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The King, the Star, and the Seekers Topic: Matthew 2:1-12 

Opening Statement: Well hello there, friends. I am so glad you’ve pulled up a chair to study God’s Word with us today. We’re going to look at a story that gets told a lot around Christmas, but the truth is, it’s a lesson for every single day of the year. It’s the story of some travelers from way out East who went looking for a King, and a local king who was terrified of losing his throne. It’s a story about two very different heart responses to Jesus: one filled with hostility and fear, and one filled with humble worship. So, let’s open our Bibles to Matthew chapter 2 and see what the Lord has to say to our hearts today. 

Verse 1  Quote: “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. Commentary: Matthew sets the stage right here. We aren’t given a specific date, but we are told this happened in the days of Herod the King. Now, history tells us this Herod was a powerful man, but he was also paranoid and ruthless; he’d kill his own family just to keep his power. Then, we meet these “wise men” or Magi. Contrary to the songs we sing, the Bible doesn’t say there were three of them, and they weren’t kings. They were scholars and astrologers from the East, likely Persia or Babylon, who studied the heavens. They were Gentiles—outsiders—coming to find a Jewish King. 

3. Cross-References: 

• Daniel 2:48 (Daniel was made chief of the wise men/magi in Babylon). 

• Genesis 49:10 (The prophecy that the sceptre shall not depart from Judah). 

4. Life Application: It’s a beautiful thing to realize that God calls people from all walks of life. These men were foreigners from a faraway land, yet God reached out and drew them in. It reminds us that no one is too far away, too different, or too “foreign” for God’s grace to reach. 

5. Discussion Question: Have you ever felt like an “outsider” when it comes to faith, and how does it make you feel knowing God invites everyone to seek Him? 

Verse 2  Quote: “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.” 

2. Commentary: These travelers asked a question that surely made folks nervous: “Where is the King?” They didn’t say “born to be King,” but “born King.” He was King from His first breath. They mentioned seeing “His star.” This wasn’t just any star; it was a special sign from God, perhaps the visible glory of God (Shekinah) or a supernatural light, designed just for this moment to lead them. But notice their goal: they didn’t come just to look or study; they came to worship. 

3. Cross-References: 

• Numbers 24:17 (A Star shall come out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel). 

• Revelation 22:16 (Jesus is the bright and morning star). 

4. Life Application: There’s a big difference between being curious about Jesus and actually worshipping Him. These men traveled hundreds of miles at great cost just to bow down. True wisdom always leads to worship. It takes effort to seek the Lord, but He is always worth the journey. 

5. Discussion Question: What kind of effort are you putting into seeking Jesus right now in your daily life? 

Verse 3  Quote: “When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” 

2. Commentary: When Herod got wind of a new “King,” he was “troubled,” which means he was shaken up and agitated. Remember, Herod wasn’t a true Jewish king from the line of David; he was placed there by Rome. He was terrified of a rival. And when a tyrant like Herod got scared, the whole city got scared because they knew heads might roll. Fear is a terrible master. 

3. Cross-References: 

• Psalm 2:1-2 (The kings of the earth set themselves against the Lord and His Anointed). 

• Proverbs 28:15 (As a roaring lion… so is a wicked ruler). 

4. Life Application: Jesus often disturbs the peace of those who want to be the boss of their own lives. Herod wanted control. When Jesus comes into our lives, He challenges our desire to sit on the throne of our own hearts. We can either be troubled by His authority, or we can submit to it. 

5. Discussion Question: Is there an area of your life where you are afraid to let Jesus take control? 

Verse 4  Quote: “And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.” 

2. Commentary: Herod calls in the theologians—the folks with all the head knowledge. These chief priests and scribes knew the Bible inside and out. Herod “demanded” to know where the Messiah was supposed to show up. It’s tragic that Herod believed the Bible enough to fear it, but not enough to obey it. 

3. Cross-References: 

• Malachi 2:7 (The priest’s lips should keep knowledge). 

• John 5:39 (Search the scriptures… they are they which testify of me). 

4. Life Application: You can know the Bible backward and forward and still miss the Lord. These religious leaders had the right answers but the wrong hearts. They were close to the truth geographically and intellectually, yet they were miles away spiritually. 

5. Discussion Question: How can we make sure our Bible study leads us to love Jesus, rather than just knowing facts about Him? 

Verse 5  Quote: “And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,” 

2. Commentary: They didn’t even have to look it up. They quoted the prophet Micah instantly. They knew the Messiah wasn’t coming to the big city of Jerusalem, but to the little town of Bethlehem. They had the roadmap right in front of them. 

3. Cross-References: 

• John 7:42 (Hath not the scripture said That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem?). 

4. Life Application: It is a sad thing to have the truth on the tip of your tongue but not in the center of your heart. These leaders knew where Jesus was, but notice—they didn’t go with the Wise Men. They stayed comfortable in Jerusalem. We must be doers of the Word, not just talkers. 

5. Discussion Question: Why do you think the religious leaders didn’t walk the five miles to Bethlehem to see if the King had arrived? 

Verse 6  Quote: “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.” 

2. Commentary: This is the prophecy from Micah 5:2. Bethlehem was a tiny, humble place, but God loves to use the small things to do His big work. The prophecy says this Ruler would “shepherd” (rule) His people. Jesus didn’t come to be a tyrant like Herod; He came to be a Shepherd who cares for His sheep. 

3. Cross-References: 

• Micah 5:2 (The original prophecy). 

