December 17, 2020
Here I Am to Worship
Matthew 2:1-12
Amber Hapka
Central Truth
We have many things vying for our worship. Only God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit are worthy of our worship.
Key Verse | Matthew 2:11
And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
Matthew 2:1-12
The Visit of the Wise Men
1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men 1 2:1 Greek magi; also verses 7, 16 from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose 2 2:2 Or in the east; also verse 9 and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
6
‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
Dive Deeper | Matthew 2:1-12
It's the most wonderful time of the year! I love the Christmas lights, hot cocoa, and peppermint candy canes. I also love the opportunity to focus on Christ's birth all month long with Advent readings to prepare for worship. But that hasn't always been the case.
Not long ago, all I focused on at this time of year was finding the "perfect" gift or creating the best holiday experiences for others. With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it's easy to get wrapped up in buying gifts, planning parties, and trying to make people happy. Sure, we sang Christmas carols and read the story of Jesus' birth at dinner, but I worshiped others' affirmation and traditions. I may not have called it "worship," but when we look at the dictionary definition, "adoring reverence or regard," that is what I did. I worshiped the tradition of the holiday and not the One who made it a holy day.
The wise men traveled far to worship Jesus and offer their treasure. This offering was not out of obligation, but out of love and adoring reverence for Jesus the King. Though we don't have the opportunity to bring treasures to Jesus today in the flesh, we are able to worship Him always. We are called to worship God in spirit and truth in John 4:23-24. We do this by giving thanks in all circumstances, staying rooted in God's Word, and understanding who God is and what He has done for us.
We have one week until Christmas Eve, the time when we celebrate the birthday of the Light of the world (John 8:12). Let's be diligent about how we worship Jesus this week with our time, talents, and treasures. Let's prepare our hearts to celebrate the one true king, Jesus!
I still love Christmas lights, hot cocoa, and peppermint candy canes. As I enjoy these gifts, I am reminded of the true Light of the world, the sweet love of the Lord that's better than chocolate, and the shepherd who was born for me.
Discussion Questions
1. God sent Jesus to be born a baby, to live a perfect holy life, and die on the cross for our sins. He came to pay a penalty we couldn't pay. He was buried and rose again on the third day and is alive today. What a gift to treasure! Have you accepted that free gift? If not, what is holding you back? Come explore your questions at Watermark Dallas every Monday night at 7:30 p.m. for Great Questions.
2. Did you know the candy cane is a fun tool to use to share with others about Jesus' love this time of year? You can find more info about how to use it online, but here's an example:
- Turned one way, it's a J for Jesus;
- The other way, it represents the shepherd's staff;
- The red stripes represent His blood shed for us; and
- The white candy shows our sins washed away by the sacrifice of a sinless savior. Use it this week!
3. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." What do you treasure/worship today?
4. What would it take for you to have the wise men's posture of worship for Jesus instead of what you are worshiping?
5. What is an area of life you can steward your time, talent, and treasure differently to honor God? Luke 12:13-21 may help.