Matthew 2:1-12   Epiphany Family Service 2010

In the story of the Magi we can learn a lot about who Jesus is.  The gifts which the Magi brought give us clues as to Jesus true identity. What did they bring?

Why did they bring Myrrh? What does ‘Jesus’ mean?

 

1. Jesus is our Saviour

‘Jesus’ means “The Lord Saves” Jesus came to be our Saviour. But to save us, he had to die in our place.
The Magi searched for Jesus. They wanted to see Jesus. They wanted to know Jesus. They knew he would be a special Saviour because God sent them a sign.

When Herod had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written… (Matthew 2:4-5)

The people of Israel knew their Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (although Herod didn’t).
The prophets had told them centuries before where to look. But they were not looking for him. Are you?

Have you found him like the wise men?  Is Jesus your Saviour as well as theirs?  John tells us

“but as many as received him, he gave them the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)

Jesus came to save us too.  Can you think of things we need saving from? Pride, Greed. Selfishness.

He forgives us as we repent.

“If we confess our sins he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8-10)

 

Jesus is a Saviour but we must receive Him as our personal friend and saviour. There’s a second title given to Jesus in this passage. The clue is in the gift of gold. What did gold signify?  What kind of person were the Magi looking for? A king.  A very special king. A divine king. Can you think of another word for king?

 

2. Jesus is our Sovereign

“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.” (Matthew 2:2, 11)

Jesus is our Sovereign - to rule us as we worship him.

The Magi knelt and worshipped. One of the ways we worship God is by thanking him for his blessings.
That is why every January we look back and thank God for his blessings in the previous year. What are some of the things we should thank God for?

Jesus is our Saviour we must receive.

Jesus is our Sovereign we must worship.
There is a third name given to Jesus in this passage.  The clue is the Frankincense. What did it signify?

 

3. Jesus is our Shepherd

“‘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 be the shepherd of my people Israel.’” (Matthew 2:6)

 

In the Bible, ‘The Shepherd’ is one of the names of God. When Jesus said “I am the Good Shepherd” he was saying “I am Divine”. That is why the Magi knelt.

They came to worship Jesus. How did they worship Jesus? They brought him gifts. We worship Jesus when we too bring our gifts and talents to him, and use them for his glory.  How will you serve Jesus in 2010? Have you made any New Year Resolutions? Here are some of mine!  To make Jesus the most talked about person in VW.  To ensure every home hears the good news of Jesus every month through Connection. To double the number of members serving on our Servant Teams.  To launch our new building project and provide the facilities we need for the next 100 years. Jesus said
“I have come that you may have life…” (John 10:10)
 Jesus calls us to follow him in an exciting adventure.  As our Saviour we must receive him. As our Sovereign we must worship him. And as our Shepherd we must obey and follow him.  The Magi recognised Jesus in three ways - as their Saviour, as their Sovereign, and as their Shepherd. Have you? Wise people still follow Jesus.  Lets pray.