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Last week we started a new series entitled, Whoville. We are discussing the “Who’s Who” surrounding the birth of Christ.
Last Sunday we looked deeper into the Nativity and the lives of Mary and Joseph. This week I’m going to focus in on The Shepherds and The Wise Men.
Luke 2:8 NLT
Luke 2:9 NLT
Luke 2:10-12 NLT
Luke 2:13 NLT
Luke 2:15-20 NLT
In the Gospel of Luke, we find out about the shepherds but in the Gospel of Matthew, we find out about wise men from the East.
Who were the Magi?
We know that the magi were wise men from "the East," most likely Persia, or modern-day Iran. This means the wise men traveled 800 to 900 miles to see the Christ child. Most likely, the magi knew of the writings of the prophet Daniel, who in time past had been the chief of the court seers in Persia.
Daniel 9:24-27 includes a prophecy which gives a timeline for the birth of the Messiah. Also, the magi may have been aware of the prophecy of Balaam (who was from the town of Pethor on the Euphrates River near Persia) in Numbers 24:17. Balaam's prophecy specifically mentions a “star coming out of Jacob.” (got questions)
Daniel 9:24-27 NLT
Numbers 24:17 NLT
Let’s read their story in Matthew 2:1-2
Matthew 2:1-2 NLT
This is perplexing for many because, the star or “his star” was only seen by these wise men. No one else mentioned seeing the star.
Matthew 2:3-6 NLT
This prophecy was written 700 years before the birth of Jesus.
Matthew 2:7-12 NLT
Matthew 2:13 NLT
That night they left for Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod.
The shepherds saw a Savior
The Wise men saw a King
And Herod saw a threat
What do you see? A Savior, a King or a Threat?
Who is Jesus?
Isaiah 9:6 NLT
“Who do you say I am?”
Jesus was born as a gift of Salvation. You can receive a gift or you can reject it.
What are you going to do with Jesus? Will you receive His gift?