Adventure of Humility
Matthew 2:1-23 is about the importance of worship. Worship can be sincere and genuine or it can be trivial and false. It begins in a heart that has been saved by grace. Methods don’t make us true worshippers; and rituals can’t accomplish
God’s purposes. The wise men revealed a message of true worship. First, true worship is seeking His presence—“wise men from the east came to Jerusalem.” (v. 1) It is interesting how little we know about them. The Bible doesn’t tell us their number or their lineage; only that they were from the east. The star got their attention, but they came to worship the newborn King. Apparently, they studied the stars and one night there was something different in the sky. Worship is not one hour on Sunday but a daily relationship, seeking to please the Lord; it is not one day a week but every day of the year. Second, true worship is bowing before the King—“they fell down and worshiped him.” (v. 11) The Jewish priests and scribes knew where the Messiah was to be born, but they didn’t travel there. Many talk of love for God, but won’t travel a few miles to worship. The wise men worked very hard to find the Savior, then fell down and worshipped Him. Kneeling is an act of submission, an expression of emotion. Third, true worship is giving our treasures—“opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” (v. 11) This passage is used as a text for Christmas messages. Well, Christmas is the commemoration of a life-changing birth! When visiting a superior (i.e. royalty), one always brought a gift to give. The wise men gave their best as a symbol of their devotion. Those who love Jesus demonstrate it by offering their treasure. The wise men traveled to worship Jesus and give Him their best in gifts. Jesus has given all for you—will you give Him your all?
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.