00:21:08.299 look at 00:21:08.299 --> 00:21:08.759 verse 2. 00:21:08.840 --> 00:21:09.080 Did you 00:21:09.080 --> 00:21:09.460 read it 00:21:09.460 --> 00:21:09.900 carefully? 00:21:11.000 --> 00:21:11.360 Look at 00:21:11.359 --> 00:21:11.599 the end 00:21:11.599 --> 00:21:12.179 of verse 2. 00:21:12.699 --> 00:21:13.399 We saw 00:21:13.399 --> 00:21:15.500 his star. 00:21:17.419 --> 00:21:17.679 Well, 00:21:17.699 --> 00:21:18.319 whose star? 00:21:18.959 --> 00:21:19.439 Jesus' 00:21:19.679 --> 00:21:20.059 star. 00:21:20.699 --> 00:21:21.299 This was 00:21:21.299 --> 00:21:22.219 a star 00:21:22.219 --> 00:21:23.099 pointing to 00:21:23.099 --> 00:21:23.779 King Jesus. 00:21:24.339 --> 00:21:25.699 But think 00:21:25.699 --> 00:21:26.099 about it. 00:21:26.099 --> 00:21:26.539 How did 00:21:26.539 --> 00:21:27.059 they know 00:21:27.059 --> 00:21:27.479 it was 00:21:27.479 --> 00:21:28.519 his star? 00:21:29.399 --> 00:21:30.119 Who told 00:21:30.119 --> 00:21:30.699 them it 00:21:30.699 --> 00:21:31.319 was Jesus' 00:21:31.619 --> 00:21:32.079 star? 00:21:33.679 --> 00:21:34.259 Well, 00:21:34.500 --> 00:21:35.639 being educated 00:21:35.639 --> 00:21:36.199 people, 00:21:36.339 --> 00:21:36.659 they would 00:21:36.659 --> 00:21:37.039 have had 00:21:37.039 --> 00:21:37.839 access to 00:21:37.839 --> 00:21:38.679 writings of 00:21:38.680 --> 00:21:39.820 other nations 00:21:39.820 --> 00:21:41.360 and books 00:21:41.360 --> 00:21:42.480 and prophecies 00:21:42.480 --> 00:21:42.920 of other 00:21:42.920 --> 00:21:43.400 people. 00:21:44.519 --> 00:21:45.160 Writings, 00:21:45.320 --> 00:21:45.860 I'm going 00:21:45.860 --> 00:21:46.539 to suggest 00:21:46.539 --> 00:21:46.900 to you 00:21:46.900 --> 00:21:47.519 like the 00:21:47.519 --> 00:21:47.900 book of 00:21:47.900 --> 00:21:48.420 Isaiah. 00:21:49.460 --> 00:21:50.039 Have a 00:21:50.039 --> 00:21:50.360 look with 00:21:50.360 --> 00:21:50.700 me in 00:21:50.700 --> 00:21:51.160 Isaiah 00:21:51.160 --> 00:21:52.240 chapter 60. 00:21:52.240 --> 00:21:52.279 Isaiah 00:21:52.279 --> 00:22:07.420 chapter 60. 00:22:07.420 --> 00:22:12.860 So they've 00:22:12.860 --> 00:22:13.380 seen this 00:22:13.380 --> 00:22:14.019 star in 00:22:14.019 --> 00:22:14.620 the sky. 00:22:15.820 --> 00:22:16.420 They've 00:22:16.420 --> 00:22:17.080 even given 00:22:17.080 --> 00:22:17.779 it a name 00:22:17.779 --> 00:22:18.259 and saying 00:22:18.259 --> 00:22:19.039 it's his 00:22:19.039 --> 00:22:19.539 star, 00:22:19.660 --> 00:22:20.019 as in 00:22:20.019 --> 00:22:20.420 it's the 00:22:20.420 --> 00:22:20.800 king of 00:22:20.800 --> 00:22:21.279 the Jews. 00:22:21.500 --> 00:22:22.400 It's his 00:22:22.400 --> 00:22:22.720 star, 00:22:22.800 --> 00:22:22.940 we're 00:22:22.940 --> 00:22:23.360 following 00:22:23.360 --> 00:22:24.860 this star. 00:22:26.160 --> 00:22:27.000 But how 00:22:27.000 --> 00:22:27.380 did they 00:22:27.380 --> 00:22:27.779 know? 00:22:27.980 --> 00:22:28.180 Like, 00:22:28.259 --> 00:22:29.580 what gave 00:22:29.580 --> 00:22:29.980 them that 00:22:29.980 --> 00:22:30.440 impression? 