The Visit of the Magi

December 21, 2014First Baptist ChurchJackson, Mississippi

USA

December Memory Verse

Romans 8:38-39

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Christmas Eve Service – 5:00 PM

• No Sunday School Next Sunday – Dec 28

• Worship Service at 10:30 AM – Dec 28

• Regular Schedule on January 4, 2015

Today’s Lesson - GIFTS

• Why do we give gifts?

• Why give Christmas gifts?

– Christmas celebration began as a Holy Day

– Exchange of gifts began in Middle Ages

• Are you good at selecting gifts?

Trivia Question

• Who said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive?”

– Solomon

– David

– Paul

– Jesus

Trivia Answer

• Jesus

Acts 20:35

And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive. '"

• This is the only direct quote from Jesus’ earthly ministry recorded outside the canonical Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).

References

• Dr. Chuck Missler, YouTube Video, Daniel Chapter 6, Session 7.

• The MacArthur Study Bible, NKJV, Nelson Bibles, 1997, Word Publishing.

• The NIV Study Bible, 1985, Zondervan Bible Publishers.

The Visit & Gifts of the Magi

• A trip that was planned 600 years earlier

• The Christmas Story in Daniel 5-10

• Fasten your seat belts – Camel (Horse) ride begins!

Matthew 2:1-2 NKJV

1 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 have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."

…Bethlehem of Judea

• Judea was a buffer zone between the Roman Empire and the Parthian Empire

• Roman Empire – Europe, Asia Minor, Egypt, Syria and Judea– Judea had been under Parthian rule earlier

– Under nominal Roman rule at Jesus’ birth

• Parthian Empire – Ancient empire of Asia (Babylon) west of Roman Empire– Split off from Greece (Selucids)

– Now Afghanistan and Iran

Parthians Advance West

Parthian Empire 1 AD

Roman – Parthian – Hans Empires 1 AD

Wise Men from the East

…in the days of Herod the king,

• Herod given title of “King of the Jews” by Augustus Caesar in 37 BC and rule of Judea after Romans defeated the Parthians

• Jews were more comfortable with Parthians than Romans– Relationship from captivity 600 years earlier

– Many Jews had remained in Babylon area

• Herod always suspicious that Jews would revolt and align with Parthians

…wise men from the East

• Wise men (NKJV) or Magi (NIV)

• Oreiromancy – dream interpretation was key skill, not astrology

• Magi were a hereditary Persian Priesthood

– Dual roles of priest and government officials

– Priests for Magi religion established by Darius

– Duty to select the kings for Persian (Parthian) Empire (potential enemy of Caesar)

Go Back 600 years to Daniel

• Daniel in captivity in Babylon under King Nebuchadnezzar

• Interprets dreams for the King

• Daniel, a Jewish captive, had been appointed chief over all Persian intellectuals

• Ended up in lions’ den because of envy of Persians he supervised and taught

The Handwriting on the Wall

Daniel 5:1111 There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the Spirit of the Holy God. And in the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him; and King Nebuchadnezzar your father—your father the king—made him chief of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers.

The Handwriting on the Wall

Daniel 5:1212 Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation."

…wise men from the East(Things that make you go hummm???)

• The Medo-Persian Magi had been trained by Daniel about Jewish prophecy

• This had been passed down through the next 6 centuries to the Magi

• Chapters 9-10 of Daniel contains prophecy of dates that were fulfilled by Jesus.

• How did the Magi know so many applicable details?

…wise men from the East came to Jerusalem

• Why did the select group of Medo-Persian, now Parthian, Magi come to Jerusalem instead of directly to Bethlehem?

– God planned the intentional detour

– Bethlehem is 5 miles south of Jerusalem

…saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?

• A calculated insult to Herod who had bribed his way to the title, “King of the Jews”

• Herod was not Jewish (Idumean – Descendent of Esau)

• “Born” King vs. Appointed King

• The Magi had the power to anoint a King if Jerusalem was under Parthian rule.

• Did Herod suspect an upcoming conspiracy?

Matthew 2:2b NKJV

2b For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

• Why did the star not guide them directly to Bethlehem?– “Star of Bethlehem” was not a natural

phenomenon (Settled over a specific location)

– Not a conjugation of Jupiter and Saturn

– Probably like the Shekinah for Israelites

“…have come to worship Him.”

