Wise Men Still Seek Him

by Rev. Kirby Williams

Matthew unveils dramatic changes in the eschatalogical church through the Magi's search for the "King of the Jews".

Text: Matthew 2:1-12
Date: 01/24/2010, the service.
Series: "Matthew" Part 3

The story of the Magi's search for the Jewish Messiah is one of the most misrepresented and misunderstood traditions in Christianity. Not only are the facts often presented incorrectly, but Matthew's focus and purpose are lost. Matthew recounts the Magi's search on three levels: historical, apologetical, and eshcatalogical. There is richness to be found in Matthew's literary genius as He reveals through the Word that "Wise men still seek Him".

1. Introduction
2. Exposition of the text, Matthew 2:1-12.
1. Context
1. The covenantal "freight train".
2. The troubling fulfillment of Isaiah 60-62.
3. The "new Moses".
4. Three levels of interpretation.
1. Historical and Factual.
2. Apologetical.
3. Eschatalogical.
2. The Magi and the star, vs. 1-2.
1. The days of Herod.
2. The Magi from the east.
1. Who were these "wise men"?
2. The Egyptian connection.
3. The "nations shall come to your light", Isa. 60:3.
3. Contrasting kings.
4. Comprehending the star.
1. Natural or supernatural phenomenon?
2. Light in the darkness.
1. The Star of Jacob, Num 24:17.
2. The light of the Messiah, Isa. 9:2, Luke 2:32.
3. A beacon for the Gentiles.
3. The Magi and Herod, vs. 3-8.
1. A stark contrast, vs. 3-4.
1. The desolation of David's house, John 1:9-11.
2. A closer look at the players.
2. Fulfilled Scripture, vs. 5-6.
1. The "self-authentication" of Scripture.
2. The Shepherd King.
3. Herod's murderous scheme, vs. 7-8.
1. Blind as a bat.
2. A truly wicked man.
3. The glory and tragedy of the star, Rom. 1:19-20.
4. The Magi and the King, vs. 9-12.
1. The star re-appears.
2. The Magi's joy, vs. 10.
3. The Magi worship the King.
1. Wise men seek Him.
2. The Gentiles find the King, Isa. 60:3, Psa. 72:11.
4. c. The coming of Zion, Rev. 4:10, Isa. 62:10.
5. The Magi bring their gifts.
1. The traditional view.
2. The eschatalogical view, Isa. 60:6, Psa. 72:10.
6. "Taking the long way home", vs. 12.
3. Application
1. The eschatalogical church, Isa. 62:10-12.
2. Freeing the captive heart.
3. Wise men still seek Him!
4. Conclusion