00:22:31.500 --> 00:22:31.940 Well, 00:22:32.019 --> 00:22:32.480 let's 00:22:32.480 --> 00:22:33.660 have a 00:22:33.660 --> 00:22:34.100 read of 00:22:34.100 --> 00:22:34.560 Isaiah 00:22:34.559 --> 00:22:35.159 60. 00:22:35.960 --> 00:22:36.579 Here God 00:22:36.579 --> 00:22:37.319 is talking 00:22:37.319 --> 00:22:38.000 about the 00:22:38.000 --> 00:22:38.480 coming of 00:22:38.480 --> 00:22:38.779 Jesus, 00:22:38.919 --> 00:22:39.240 but look 00:22:39.240 --> 00:22:39.639 how he 00:22:39.639 --> 00:22:40.579 describes 00:22:40.579 --> 00:22:40.879 his 00:22:40.879 --> 00:22:41.279 coming. 00:22:44.039 --> 00:22:45.299 Verse 1, 00:22:45.419 --> 00:22:46.099 Arise, 00:22:46.359 --> 00:22:46.819 shine, 00:22:47.700 --> 00:22:48.259 for your 00:22:48.259 --> 00:22:49.539 light has 00:22:49.539 --> 00:22:50.079 come, 00:22:50.960 --> 00:22:51.399 and the 00:22:51.399 --> 00:22:52.019 glory of 00:22:52.019 --> 00:22:52.519 the Lord 00:22:52.519 --> 00:22:54.079 rises upon 00:22:54.079 --> 00:22:54.419 you. 00:22:54.559 --> 00:22:54.819 See, 00:22:55.279 --> 00:22:55.740 darkness 00:22:55.740 --> 00:22:56.639 covers the 00:22:56.639 --> 00:22:56.940 earth, 00:22:57.480 --> 00:22:58.039 and thick 00:22:58.039 --> 00:22:59.039 darkness is 00:22:59.039 --> 00:22:59.440 over the 00:22:59.440 --> 00:22:59.819 peoples. 00:23:00.159 --> 00:23:00.679 But the 00:23:00.679 --> 00:23:01.720 Lord rises 00:23:01.720 --> 00:23:02.579 upon you, 00:23:02.579 --> 00:23:03.059 and his 00:23:03.059 --> 00:23:03.759 glory 00:23:03.759 --> 00:23:04.699 appears 00:23:04.699 --> 00:23:05.439 over you. 00:23:06.119 --> 00:23:06.699 Nations 00:23:06.699 --> 00:23:07.539 will come 00:23:07.539 --> 00:23:07.899 to your 00:23:07.899 --> 00:23:08.279 light, 00:23:08.399 --> 00:23:08.699 and the 00:23:08.699 --> 00:23:09.159 kings 00:23:09.159 --> 00:23:09.759 to the 00:23:09.759 --> 00:23:10.179 brightness 00:23:10.179 --> 00:23:10.720 of your 00:23:10.720 --> 00:23:11.139 dawn. 00:23:11.879 --> 00:23:12.439 Lift up 00:23:12.439 --> 00:23:13.079 your eyes, 00:23:13.220 --> 00:23:13.759 look about 00:23:13.759 --> 00:23:14.059 you, 00:23:14.159 --> 00:23:14.439 all 00:23:14.439 --> 00:23:14.980 assemble, 00:23:15.500 --> 00:23:16.079 come to 00:23:16.079 --> 00:23:16.359 you. 00:23:17.139 --> 00:23:17.399 Your 00:23:17.399 --> 00:23:17.859 sons 00:23:17.859 --> 00:23:18.480 come from 00:23:18.480 --> 00:23:18.939 afar, 00:23:19.279 --> 00:23:19.740 and your 00:23:19.740 --> 00:23:20.179 daughters 00:23:20.179 --> 00:23:20.559 who are 00:23:20.559 --> 00:23:21.159 carried on 00:23:21.159 --> 00:23:21.599 the hip. 00:23:23.000 --> 00:23:23.480 Then 00:23:23.480 --> 00:23:24.779 you will 00:23:24.779 --> 00:23:25.279 look and 00:23:25.279 --> 00:23:25.960 be radiant, 00:23:26.199 --> 00:23:26.899 your heart 00:23:26.899 --> 00:23:27.779 will throb 00:23:27.779 --> 00:23:28.599 and swell 00:23:28.599 --> 00:23:29.460 with joy, 00:23:30.319 --> 00:23:30.960 the wealth 00:23:30.960 --> 00:23:31.359 and the 00:23:31.359 --> 00:23:32.019 seeds will 00:23:32.019 --> 00:23:32.619 be brought 00:23:32.619 --> 00:23:33.180 to you, 00:23:33.859 --> 00:23:34.500 to the 00:23:34.500 --> 00:23:35.139 riches of 00:23:35.139 --> 00:23:35.759 the nations 00:23:35.759 --> 00:23:36.579 will come. 00:23:37.839 --> 00:23:38.579 Herds of 00:23:38.579 --> 00:23:39.379 camels will 00:23:39.379 --> 00:23:42.119 cover your 00:23:42.119 --> 00:23:42.539 land, 00:23:42.639 --> 00:23:43.440 young camels 00:23:43.440 --> 00:23:44.079 of Midian 00:23:44.079 --> 00:23:44.779 and Ephah, 00:23:45.200 --> 00:23:45.779 and all 00:23:45.779 --> 00:23:46.500 from Sheba 00:23:46.500 --> 00:23:47.099 will come, 00:23:47.539 --> 00:23:48.639 bearing gold 00:23:48.639 --> 00:23:50.160 and incense, 00:23:51.099 --> 00:23:52.139 and proclaiming 00:23:52.139 --> 00:23:52.960 the praise 00:23:52.960 --> 00:23:54.259 of the 00:23:54.259 --> 00:23:54.680 Lord. 00:23:57.000 --> 00:23:57.759 A 00:23:57.759 --> 00:23:58.460 fascinating 00:23:58.460 --> 00:23:59.079 text, 00:23:59.200 --> 00:23:59.740 isn't it? 00:23:59.740 --> 00:24:01.120 this 00:24:01.120 --> 00:24:02.000 star, 00:24:02.400 --> 00:24:03.220 this 00:24:03.220 --> 00:24:03.960 light 00:24:03.960 --> 00:24:04.299 that 00:24:04.299 --> 00:24:04.900 rises, 00:24:04.900 --> 00:24:06.059 that goes 00:24:06.059 --> 00:24:07.140 before you 00:24:07.140 --> 00:24:08.559 is directing 00:24:08.559 --> 00:24:09.259 them to 00:24:09.259 --> 00:24:10.099 someone who 00:24:10.099 --> 00:24:10.799 is going to 00:24:10.799 --> 00:24:11.620 be the 00:24:11.620 --> 00:24:12.019 hope of 00:24:12.019 --> 00:24:12.420 the world, 00:24:12.539 --> 00:24:13.220 a light 00:24:13.220 --> 00:24:13.859 that's going 00:24:13.859 --> 00:24:14.759 to remove 00:24:14.759 --> 00:24:15.720 the darkness, 00:24:15.900 --> 00:24:16.400 a light 00:24:16.400 --> 00:24:16.839 that was 00:24:16.839 --> 00:24:17.759 going to 00:24:17.759 --> 00:24:18.400 attract 00:24:18.400 --> 00:24:19.120 nations, 00:24:19.599 --> 00:24:20.279 one who 00:24:20.279 --> 00:24:20.980 was worthy 00:24:20.980 --> 00:24:22.099 of people's 00:24:22.099 --> 00:24:22.579 praise, 00:24:22.940 --> 00:24:23.380 whether they 00:24:23.380 --> 00:24:24.059 were young 00:24:24.059 --> 00:24:25.519 or old. 00:24:27.639 --> 00:24:28.399 Let's go 00:24:28.399 --> 00:24:28.879 back to 00:24:28.879 --> 00:24:29.240 Matthew 00:24:29.240 --> 00:24:30.179 chapter 2. 00:24:31.619 --> 00:24:32.399 Now I'm 00:24:32.399 --> 00:24:32.960 not saying 00:24:32.960 --> 00:24:33.539 the Magi 00:24:33.539 --> 00:24:34.740 knew everything 00:24:34.740 --> 00:24:35.500 about who 00:24:35.500 --> 00:24:36.379 Jesus was 00:24:36.379 --> 00:24:36.799 and what 00:24:36.799 --> 00:24:37.119 he was 00:24:37.119 --> 00:24:37.700 coming to 00:24:37.700 --> 00:24:38.000 do, 00:24:38.659 --> 00:24:39.200 but I 00:24:39.200 --> 00:24:39.639 think we 00:24:39.639 --> 00:24:39.960 can be 00:24:39.960 --> 00:24:40.599 very clear 00:24:40.599 --> 00:24:41.039 that they 00:24:41.039 --> 00:24:41.919 did know 00:24:41.919 --> 00:24:43.720 that this 00:24:43.720 --> 00:24:44.220 Jesus 00:24:44.220 --> 00:24:46.279 was sent 00:24:46.279 --> 00:24:47.619 by creator 00:24:47.619 --> 00:24:48.240 God 00:24:48.240 --> 00:24:49.539 and was 00:24:49.539 --> 00:24:50.019 going to 00:24:50.019 --> 00:24:50.500 be the 00:24:50.500 --> 00:24:51.519 hope of 00:24:51.519 --> 00:24:52.059 the world. 