The Wise Men

 

The wise men seek Christ

Mat 2:1-8 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 3. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. 7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

The wise men worship Jesus

Mat 2:9-12 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Mat 2:16-18 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.  17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, 18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

Who were these wise men?

The Greek word for wise is magos. These men were Oriental scientists, magicians or sorcerers.
They were men who were looking for the Messiah to come. They knew the season, although they knew not the day or the hour. They anticipated His coming. They yearned for it. They prayed for it. They sought the signs that would let them know when their Savior was born.

Understanding comes from the inspiration of the Almighty

Job 32:7-9  "I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom. 8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. 9 Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment."

Wisdom is the gift of God...

Job 28:20-28 Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding? 21 Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air. 22 Destruction and death say, We have heard the fame thereof with our ears. 23 God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof. 24 For he looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven; 25 To make the weight for the winds; and he weigheth the waters by measure. 26 When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder: 27 Then did he see it, and declare it; he prepared it, yea, and searched it out. 28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

Job 12:12,13 "With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding. 13 With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding."

What is wisdom?

The American Heritage Electronic Dictionary defines wisdom as: The intellectual power to decide wisely: The condition of having spiritual or intellectual insight: Good judgment in practical matters: Knowledge acquired through study: Unusual or creative discernment or perception: Deep, thorough, or mature understanding.

Is there more than one type of wisdom?

The Bible speaks of two types of wisdom. One comes from God, the other from the world. 

Earthly wisdom: James 3:15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

Heavenly wisdom: James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Exo 28:3 "And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom..."

Exo 31:3 "And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,"

1 Chr 22:12 "Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding,"

How do you get the heavenly wisdom?

We have not because we ask not...  James 1:5,6  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

Signs of true wisdom...

A truly wise person will be seeking their Messiah, just as these wise men of old did. They knew that there was something more. When they found it they fell down and worshipped the Savior of their souls.

Jesus was born, crucified for you, resurrected after the 3rd day and reigns in heaven at the right hand of the throne of God. He knocks upon the doorposts of your heart. Unlike these wise men who had to travel long distances to find their Messiah. You don't have to go anywhere. He's right there knocking on your heart. If you open the door to Him, He will come in. He desires a relationship with you.

Will you become a wise man today and seek God with all your heart?

Seek and ye shall find. Knock and it shall be opened. Ask and ye shall receive.

If you would like to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior today, say this prayer with me.

Father,
I know that I am a sinner. Please forgive me. I accept Jesus as my Savior. Come into my life and change me. I don't want to be the same anymore. Give me the wisdom that comes from above so that I don't make any more foolish choices. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

If you would like to follow through and let someone know that you have accepted Jesus as your Savior email us and we'll pray for you. We will try to find you a local body of believers to fellowship with and send you some information that will be helpful to you in your search for heavenly wisdom.

God bless you!
Pastor C.L. Hyde
Pastors@TheRemnant.org
The Remnant Church
http://www.theremnant.org