Seeking the Savior
Matthew 2:1-15
Are you looking for a better life? Most adults are constantly on the lookout for something different, something better. We look in all directions for a better job with better pay, a new place to live, a new relationship, a new career, new social activities, new hobby, and on and on. While many of these things can give short-term renewal or satisfaction, none will give contentment to our deepest longings. And until that deep cry and need of our heart is met, we will always be discontented. Only Jesus can quiet our longings and give us contentment that is real.
What are you looking for? (Matthew 2:1-2). The wise men came looking for the new King. They came to worship and honor him with gifts. They had followed a new star all the way to Jerusalem. They came seeking and searching, just like us, for that something or someone to bring peace to their lives. If you are looking for answers to the riddles of life, or if you know someone who is searching, I urge you to seek Jesus, who can give you God’s ultimate truth and fulfillment.
What is your motive? (Matthew 2:3-8). The wise men traveled a long way to find and worship the new king. Herod told them that he, too, wanted to worship the new king. Both said they wanted to worship, but they had very different motives. The wise men came with humble spirits, bowing before the Lord Jesus, the newborn King. Herod only pretended so he could carry out his wicked plans.
Anyone who wishes to truly worship Jesus must believe in Him as Savior and Lord and come to Him humbly, honestly and in repentance. We need to check the motives of our heart each time we desire to worship Him.
How will you respond? (Matthew 2:9-12). The wise men came to where Jesus was, fell on their knees before Him, worshipped Him, and gave Him gifts befitting royalty. Are our gifts worthy of a King or do we merely tip God a little something and hope He understands? My granddaughter just got her first job and is learning what it means to honor God with her gifts. She said she was giving 20 percent to Jesus because it didn’t seem right to give just 10 percent. “After all, He died for my sins. He deserves my best gift.” She understands what the wise men understood, that Jesus deserves our very best gifts. Are you worshipping God with your best gifts?
Who is this Christmas child? (Matthew 2:13-15). Jesus was born in fulfillment of hundreds of prophecies and thousands of years of waiting. He is the child of promise. He is the Messiah, the promised One, who would save His people from their sins. By going into Egypt for safety, the prophecy of Hosea that God would call His Son from there was fulfilled. We have every reason to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Let us celebrate, worship and obey our Lord each day of our lives.
Davis– Lessons in the ETB series for the winter quarter are being written by Ron Davis, director of missions for Greenville Baptist Association.