00:24:53.099 --> 00:24:53.519 Yes, 00:24:53.660 --> 00:24:54.319 the star 00:24:54.319 --> 00:24:54.740 was of 00:24:54.740 --> 00:24:55.200 interest, 00:24:55.619 --> 00:24:55.879 but it 00:24:55.879 --> 00:24:56.319 was where 00:24:56.319 --> 00:24:56.900 the star 00:24:56.900 --> 00:24:57.680 came to, 00:24:58.099 --> 00:24:58.779 verse 11, 00:24:58.960 --> 00:24:59.539 verse 10, 00:25:01.019 --> 00:25:01.279 that, 00:25:02.319 --> 00:25:02.759 sorry, 00:25:03.079 --> 00:25:03.660 where is it, 00:25:04.240 --> 00:25:05.000 end of 00:25:05.000 --> 00:25:05.519 verse 9, 00:25:05.619 --> 00:25:06.480 it stopped 00:25:06.480 --> 00:25:07.139 over the 00:25:07.139 --> 00:25:08.440 place where 00:25:08.440 --> 00:25:09.119 the child 00:25:09.119 --> 00:25:09.720 was. 00:25:10.160 --> 00:25:10.599 It was 00:25:10.599 --> 00:25:11.319 bringing them 00:25:11.319 --> 00:25:11.940 and pointing 00:25:11.940 --> 00:25:12.960 them to 00:25:12.960 --> 00:25:13.599 the person 00:25:13.599 --> 00:25:14.299 of Christ. 00:25:15.639 --> 00:25:16.619 They were 00:25:16.619 --> 00:25:18.279 overjoyed 00:25:18.279 --> 00:25:19.759 because the 00:25:19.759 --> 00:25:20.819 promises that 00:25:20.819 --> 00:25:21.240 they had 00:25:21.240 --> 00:25:21.859 read and 00:25:21.859 --> 00:25:22.579 heard about 00:25:22.579 --> 00:25:23.579 had now 00:25:23.579 --> 00:25:24.339 been 00:25:24.339 --> 00:25:25.160 fulfilled. 00:25:26.240 --> 00:25:26.819 In fact, 00:25:26.920 --> 00:25:27.680 their joy 00:25:27.680 --> 00:25:29.079 had led 00:25:29.079 --> 00:25:30.440 to worship. 00:25:33.019 --> 00:25:33.480 You see, 00:25:33.660 --> 00:25:34.180 Jesus 00:25:34.180 --> 00:25:36.000 deserves 00:25:36.000 --> 00:25:37.299 our worship. 00:25:37.720 --> 00:25:38.099 Look at 00:25:38.099 --> 00:25:38.759 verse 11. 00:25:39.519 --> 00:25:40.099 On coming 00:25:40.099 --> 00:25:40.480 to the 00:25:40.480 --> 00:25:40.900 house, 00:25:41.519 --> 00:25:42.120 they saw 00:25:42.120 --> 00:25:42.740 the child 00:25:42.740 --> 00:25:43.180 with his 00:25:43.180 --> 00:25:43.880 mother Mary 00:25:43.880 --> 00:25:45.079 and they 00:25:45.079 --> 00:25:46.259 bowed down 00:25:46.259 --> 00:25:47.859 and worshipped 00:25:47.859 --> 00:25:48.140 him. 00:25:49.599 --> 00:25:49.859 Now, 00:25:49.920 --> 00:25:50.539 worship isn't 00:25:50.539 --> 00:25:51.359 just confined 00:25:51.359 --> 00:25:51.779 to a 00:25:51.779 --> 00:25:52.139 religious 00:25:52.139 --> 00:25:52.759 building. 00:25:53.720 --> 00:25:54.000 Worship 00:25:54.000 --> 00:25:54.639 is something 00:25:54.639 --> 00:25:55.480 all of us 00:25:55.480 --> 00:25:56.619 do all 00:25:56.619 --> 00:25:56.899 of the 00:25:56.899 --> 00:25:57.279 time. 00:25:58.200 --> 00:25:58.940 It simply 00:25:58.940 --> 00:25:59.599 means to 00:25:59.599 --> 00:26:01.299 serve or 00:26:01.299 --> 00:26:01.799 to bow 00:26:01.799 --> 00:26:02.500 down to. 00:26:03.200 --> 00:26:03.899 It comes 00:26:03.899 --> 00:26:04.839 from the 00:26:04.839 --> 00:26:05.920 words worth 00:26:05.920 --> 00:26:07.480 or worthy. 