THE WISE MEN

                                                             Matthew 2:1-2

  Introduction

       A.  These men have been thought of as a part of the Christmas season, although they

             didn’t arrive on the scene until well over a year later.

       B.  We don’t know a great deal about them.  How many?  Who were they?  Where

             did they come from?

       C.  We do know that they were called wise men.

       D.  Let’s consider why these men were wise, and how we can be just as wise.

  Body

   I.  These men were wise because they searched for Jesus.  “Where is He who has been

        born King of the Jews?”  Matthew 2:2

       A.  A divine ruler was generally expected to be appointed about that time to His

              mission.  Matthew 2:4-6; v6 is a quote from Micah 5:2 concerning the birth of

              Jesus.

              1.  We don’t know how much scripture these men understood, but they knew

                    enough to know that they wanted to find the Messiah.

       B.  Have you found Jesus?  John 14:6.  Questions

  II.  These men were wise because they were determined to find Jesus in spite of

        circumstances.  Matthew 2:7-10

       A.  Their determination

          

       B.  Are you determined in your search for Jesus?  Luke 8:11-12; I Peter 5:8; 1 John

             2:16; Luke 9:23-26

  III.  These men were wise because they worshipped Jesus. Matthew 2:11

        A.          bowed down                  worshipped                      presented gifts

        B.  Do we give ourselves to God in faith and worship?  John 4:24.  Do we worship

              to please God  or self?

  Conclusion

        A.  How wise am I?