Matthew 2:1-12
 
We don’t know a lot about the Magi other than they were from places in the East, they were students of the stars, and they were wealthy judging by the gifts they gave Jesus. We do know that Isaiah had prophesied about them coming in Isaiah 60. We see in Scripture the way they sought the Messiah should be the same way we seek Him. In this passage we’ll see three different ways the Messiah is sought. We are all lumped into one of these categories.
 
The hymn “We Three Kings of Orient Are” is written by John Henry Hopkins Jr. in 1857. Hopkins went to seminary and later taught music. This hymn was written for a Christmas musical to display the joyous journey to find the Christ child. We are all on a journey. The challenging question is “How will we seek the Messiah?”
 
Herod Sought the Messiah with Anger (2:3) Many will have an opposition to the Messiah. In fact the name Jesus Christ divides many. Paul warned the Philippians in 3:18-20 “For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,”
 
An opposition to Christ
 
  1. Do not believe in the love of Christ, His substitutionary death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead.
  2. Blames God for all unfortunate happenings instead of realizing this world is full of sin, disease, and disappointment apart from Christ.
  3. Has no desire to build a relationship with Christ.
 
The Priest and Scribes Sought the Messiah with Apathy (2:4-5) The Priest knew the Scriptures. They knew that Micah chapter 5 was referring to the coming Messiah, but they seemed indifferent to the Wise Men’s reference to this prophecy. How could they not get excited? The King of Kings was finally here! Many are indifferent to the Messiah. They may believe with their mind, but they’ve never been transformed by Christ. The state of tragic apathy is the most dangerous states anyone can be in. Why? Because one may believe they are saved, yet they have no heart for growing in Christ or serving Him! This is the state many countless Americans are in. There simply is no fruit. They’re not opposed, but they’re not burning with a white hot passion for Christ. “Well pastor, I believe, but I’m just not some kind of religious fanatic or something!” If Christ does not cause you to look different than this world, you do not truly know Him! James 2:19 “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!” Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ ”
 
An indifference to Christ
 
  1. Sees church attendance as a duty and not a delight.
  2. Always puts other things before serving God.
  3. Is not concerned about the spiritual growth and development of their family.
 
The Wise Men Sought the Messiah with Awe (2:10-11) They had found their treasure! Have you found the treasure of Jesus or are you still looking? Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 13:44-46 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”
 
A joyous relationship with Christ
 
  1. Sees their identity in Christ.
  2. Eager to serve Christ.
  3. Passionate about the Great Commission, for others to know Jesus as their Savior.
  4. Has a peace about their eternal destination.
  5. A longing to be around the people of God.
  6. A longing for the Word of God.
  7. A longing to talk to God.
  8. A longing for all things to point to the glory of God.
 
Which are you? Have troubling anger toward Christ, tragically apathetic toward Christ, or totally in awe of what He’s done for you?