00:26:08.319 --> 00:26:09.379 It's giving 00:26:09.379 --> 00:26:10.460 something or 00:26:10.460 --> 00:26:12.220 someone value 00:26:12.220 --> 00:26:13.399 and honour. 00:26:13.400 --> 00:26:15.360 it's something 00:26:15.360 --> 00:26:15.800 that we 00:26:15.800 --> 00:26:16.519 consider to 00:26:16.519 --> 00:26:17.100 be of our 00:26:17.100 --> 00:26:18.540 highest value 00:26:18.540 --> 00:26:19.420 and whatever 00:26:19.420 --> 00:26:20.240 we consider 00:26:20.240 --> 00:26:21.220 to be of 00:26:21.220 --> 00:26:22.259 greatest value 00:26:22.259 --> 00:26:22.920 to us in 00:26:22.920 --> 00:26:23.400 our life, 00:26:23.720 --> 00:26:24.540 that's what 00:26:24.540 --> 00:26:25.300 we serve. 00:26:26.200 --> 00:26:26.780 That's what 00:26:26.780 --> 00:26:28.000 we bow down 00:26:28.000 --> 00:26:28.240 to. 00:26:28.360 --> 00:26:28.940 That's what 00:26:28.940 --> 00:26:29.660 we worship. 00:26:29.660 --> 00:26:29.980 it. 00:26:29.980 --> 00:26:30.100 So, 00:26:30.840 --> 00:26:33.660 what is the 00:26:33.660 --> 00:26:34.560 highest honour 00:26:34.560 --> 00:26:36.019 in your life? 00:26:36.100 --> 00:26:36.580 What do you 00:26:36.580 --> 00:26:37.860 give greatest 00:26:37.860 --> 00:26:38.920 value to? 00:26:40.680 --> 00:26:41.720 Is it your 00:26:41.720 --> 00:26:42.500 own physical 00:26:42.500 --> 00:26:43.259 body and 00:26:43.259 --> 00:26:43.660 how you 00:26:43.660 --> 00:26:44.140 look? 00:26:46.600 --> 00:26:47.440 Is it 00:26:47.440 --> 00:26:48.420 getting grades 00:26:48.420 --> 00:26:49.180 and certain 00:26:49.180 --> 00:26:50.200 careers and 00:26:50.200 --> 00:26:51.980 being successful 00:26:51.980 --> 00:26:52.960 in your job? 00:26:54.300 --> 00:26:55.279 Is it your 00:26:55.279 --> 00:26:55.820 children? 00:26:55.819 --> 00:26:58.799 or sport 00:26:58.799 --> 00:26:59.599 or some 00:26:59.599 --> 00:27:00.279 team? 00:27:01.039 --> 00:27:02.019 What is it 00:27:02.019 --> 00:27:02.599 that is of 00:27:02.599 --> 00:27:03.700 greatest value 00:27:03.700 --> 00:27:04.339 to you? 00:27:07.679 --> 00:27:08.220 Well, 00:27:08.319 --> 00:27:08.740 look at the 00:27:08.740 --> 00:27:09.220 magi. 00:27:10.079 --> 00:27:10.519 They had 00:27:10.519 --> 00:27:11.179 come to see 00:27:11.179 --> 00:27:11.819 that Jesus 00:27:11.819 --> 00:27:12.319 was of 00:27:12.319 --> 00:27:13.220 greatest value 00:27:13.220 --> 00:27:13.759 to them. 00:27:14.119 --> 00:27:14.639 Look at how 00:27:14.639 --> 00:27:15.439 they responded, 00:27:15.619 --> 00:27:16.220 verse 11. 00:27:16.899 --> 00:27:17.439 On coming 00:27:17.439 --> 00:27:18.159 to the house, 00:27:18.659 --> 00:27:19.179 they saw 00:27:19.179 --> 00:27:19.700 the child 00:27:19.700 --> 00:27:20.079 with his 00:27:20.079 --> 00:27:20.700 mother Mary. 00:27:21.460 --> 00:27:22.619 They bowed 00:27:22.619 --> 00:27:23.519 down and 00:27:23.519 --> 00:27:24.279 worshipped him. 00:27:25.099 --> 00:27:25.539 Then they 00:27:25.539 --> 00:27:26.079 opened their 00:27:26.079 --> 00:27:26.779 treasures and 00:27:26.779 --> 00:27:27.440 presented him 00:27:27.440 --> 00:27:27.779 with the 00:27:27.779 --> 00:27:28.299 gifts of 00:27:28.299 --> 00:27:28.779 gold, 00:27:29.319 --> 00:27:30.220 frankincense 00:27:30.220 --> 00:27:31.440 and myrrh. 