Bible Text: Matthew 2:1-12 | Preacher: Pastor Joe Ricchuiti | Series: Matthew, Three Responses

1.  The events of Matthew 2 happened at least several months after Jesus’ birth, not on the night of His birth as commonly portrayed.

-He was in a house not a stable, vs. 11

-He was a called “child” (Greek, “paidion”) in vs. 11, not a newborn infant (Greek, “brephos,” Luke 2:12)

-Luke 2:21-27 tells us that at Mary’s purification (33 days after circumcision on the 8th day), Joseph & Mary gave a poor family’s offering, and if the Magi had already given their gifts they could not have done that.

-Herod’s order to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and vicinity, two yrs. and younger, vs. 16

2.  Herod’s response of antagonism, hostility and fear, and the religious leader’s response of apathy and indifference have been re-enacted many times through the centuries right up to today. Apathy is as damaging a response as is antagonism.

3.  The proper response to Jesus is, as with the Magi, adoration, faith and worship.

4.  The Magi gave themselves first in worship before they gave their gifts.

5. “… what God favors us with, we must honor Him with.” (Matthew Henry)  The talent, resources, and time God has given us must be given back to Him.

6.  The gifts of the Magi to Jesus reflected not only His deity but His coming death as well (myrrh was used as a burial spice).

7.  Isaiah 60:6, speaking of Jesus’ second coming, mentions gold and incense, but no myrrh.