| 2004 Advent Messages |
Third
Sunday of Advent, Matthew 2:1-12, December 12, 2005
The First will be Last and the Last will be First
“After
Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi
from the
east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been
born king of the Jews?
We saw his star when it rose have come to worship him.” ~
Matthew 2:1-2
1.
The three main characters of the next section are listed in the first
verse. Which one represents humanity under the power of grace? Which represents
humanity under the power of sin? Which represents all of humanity?
2. Why were the Magi unlikely candidates for faith? How does their presence,
right from the beginning of the gospel, illustrate a powerful theme throughout
the gospel (19:30; 20:16, 26-27; 23:12)?
3. What was the significance of the star, especially in an eastern culture
that worshiped the stars?
4. What advantages did Herod have that should have predisposed him to
faith in God’s revelation?
5. How did Herod and the Christ child embody the principles of the two
kingdoms?
6. Consider the convergence of the star and the town of Bethlehem. What
does this say about God’s activity?
7. How do the Magi represent the chosen people of God, the fourteenth
generation?