00:27:32.099 --> 00:27:33.139 They bowed 00:27:33.139 --> 00:27:33.799 down to 00:27:33.799 --> 00:27:34.539 this child. 00:27:35.420 --> 00:27:36.220 Fancy doing 00:27:36.220 --> 00:27:36.759 that? 00:27:37.599 --> 00:27:38.000 It's a 00:27:38.000 --> 00:27:39.000 position of 00:27:39.000 --> 00:27:39.759 submission. 00:27:40.259 --> 00:27:40.680 It's saying, 00:27:41.099 --> 00:27:41.799 I am high 00:27:41.799 --> 00:27:42.680 and you 00:27:42.680 --> 00:27:42.940 are, 00:27:43.720 --> 00:27:44.319 or I am 00:27:44.319 --> 00:27:44.839 low and 00:27:44.839 --> 00:27:45.200 you are 00:27:45.200 --> 00:27:45.539 high. 00:27:46.220 --> 00:27:46.819 I'm at 00:27:46.819 --> 00:27:47.500 your service. 00:27:49.000 --> 00:27:49.379 And they 00:27:49.379 --> 00:27:50.220 also presented 00:27:50.220 --> 00:27:50.740 him with 00:27:50.740 --> 00:27:51.159 gifts, 00:27:51.659 --> 00:27:52.279 gifts that 00:27:52.279 --> 00:27:53.139 were of 00:27:53.139 --> 00:27:54.299 great value, 00:27:54.299 --> 00:27:55.759 treasures. 00:27:57.440 --> 00:27:57.819 They are 00:27:57.819 --> 00:27:58.259 saying, 00:27:58.740 --> 00:27:59.059 you, 00:27:59.440 --> 00:28:00.099 this child, 00:28:00.240 --> 00:28:00.639 are of 00:28:00.639 --> 00:28:01.839 infinite worth. 00:28:02.220 --> 00:28:03.319 My life 00:28:03.319 --> 00:28:04.159 is yours. 00:28:06.839 --> 00:28:07.700 So let's 00:28:07.700 --> 00:28:08.299 come back to 00:28:08.299 --> 00:28:08.839 the question 00:28:08.839 --> 00:28:09.220 again. 00:28:09.599 --> 00:28:10.359 Who is it 00:28:10.359 --> 00:28:11.419 that we 00:28:11.419 --> 00:28:12.139 worship in 00:28:12.139 --> 00:28:12.759 our life? 00:28:14.159 --> 00:28:15.019 Whatever we 00:28:15.019 --> 00:28:15.740 consider to 00:28:15.740 --> 00:28:16.079 be of 00:28:16.079 --> 00:28:17.079 highest value, 00:28:18.460 --> 00:28:19.119 whatever we 00:28:19.119 --> 00:28:20.539 consider to 00:28:20.539 --> 00:28:20.859 be of 00:28:20.859 --> 00:28:21.319 greatest 00:28:21.319 --> 00:28:21.799 honour, 00:28:21.799 --> 00:28:23.519 that's 00:28:23.519 --> 00:28:24.899 who we 00:28:24.899 --> 00:28:25.299 worship. 00:28:26.440 --> 00:28:26.899 That's 00:28:26.899 --> 00:28:27.379 what we 00:28:27.379 --> 00:28:28.740 give our 00:28:28.740 --> 00:28:29.519 life to. 00:28:32.659 --> 00:28:33.480 The 00:28:33.480 --> 00:28:34.079 coming of 00:28:34.079 --> 00:28:35.039 Jesus Christ 00:28:35.039 --> 00:28:36.579 almost 2,000 00:28:36.579 --> 00:28:37.339 years ago 00:28:37.339 --> 00:28:39.119 was certainly 00:28:39.119 --> 00:28:40.139 not a silent 00:28:40.139 --> 00:28:40.639 night, 00:28:41.700 --> 00:28:42.659 nor was it 00:28:42.659 --> 00:28:43.839 all calm 00:28:43.839 --> 00:28:44.759 and bright. 00:28:45.599 --> 00:28:46.359 The coming 00:28:46.359 --> 00:28:47.359 of God's 00:28:47.359 --> 00:28:47.779 promised 00:28:47.779 --> 00:28:48.799 king caused 00:28:48.799 --> 00:28:49.659 a stir 00:28:49.659 --> 00:28:50.819 amongst the 00:28:50.819 --> 00:28:51.200 people. 00:28:51.599 --> 00:28:52.139 Everyone 00:28:52.139 --> 00:28:52.939 had an 00:28:52.939 --> 00:28:53.299 opinion. 