Preaching Point: The Wise Men’s gift of gold should remind us to revere Jesus as the unrivaled King of the universe.

Main Text: Matthew 2:1-12 (ESV) 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.

Teaching Points:

1. Affirm Jesus’ Divine Kingship
2. Offer Jesus Your Best, Not Just What’s Left
3. Anticipate Jesus’ Eternal Kingship

Application Questions:

1. What is one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon?
2. Read John 18:36-37, Matthew 2:1-2, and Micah 5:2. How does affirming the Divine Kingship of Jesus reshape your priorities and ambitions?
3. What practical steps should you take this Christmas season to orient your life fully around the Divine Kingship of Jesus?
4. Read 2 Samuel 24:18-25 and Matthew 10:37-39. Where are you tempted, and even guilty, of giving Jesus less than your best and settling to give him whatever is left over?
5. What are the most common culprits that lead you into this pattern, and what steps can you take to eradicate them moving forward?
6. How do these passages, along with the Wise Men and their gifts in Matthew 2:11, challenge you to be intentional about giving Jesus what he truly deserves?
7. Read Luke 1:30-33 and Isaiah 9:6-7. How can you use this Christmas season to better prepare yourself and your family for Jesus’ eternal reign as King?