• Why would a select group of Medo-Persian Magi come to worship a Jewish King?– The Magi were NOT Jewish!– Worship a foreign king in enemy territory?– Symbolic that the whole world will bow down someday to

worship Jesus

Isaiah 45:23 23 … Before me every knee will bow; …• Kneeling is symbolic of reverence, submission• Kneeling renders one defenseless• A position for worshipping

Philippians 2:9-11 NKJV9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

• Position for worshipping in heaven in Revelation

Philippians 2:9-11 NKJV

Matthew 2:3 NKJV

3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

• A group of rival “King Makers” enter Jerusalem

• Travelled with own protection and force

• Unimaginable oriental pomp and pageantry

• Persians were intimidating group

• Herod and Jews were nervous

Magi

Matthew 2:4 NKJV

4 And when he (Herod) had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

• Herod calls for Jewish leaders to answer

• Answer was written in scripture and Jewish priests knew the answer to the prophecy

Matthew 2:5-6 NKJV

5 So they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.‘

• Quote Micah 5:2

• Priests knew the location, but did not accompany Magi to Bethlehem

Matthew 2:7-8 NKJV

7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.“

• Timing of the star?

• How did Magi know when the star appeared, they were to go, take gifts and worship?

Matthew 2:9 NKJV

9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was.

• Star guided them from Jerusalem to Bethlehem

Matthew 2:10-11 NKJV

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.• Living in a house now

• Jesus’ age (Young Child)

The gifts of gold, frankincense & myrrh

• Gold – represents Deity (King)

– Symbol of kingship on earth & heaven

• Frankincense – represents Preisthood

– Incense burned in Temple

– Imported to Israel from East

• Myrrh – represents Death

– Used for embalming or death anointing

– More valuable than gold at this time

How did the Magi know what gifts to bring?

• Daniel’s instructions while in Babylon and head of Magi?

– Described as “born King of the Jews”

• Dreams from God? The Magi’s specialty

• Use of the Gifts?

– Money for travel to Egypt?

– Used later to fund ministry, Jesus’ burial?

Matthew 2:12 NKJV

12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.

• God communicates to Magi through a dream

• They were experts in dream interpretation and were familiar with this

OT Reference to Magi as Kings3rd Century

Psalm 72:10 10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles

Will bring presents; The kings of Sheba and Seba Will offer gifts.

11 Yes, all kings shall fall down before Him; All nations shall serve Him.

Isaiah 60:3 3 The Gentiles shall come to your light,

And kings to the brightness of your rising.

Magi Traditions

• Eastern tradition (Church) – 12 Magi

• Western tradition 3 Magi (# of gifts)– Dec 25 – Jan 6 : Epiphany (12 days of Christmas)

• 6th Century – Names given for 3– Balthasar, Melchoir, Gasper

• 7th Century – Named for sons of Noah– Shem (Asia), Ham (Persia), Japeth (Europe)

• 14th Century – Armenian tradition– Kings of Arabia, Persia, India

Lessons from the Magi’s Visit

1. God connects the dots of history so that every prophecy about Jesus was fulfilled.

• Roman control of Judea

• Magi visit and gifts

2. God does the same for our lives in connecting the dots so that all things work together for good (Romans 8:28)

Source of Gifts in the Bible

James 1:17 NKJV17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

• All of our blessing (gifts) come from God

God’s Greatest Gift to Us - Jesus

John 3:16 NKJV16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Ephesians 2:8-10 NKJV8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Jesus’ Gift to Us – Himself & Peace

John 14:27 NKJV27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Romans 5:1-2 NKJV1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Happy Birthday to the “Prince of Peace”

MERRY CHRISTMAS

The Plan of Hope & Salvation

Romans 3:23 NKJV23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23a NKJV23a For the wages of sin is death,

• Death in this life (the first death) is 100%.• Even Jesus, the only one who doesn’t deserve

death, died in this life to pay the penalty for our sins.

• The death referred to in Romans 6:23a is the second death explained in Revelation 21:8.

Revelation 21:8 NKJV8 “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

Romans 6:23b NKJV23b but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 5:8 NKJV8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Revelation 21:7 NKJV7 “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.”

• Romans 10:9-10 explains to us how to accept Jesus as our Savior.

Romans 10:9-10 NKJV9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Romans 10:13 NKJV13 For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”

• If you have questions or would like to know more, Please, contact First Baptist Church Jackson at 601-979-1900 or http://firstbaptistjackson.org/contact/