“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him.’
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born.
‘In Bethlehem in Judea,’ they replied, ‘for this is what the prophet has written: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” —Matthew 2:1-6 NIV
Hail the King
“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave Him the name Jesus.” —Matthew 1:24-25 NIV
we can be so consumed with “
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” —Matthew 2:1-2 NIV
“After they had heard the king, the Magi went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.” —Matthew 2:9-10 NIV
“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.” —Colossians 3:1-2 NLT
“If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next.” —C.s. Lewis
the
“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” —Matthew 2:2 NIV
“When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.” —Matthew 2:3 NIV
the coming of the King is a
“But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for our of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.” —Matthew 2:6 NIV
Discussion Questions
Reflect on the Star:
The Magi saw and followed the star to worship Jesus, while many in Jerusalem missed it. What are some “stars” or signs in your life that God may be using to guide you closer to Him? How can you become more attentive to His leading?
Consumed with “Down Here”:
The sermon highlighted how being consumed with earthly concerns can cause us to miss heavenly realities. What are some practical steps you can take to set your focus on “things above” as encouraged in Colossians 3:1-2?
The Throne of Your Heart:
The sermon challenged us to consider who or what is sitting on the throne of our hearts. What might currently compete with Jesus for that position in your life, and what steps can you take to surrender that to Him?
The Response to the King:
The Magi worshiped, while Herod resisted. How have you responded to Jesus’ lordship in different areas of your life? Is there a specific area where you sense God calling you to a deeper level of surrender or obedience?
The Shepherd King:
Jesus is described as a King who lovingly shepherds His people. How does this image of Jesus as both sovereign ruler and tender shepherd encourage you in your walk with Him? How can you reflect His shepherding heart in your relationships with others?