• John 10:11 (I am the good shepherd). 

4. Life Application: If you feel small or insignificant today, remember Bethlehem. God doesn’t look at outward appearance or status; He looks for a place to be born. He wants to do great things through humble vessels. 

5. Discussion Question: How does seeing Jesus as a Shepherd change the way you view His authority over your life? 

Verse 7  Quote: “Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.” 

2. Commentary: Herod starts plotting in secret (“privily”). He wanted to know exactly when the star appeared so he could calculate the child’s age. He was diligent in his research, but his motives were pure evil. He was pretending to be helpful, but he was setting a trap. 

3. Cross-References: 

• Psalm 10:8-9 (He sitteth in the lurking places… secretly). 

• Psalm 64:4-6 (They encourage themselves in an evil matter). 

4. Life Application: We have to be wise and discerning, friends. Not everyone who asks about spiritual things has a good motive. The enemy often works in the shadows, plotting against God’s work in our lives. We need to walk in the light. 

5. Discussion Question: Have you ever encountered someone who pretended to be interested in faith but had a different agenda? 

Verse 8  Quote: “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.” 

2. Commentary: Here is the great lie. Herod claims he wants to “worship” the child, but we know he wants to destroy Him. It’s a hypocritical response. He uses religious language (“worship”) to cover up a sinful heart. 

3. Cross-References: 

• Proverbs 26:24-25 (He that hateth dissembleth with his lips… When he speaketh fair, believe him not). 

• Titus 1:16 (They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him). 

4. Life Application: We need to check our own hearts to make sure our worship is sincere. We can sing the songs and say the right words in church, but if our hearts aren’t surrendered to the King, it’s just empty talk. God wants truth in the inward parts. 

5. Discussion Question: What is the difference between going through the motions of worship and truly worshipping from the heart? 

Verse 9  Quote: “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.” 

2. Commentary: As they left the darkness of Herod’s palace, the light of God reappeared. The star moved and guided them right to the specific spot. This wasn’t just general guidance; it was specific. God didn’t leave them guessing; He led them all the way to Jesus. 

3. Cross-References: 

• Psalm 32:8 (I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go). 

• Psalm 119:105 (Thy word is a lamp unto my feet). 

4. Life Application: When you step out in faith to find Jesus, God will provide the light you need. Sometimes the light dims when we are surrounded by worldly noise (like in Jerusalem), but when we get back on the road of obedience, His guidance becomes clear again. 

5. Discussion Question: Can you share a time when God provided specific guidance when you were seeking Him? 

Verse 10  Quote: “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” 

2. Commentary: Look at the emotion here! They didn’t just smile; they rejoiced with “exceeding great joy”. The Greek implies they were overjoyed to the max! This is the reaction of a heart that finally finds what it has been searching for. It stands in stark contrast to the “troubled” heart of Herod. 

3. Cross-References: 

• Luke 2:10 (I bring you good tidings of great joy). 

• Psalm 16:11 (In thy presence is fulness of joy). 

4. Life Application: The Gospel isn’t just true; it is good news that should make us happy! Finding Jesus satisfies the deepest longing of the human soul. If you’ve lost your joy, maybe you’ve taken your eyes off the Star (Jesus) and put them on the problems of the world. 

5. Discussion Question: Does your relationship with God bring you “exceeding great joy”? Why or why not? 

Verse 11  Quote: “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.” 

2. Commentary: Notice they came into a “house,” not a stable, and Jesus is called a “young child,” suggesting He was a bit older now. They fell down—a posture of total submission—and worshipped Him. Then they gave expensive gifts: Gold for a King, Frankincense for a Priest (Deity), and Myrrh (an embalming spice) pointing to His future sacrifice and death. They gave their very best treasures. 

3. Cross-References: 

• Psalm 72:10 (The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents). 

• Isaiah 60:6 (They shall bring gold and incense). 

4. Life Application: Worship involves giving. These men gave lavishly. We don’t buy God’s love, but because we love Him, we offer Him the treasure of our time, our talents, and our resources. True worship costs us something—it involves the surrender of what we hold dear. 

5. Discussion Question: The Wise Men gave material gifts. What are the “treasures” in your life that you can offer to Jesus today? 

Verse 12  Quote: “And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.” 

2. Commentary: God speaks again in a dream to protect His Son and the Wise Men. They were warned not to go back to the deception of Herod. They obeyed God rather than the king. They went home “another way.” Meeting Jesus always changes your direction. 

3. Cross-References: 

• Acts 5:29 (We ought to obey God rather than men). 

• Job 33:14-16 (God speaks… in a dream… then he openeth the ears of men). 

4. Life Application: When you meet Jesus, you cannot go back the same way you came. He changes your path. We must listen to God’s warnings and be willing to change our plans when He directs us. Obedience is the final act of their worship here. 

5. Discussion Question: Has meeting Jesus caused you to go “another way” in life, changing your habits or direction? 

Closing Statement: So there we have it, friends. We see two kings: Herod, clinging to power in fear, and Jesus, the humble King worthy of worship. We see two responses: the religious leaders who knew the Bible but stayed home, and the Gentiles who traveled far to give their best gifts. My prayer for us today is that we would be like those Wise Men. Let’s not just know about Jesus; let’s seek Him. Let’s not just give Him lip service; let’s fall down and offer Him the treasure of our hearts. And when we leave here today, let’s walk a different way—the way of faith and obedience. God bless you all as you live this out! 

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