Overwhelmed With Joy
Overwhelmed With Joy
December 27, 2009
Lesson: Matthew 2:1–12
Key Verse: Matthew 2:10
Introduction
Rejoicing belongs to the child of God as does breathing the air which the Creator has given him. It is the soul’s response to the wonderful gift of salvation in Christ, the Son of God, and our Savior. God gives this song to us, who are called by his name: “Remember me, O Lord, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation; That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance” (Psa. 106:4–5). We are encouraged to “Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness” (Psa. 97:12); and, “Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous; for praise is comely for the upright” (Psa. 33:1).
The righteous rejoice in the truth that Christ is our Lord and Savior according to God’s Word. The joy itself was promised to Zechariah of the birth of John, “And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth” (Luke 1:14). Mary’s praise of her Lord contained these words, “And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior” (Luke 1:47). Our rejoicing filled our hearts when, by the Spirit, we came to know Christ as our Savior, rejoicing in the truth that truly in him we have been forgiven of our sins, redeemed with his precious blood, saved by grace through faith: truly a wonderful gift of God.
Where is He?—Matthew 2:1–2
Christ Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea “in the days of Herod the king.” Mary and Joseph and Jesus lived in Bethlehem for about two years when the wise men from the east finally reached Jerusalem. They sought an audience with Herod the king and asked, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” They had seen the star in the east and had followed it to the land of Judea. They said to Herod that their purpose in coming was to worship this King.
It was God the Father who sent his Son into the world in order that those who would believe in him would have eternal life. The Almighty God set a star in the sky to direct those whom he chose to come to Bethlehem to worship his Son. God chose the Magi of the east as the ones who would pay homage to his Son as King. The Majesty of the Son of God will not be denied by Herod or anyone else in this world. God speaks to this world today, saying, “I have set my King upon the holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said to me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. … Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way. Blessed are they that put their trust in him” (Psa. 2:6–12).
Discussion: What was the purpose of the wise men in coming to Judea?
In Bethlehem—Matthew 2:3–8
Herod the king was troubled when he heard about a King, who was born in Judea. His was a kingdom which was gotten by the sword. He was appointed the tetrarch of Judea in 41 B.C. by Antony of Rome. He became king of Judea in 37 B.C. through Antony and Augustus. Herod showed his power through a decisive victory over Arabia. He defeated all those who would oppose him. He was a great leader. His architectural ability was seen in his building of an amphitheater at Jerus, and the rebuilding of the temple of Zerubbabel. However, he was a man of great fleshly passion and wickedness. Though the trials and executions of his sons had the approval of Rome, Augustus, it is told, said, “I would rather be Herod’s hog than his son.” At the end he suffered an awful disease which led him to attempt suicide. This was the king who feared the words of the Magi, which would bring him to kill all the male children less than two years of age.
Herod gathered the chief priests and scribes together and demanded that they find where this Christ should be born. The use of the word Christ indicates that the conversation and the knowledge were more than that about a king; it was about one who was appointed to be King. Searching the Scriptures, they found that such a Messiah King would be born in the city of Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2). Herod was a man of great cunning. He would not be averse to lie if it would serve his purpose. Therefore he called the wise men to his side and required of them “what time the star appeared.” Herod then sent the wise men to Bethlehem with these words: “Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I might come and worship him also.” It is into this darkness that the Lord sent these wise men. For the Lord will accomplish his will in and through whomever he desires.
Discussion: How is Herod seen as an instrument in the hand of the Lord?
The Star—Matthew 2:9–12
The wise men left the king and soon discovered that “that the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.” God announced his King with a star in his heavens. It was his chosen way to lead his chosen men to come to that little town of Bethlehem. It was a special star for the wise men were able to see exactly where the young child was. It was not high in the heavens that they would have to guess. It was a light by which they were directed to where this young boy lived. Christ Jesus is our Light, God’s gift to us that we may know his saving grace.
This star brought much rejoicing to the hearts of these men. Did the star appear to them at the time of the birth of Christ? Had they spent time searching their documents to find the meaning of this new star? Had they gathered their caravan together and traveled over the sands and rocks of the country? Then, after their long travel, they saw that the star had truly led them to the King whom they wished to worship, and they rejoiced.
They stood outside the house of Joseph and Mary. It was many months since that evening in the manger. They looked and saw “the young child with Mary his mother.” At the sight of Jesus they fell down and worshiped him. This could only be the work of the Holy Spirit. Their hearts were open to see the King of heaven. They presented Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These were gifts fit for a King. They were provisions given by the hand of God the Father to His Son, provisions which would be a blessing to the family. However, more than that, it revealed the gift of the King who would provide and protect his people, abundantly and forever.
The Magi chose the first fruits of their land to honor this King; so it is our duty to give to our King the first fruits of our labor. Calvin comments, “Our duty is, to adore him in a spiritual manner: for the lawful and reasonable worship which he demands is, that we consecrate first ourselves, and then all that we have, to his service.” (Note: Psa. 51:15–19)
Discussion: In what ways can we show honor to our King Jesus?
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