00:28:55.740 --> 00:28:57.000 So what 00:28:57.000 --> 00:28:57.480 is our 00:28:57.480 --> 00:28:58.779 response to 00:28:58.779 --> 00:28:59.299 Jesus? 00:29:01.299 --> 00:29:02.099 Does his 00:29:02.099 --> 00:29:03.220 claim disturb 00:29:03.220 --> 00:29:03.579 you? 00:29:04.619 --> 00:29:05.259 That he's 00:29:05.259 --> 00:29:05.879 king of your 00:29:05.879 --> 00:29:06.399 life and 00:29:06.399 --> 00:29:06.679 you're 00:29:06.679 --> 00:29:07.679 answerable to 00:29:07.679 --> 00:29:07.960 him? 00:29:07.960 --> 00:29:10.460 Or perhaps 00:29:10.460 --> 00:29:10.899 the whole 00:29:10.899 --> 00:29:11.619 account leaves 00:29:11.619 --> 00:29:11.960 you just 00:29:11.960 --> 00:29:12.700 completely and 00:29:12.700 --> 00:29:13.000 utterly 00:29:13.000 --> 00:29:13.879 unmoved. 00:29:14.879 --> 00:29:15.839 I'm all 00:29:15.839 --> 00:29:16.079 right, 00:29:16.200 --> 00:29:16.519 Jack. 00:29:17.019 --> 00:29:17.859 I don't 00:29:17.859 --> 00:29:18.519 need Jesus. 00:29:18.519 --> 00:29:20.680 I'm not 00:29:20.680 --> 00:29:21.079 helpless. 00:29:22.099 --> 00:29:22.859 I can do 00:29:22.859 --> 00:29:23.599 life alone. 00:29:25.680 --> 00:29:26.119 Well, 00:29:26.160 --> 00:29:26.700 some people 00:29:26.700 --> 00:29:28.339 were overjoyed. 00:29:29.339 --> 00:29:29.680 Why? 00:29:29.879 --> 00:29:30.059 Well, 00:29:30.119 --> 00:29:30.740 because like 00:29:30.740 --> 00:29:31.279 the Magi, 00:29:31.379 --> 00:29:31.819 they've come 00:29:31.819 --> 00:29:32.559 to see that 00:29:32.559 --> 00:29:33.220 Jesus was 00:29:33.220 --> 00:29:33.740 the one who 00:29:33.740 --> 00:29:34.200 was bringing 00:29:34.200 --> 00:29:34.779 light in 00:29:34.779 --> 00:29:35.299 the darkness. 00:29:36.500 --> 00:29:36.980 He was a 00:29:36.980 --> 00:29:37.660 shepherd full 00:29:37.660 --> 00:29:38.460 of compassion 00:29:38.460 --> 00:29:40.180 who helped 00:29:40.180 --> 00:29:41.480 those who 00:29:41.480 --> 00:29:42.099 were helpless, 00:29:43.099 --> 00:29:44.660 who gave 00:29:44.660 --> 00:29:45.299 life to 00:29:45.299 --> 00:29:45.900 those who 00:29:45.900 --> 00:29:47.000 were harassed, 00:29:47.000 --> 00:29:48.839 a shepherd 00:29:48.839 --> 00:29:49.359 who would 00:29:49.359 --> 00:29:50.799 actually lay 00:29:50.799 --> 00:29:51.319 down his 00:29:51.319 --> 00:29:52.400 life for 00:29:52.400 --> 00:29:53.019 the sheep 00:29:53.019 --> 00:29:54.720 so that 00:29:54.720 --> 00:29:55.079 they could 00:29:55.079 --> 00:29:55.859 have ultimate 00:29:55.859 --> 00:29:57.460 joy and 00:29:57.460 --> 00:29:57.900 life. 00:30:01.220 --> 00:30:02.039 What's our 00:30:02.039 --> 00:30:02.980 response going 00:30:02.980 --> 00:30:04.599 to be to 00:30:04.599 --> 00:30:05.279 this Jesus? 00:30:06.640 --> 00:30:07.759 He deserves 00:30:07.759 --> 00:30:08.359 our worship. 00:30:09.900 --> 00:30:10.859 We can be 00:30:10.859 --> 00:30:11.799 overjoyed 00:30:11.799 --> 00:30:13.420 because in 00:30:13.420 --> 00:30:15.119 him is 00:30:15.119 --> 00:30:15.799 life in 00:30:15.799 --> 00:30:16.200 all its 00:30:16.200 --> 00:30:16.559 fullness. 00:30:18.079 --> 00:30:18.659 Let's 00:30:18.659 --> 00:30:19.359 pray together. 