1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

 

A. Wise men still seek Jesus.

 

     Hebrews 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe           that He is, and that He is a rewarded of those who diligently seek Him. 

 

     Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall         be added to you.

 

    1 Chronicles 16:10-11 Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD! Seek the LORD and His          strength; Seek His face evermore!

 

   2 Chronicles 7:14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and           seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their         sin and heal their land.

 

   Psalm 10:4 The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God. God is in none of his thoughts.

 

   Psalm 34:10 Those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing.

 

   Isaiah 55:6 Seek the LORD while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near.

 

   Jeremiah 29:13 | And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

 

3 When Herod the king heard this, 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 inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

 

B. Some people will be troubled by your worship. 

 

4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:

6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;

For out of you shall come a Ruler

Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”

 

C. It is possible to know much about God without knowing God very deeply. 

 

D. It is impossible to know God very deeply without knowing much about Him. 

 

7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”

 

E. Some people pretend to worship.

 

    Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they              are ravenous wolves.

 

    John 4:23 - 24 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the                  Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those            who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

 

9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen 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 exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

 

F.  When I encounter Jesus I should worship and rejoice exceedingly. 

 

12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.

 

G. After encountering Jesus, there are some things we should avoid. 

 

    1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”

 

H. I can find True Royalty in a place seemingly for commoners.

I. I can find my miracle in a seemingly messy place.