Matthew 2:1-12

Matthew 2:1-12 
English Standard Version (ESV)

  I could write a lot about the wise men -- they're a fascinating topic.  Here we find some Persian astrologers who are looking into the sky when what should happen, but God writes the truth into the sky, and they're bold enough to pursue it.  Lesson 1 -- God comes to us where we are.  God didn't wait for the Persians to figure out the truth, but God reached out to them in the method they would understand.
  Then the wise men go to Jerusalem, but they don't know where Jesus is born, so they go looking for answers.  Lesson 2 -- don't be afraid to ask directions!!  Just because you aren't certain of how best to follow Jesus doesn't mean that you have to blindly stumble along out of pride -- let yourself be led by the community.
  When they find Jesus, they fell down and worshiped.  Think of it -- beforehand, they had been staring into the sky for answers, and suddenly they're falling down before a toddler to worship.  The truth that was written in the stars came down from heaven to welcome them into a Kingdom of grace.  These outsiders were welcomed as they were, and they laid down their treasure.  Lesson 3 -- the treasure to offer to God is what you have, not necessarily what you think might be needed.  The gifts of the wisemen weren't perfect for a toddler, but that's what they had, so they offered it, and we read about it to this day.  Give what you have, not what you think is needed.  Start where you are -- God is reaching out to you, inviting you in to an abundant and eternal life.  Start the journey!