3 Jan 13: The Visit of the Magi and Paul Declares the Power of the Gospel

3 Jan 13: The Visit of the Magi and Paul Declares the Power of the Gospel

**Read Matthew 2:1-12 and Romans 1:16-17
Prayer: Father God, bless us Lord and send your Holy Spirit upon us to guide us in our studies.  Bless those who seek your word and open the hearts of others who are lost.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

I. The Visit of the Magi

-Matthew 2:1-12 tells the story of the Magi's visit of Jesus Christ more known as the "three Kings".   These "kings" were not really royalty but wise men who study the heavens and the stars.  It is also not written in the scriptures that there were three of them but it is through tradition that was passed around that the Magi's were Melchior, Caspar  and Balthazar.  When they reached Judeah, they went to King Herod to ask for this "King of the Jews".  They had followed the star all the way from the east to give praise and gifts to the messiah.  King Herod was alarmed and troubled so he consulted with his religious leaders and scribes about the prophecy.  He learned that it is written in Micah 5:2 that a ruler of Israel will come from Bethlehem.  After learning this, he instructed the Magis to look for this "King" and report to him once they find him.  In 2:9-11, the Magis found Jesus and presented him with their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. When we think of this event, we always see the "Nativity Scene" where the baby Jesus is lying on the manger beside Joseph and Mary with the "Three Kings" presenting him gifts.  Contrary to popular belief, Jesus probably was 1-2 years old already when they saw him because of the time it takes to travel in those days.  He was probably walking already and running around just like any other kid.  After the visit, the Magis returned home by taking a different route because of the warning they received in their dream not to tell Herod because of his wicked plans.  We can see the faith that the Magi's had in the "King".  They traveled thousands of miles just by following a star without knowing where they'll be going and when they'll get there.  When they found him, they responded with joy, worship, and gifts.  Nowadays, it is God that is searching for us.  We wait for God to give us proof of His existence and to present us with gifts for us to accept him.  If we are wise just like the Magis, we would look for Him and put our trust in Him for if you seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness, you will be blessed.

II. Paul Declares the Power of the Gospel

- In Romans 1:16-17  Paul continues his letter to Rome by telling them that he is not ashamed of the gospel or "good news" of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.  This was said because the Jews did not accept Jesus as their messiah and they were ashamed of their confidence and were still waiting for the another messiah to come.  Paul then wrote about God's power to forgive people and to deliver them from sin and death.  He mentioned salvation to the Jew first because of them being God's people, Jesus came from them, they had God's law and his temple.  And next, the gospel will be delivered to the Greek which meant to every one that were not Jews or simply the world.  1:17 reminded us that God is just and holy and the only method of deliverance from condemnation or sin, is by faith in the mercy of God, through Jesus Christ; and not by any works or good deeds of men (Ephesians 2:8-9).  We just need to have faith in God and accept that Jesus Christ is our savior and he was born, he died, and was risen to save us from our sins.

III. Proverbs for Today/1;10-19

10 My son, if sinners entice you,
Do not consent.
11 If they say, “Come with us,
Let us lie in wait to shed blood;
Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;
12 Let us swallow them alive like Sheol,[a]
And whole, like those who go down to the Pit;
13 We shall find all kinds of precious possessions,
We shall fill our houses with spoil;
14 Cast in your lot among us,
Let us all have one purse”—
15 My son, do not walk in the way with them,
Keep your foot from their path;
16 For their feet run to evil,
And they make haste to shed blood.
17 Surely, in vain the net is spread
In the sight of any bird;
18 But they lie in wait for their own blood,
They lurk secretly for their own lives.
19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain;
It takes away the life of its owners.

IV. Old Testament Readings:
Genesis 5-7 and Psalm 3:1-8

Prayer: Father God, we thank you for giving us hope and your love.  We know that we don't deserve all the blessing but because you are a loving Father, you have fulfilled your promises to us.  Father, we ask that you continue to bless us and give us the drive that we will seek your Word so we may have a relationship with you.  Continue to provide for us, heal us, prosper us, and forgive our sins.  We love you, we honor, you, and we worship you.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.