Matthew 2:1-12
Reading 2
Matthew 2:1-12
“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 saw his star when it rose 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”.
Notice that yesterday we considered the 8th day after Jesus’ birth in Luke and now today we switch books to Matthew’s account and read about a visit Jesus receives from wise men from the east. It is interesting the various details each author includes and important to for us to see how the gospels are progressing.
Confession. Careful reading of the Biblical text combined with a the sense of detail God has given to me causes me to not be liked so much by my children at Christmas. Allow me to explain.
A few years ago we were given a set of illuminated figures for Christmas. Included were baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and three wise men. Personally, I fall under conviction that so much surrounding Christmas in our culture is confusing when held beside the Biblical accounts. Still though, I believe God has placed His people in this culture and I feel every disciple of Christ should not pull back from but engage the culture for the purpose of the gospel with each opportunity. In other words my conviction is to not be weird but intentional! Therefore over the past 5 years our family makes a gospel statement in our lawn during the month of December.
Caden was only a couple of years old when we first decorated our lawn for Christmas. He was young and liked lights. All the figures had lights and my Father-in-law had made for him a “manger” to house the figures. It only made sense in my 2 year old’s mind that all the figures should be placed together and this where we clashed.
Now many would argue I should have just rolled with it and allowed Caden to have fun but I just couldn't. Matthew’s gospel account combined with so many other misconstrued ideas of Christmas truly convicted me. What to do? With Caden’s help and much conversation we read the gospel account and then placed Jesus, Joseph, and Mary in the manger but then at a distance in the east placed the wise men. That first year my two year old was confused but in the end was simply happy the lights worked when it got dark.
Does my intentionality really matter? I believe it does. God’s word is authority and now each year with Caden and now Amiah they question me as to why others who decorate don’t place the figures surrounding the Christmas story in the proper place?
As you read this I don’t want you to miss my point. I am not suggesting that issues of heaven, hell, faithfulness, etc. hinge on where plastic figures are placed in ones lawn during the month of December. My point is simple, intentionality. It is crucially important Christ’s disciples understand authority, order, truth, and are intentional as a result.
Here is what I have learned over the past five years. It might just be plastic figurines but through having intentional conversations combined with intentional actions I now have an annual verbatim with my young children regarding God’s order and ultimate plan. I also am averaging a half dozen conversations with neighbors each year about Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth. I never see it as a negative when others ask me about God’s Word!
What are your plans today and where does the authority for their direction and ultimate sustenance reside? Even the little things are not always so little.
