
EPIPHANY!
Today we “observe” Epiphany!
Epiphany means: “manifestation” or “appearance”.
Q: What “epiphany” did the Magi receive?
The Text:
Matthew 2:1-12 “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, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “ ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. 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. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.”
Going Deeper: LOT’S of Questions….
Q: Who were the Magi?
Q: Where did they come from?
Q: When did they arrive?
Q: What does that do about the way this event is portrayed in popular culture?
Q: What was significant about the star?
Q: What was significant about their gifts?
Q: How did they know the star pointed to the birth of “The King of the Jews”?
Q: What was Herod’s reaction to the arrival of the Magi?
Q: What did the dream they had do?
Q: When you continue to read the account in Matthew 2, what horrible thing did Herod do? Why?
Q: How did THAT fulfill prophecy (see Jeremiah 31:15)?
Q: Why has there ALWAYS been earthly and spiritual resistance to the rule of Jesus?
Q: How do we see that resistance today?
Q: How is the birth of Jesus a spiritual WAR?
Q: How do we see that same WAR witin the family? OUR family, culture, among the nations?
Personally:
Q: What can “I” do to respond to the message of Jesus I’ve heard in God’s Word today?
Q: What gifts do “I” bring to Jesus?
Q: What happens when I receive a “warning” or direction or command from God’s Word? How can I be more like the exmple of the Magi?
Q: What “star” (light,guide)has God provided for us today?
Q: What’s ONE way I can incorporate His Word in my life?
Q: How might that “guide” me to Jesus?
Q: What resistance might I face or am facing in my relationship with Jesus?
*click the blue box to add your own notes/thoughts during the sermon!