00:30:19.359 --> 00:30:19.440 Amen. 00:30:38.159 --> 00:30:39.000 Father, 00:30:39.119 --> 00:30:39.619 as we 00:30:39.619 --> 00:30:42.139 just reflect 00:30:42.140 --> 00:30:42.780 and think 00:30:42.780 --> 00:30:45.280 of the 00:30:45.280 --> 00:30:45.920 coming of 00:30:45.920 --> 00:30:47.060 Jesus Christ, 00:30:47.200 --> 00:30:47.980 the God-man 00:30:47.980 --> 00:30:48.600 into this 00:30:48.600 --> 00:30:49.040 world, 00:30:50.980 --> 00:30:55.160 we either 00:30:55.160 --> 00:30:55.640 push him 00:30:55.640 --> 00:30:56.020 away 00:30:56.020 --> 00:30:58.940 or we 00:30:58.940 --> 00:30:59.540 welcome him 00:30:59.540 --> 00:30:59.820 in. 00:31:02.620 --> 00:31:03.259 We're 00:31:03.259 --> 00:31:03.500 either 00:31:03.500 --> 00:31:04.300 disturbed, 00:31:05.800 --> 00:31:06.560 unmoved, 00:31:06.940 --> 00:31:08.220 or 00:31:08.220 --> 00:31:09.100 overjoyed. 00:31:11.779 --> 00:31:12.339 Father, 00:31:12.440 --> 00:31:12.819 help us 00:31:12.819 --> 00:31:13.140 to be 00:31:13.140 --> 00:31:13.819 clear about 00:31:13.819 --> 00:31:14.220 that. 00:31:15.900 --> 00:31:16.660 And would 00:31:16.660 --> 00:31:17.059 you give 00:31:17.059 --> 00:31:17.440 us a 00:31:17.440 --> 00:31:18.299 heart that 00:31:18.299 --> 00:31:19.579 is moved 00:31:19.579 --> 00:31:20.299 like the 00:31:20.299 --> 00:31:20.779 Magi, 00:31:21.380 --> 00:31:23.059 and that 00:31:23.059 --> 00:31:23.860 we learn 00:31:23.860 --> 00:31:24.680 to bow 00:31:24.680 --> 00:31:25.420 down before 00:31:25.420 --> 00:31:25.819 you, 00:31:26.960 --> 00:31:28.220 to live 00:31:28.220 --> 00:31:28.720 our life 00:31:28.720 --> 00:31:29.360 in service 00:31:29.360 --> 00:31:29.860 to you, 00:31:29.980 --> 00:31:30.220 to the 00:31:30.220 --> 00:31:30.680 one who 00:31:30.680 --> 00:31:31.100 has given 00:31:31.100 --> 00:31:31.680 us life 00:31:31.680 --> 00:31:32.120 today, 00:31:33.120 --> 00:31:34.039 and life 00:31:34.039 --> 00:31:34.480 for all 00:31:34.480 --> 00:31:35.000 eternity, 00:31:35.000 --> 00:31:36.700 in your 00:31:36.700 --> 00:31:37.619 good and 00:31:37.619 --> 00:31:38.039 perfect 00:31:38.039 --> 00:31:38.460 kingdom. 00:31:42.220 --> 00:31:43.019 Thank you 00:31:43.019 --> 00:31:43.420 that you 00:31:43.420 --> 00:31:43.960 are king, 00:31:45.359 --> 00:31:45.880 and that 00:31:45.880 --> 00:31:46.180 you are 00:31:46.180 --> 00:31:46.559 Lord. 00:31:49.420 --> 00:31:50.380 Help us 00:31:50.380 --> 00:31:51.519 to follow 00:31:51.519 --> 00:31:52.099 you as we 00:31:52.099 --> 00:31:52.440 should. 00:31:53.259 --> 00:31:53.859 In Jesus' 00:31:54.099 --> 00:31:54.319 name. 00:31:55.180 --> 00:31:55.619 Amen. 00:32:05.000 --> 00:32:05.799 Well, 00:32:05.900 --> 00:32:06.380 the Magi 00:32:06.380 --> 00:32:06.660 were 00:32:06.660 --> 00:32:07.819 overjoyed. 00:32:08.279 --> 00:32:08.420 They 00:32:08.420 --> 00:32:09.079 bowed in 00:32:09.079 --> 00:32:09.440 worship. 00:32:10.079 --> 00:32:10.480 Did they 00:32:10.480 --> 00:32:10.799 sing? 00:32:10.880 --> 00:32:11.160 I don't 00:32:11.160 --> 00:32:11.400 know. 00:32:11.579 --> 00:32:11.819 Maybe 00:32:11.819 --> 00:32:12.299 they did.