The King Worth Seeking
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Matthew 2:1-12
My family watched the movie Unsung Heroes again the other day. It’s a true story about the Smallbone family. At a difficult time in their lives, the Smallbones—who would one day become the family behind the Christian band For King & Country—were struggling financially. Christmas was approaching, but they couldn’t afford presents, decorations, or even the basic comforts of the season.
That’s when their church family stepped in. Without being asked, people from the church showed up at their home with wrapped gifts, a Christmas tree, food, and everything needed to make the holiday special. The Smallbones were overwhelmed by this act of kindness.
It wasn’t just the material gifts that mattered—it was the love and generosity behind them. The church members weren’t just meeting a physical need; they were sharing the light of Christ, letting the Smallbones know they weren’t forgotten and that God’s love was tangible, even in their hardest moments.
This story is a powerful reminder of what it means to serve others.
It’s about seeing a need, stepping up, and being the hands and feet of Jesus.
Just as the wise men traveled to offer their gifts to Jesus, these church members gave sacrificially and selflessly to reflect Christ’s love.
They weren’t casual travelers; they were intentional seekers, driven by the desire to find the King of the Jews.
Their journey reminds us of the importance of actively seeking Jesus in our lives.
This brings us to the first part of their story:
I. The Search for the King
I. The Search for the King
Let’s look at how their pursuit of Christ mirrors our call to prioritize Him in our lives today.
Notice a few things with me this morning that we can learn from their search…
A. Recognize the King’s Significance
A. Recognize the King’s Significance
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
These wise men saw Jesus’ star in the East, and recognized the significance.
The star symbolized the fulfillment of prophecy.
17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: There shall come a Star out of Jacob, And a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, And shall smite the corners of Moab, And destroy all the children of Sheth.
This star was recognized, no doubt by the drawing of the Holy Spirit to see it’s significance.
It was a divine sign that led them to seek something greater than themselves.
Recognize today, if you have not before, that this Jesus is the sign you need to seek something greater than yourself!
C. S. Lewis once said, “If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.”
Jesus is calling you to come and worship Him today!
And like these Wise Men, let the recognition move you to action.
They didn’t just admire the star—they followed it, showing a real commitment to find the King.
That leads us to the second thing we can learn from these Wise Men…
B. Journey with Purpose
B. Journey with Purpose
1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
The start led them to their purpose.
They came to the Jerusalem, the city of kings.
They came where they expected to find Him.
They likely traveled for weeks or even months, crossing difficult terrain and enduring uncertainties.
When we are seeking Jesus…we need to be willing to follow Him anywhere, be willing to conquer anything that get’s in our way.
These wise men sacrificed to see the King, will you?
They say that it takes about 800 gallons of water to make a baptist — but it only takes about 3 drops to keep them home.
What does it take to keep you from your journey?
C. There Will Be Opposition
C. There Will Be Opposition
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
Herod felt threatened by the presence of another kind being born.
The wisemen in seeking the King, ran into a conflict between a worldly power and God’s kingdom.
There are many times this can be true for us too.
But if we ever find ourselves at a crossroads on our journey with Christ that causes us to have to choose between obeying God, or obeying man…we must obey God!
Notice even the religious leaders of the day knew the prophecy but didn’t act on it.
Despite their knowledge of Micah 5:2, they didn’t join the search.
They didn’t have the faith to seek the True King.
There are many that are religious, but are not journeying with Jesus!
Are you seeking Jesus with the same recognition of His significance and purpose for your life?
Like the wise men, are we willing to face obstacles in our journey to find and serve Him?
Jesus later will tell His disciples in Luke 9:23
23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Are you willing to take up your cross …every day… and follow Him?
If you are not willing…you are not truly His disciples.
But these Wise Men, they counted the cost, and they went forward in their search for the King.
And when they found Him, we see…
II. The Worship of the King
II. The Worship of the King
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
The wisemen’s worship of Jesus was not just in word, but in action.
Their gifts and their reverence teach us powerful lessons about how we, too, should worship the King.
First we see that…
A. Worship Begins with Preparation
A. Worship Begins with Preparation
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
The wise men were prepared to honor the King.
They diligently inquired about Him, asking Herod for guidance.
They came prepared with gifts to worship with.
Worship requires intentionality, it’s not something that we can approach casually.
Do you prepare your hearts to worship God each day?
Set aside time this week to worship God with purpose.
Reflect on the meaning of His coming, and what it means for your life.
6 O come, let us worship and bow down: Let us kneel before the Lord our maker.
I remember growing up, if we had a guest coming over to our house—cancel all of your plans, because mom was going to keep you busy getting things ready for their arrival.
Things had to be cleaned that there would be no chance of them seeing!
We had to move the couches and clean underneath them, we had to clean out closets, and under our beds.
Why?
Because we were preparing for someone important to us.
We ought to prepare the same when we come to the Lord to worship Him.
Cleanse every part of your heart, yield it all to Him, then come in and worship.
B. Worship Includes Giving Our Best
B. Worship Includes Giving Our Best
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
The wise men brought costly gifts!
Gold — a gift for a king; symbolizing Jesus’ royalty.
Frankincense — an incense used in worship, symbolizing His divinity.
Myrrh — a spice used for burial; foreshadowing His sacrifice.
They gave what was valuable to them, This showed what Jesus was worth to them.
In 2 Samuel 24, the story is told about David and how his lack of trust in God resulted in pestilence coming on Israel for three days.
The prophet Gad instructed David that he should build an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite, to make atonement and stop the plague.
When David approached Araunah to buy the threshing floor, Araunah offers it to the king for free, along with oxen for the sacrifice.
But David realized something very important — true worship involves a sacrifice.
It must cost you something.
24 And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.
Are you willing to give your best to God?
What gifts can you bring to Jesus today?
Your time, talents, resources, or service?
Worship involves sacrifice, whether it’s prioritizing time with God or serving other people.
No matter how small the gift, if it is your all…God happily receives it.
Young boy - Goodwill Santa - “What will you give Jesus?”
What are you willing to Give Jesus today?
C. Worship Involves Surrender and Reverence
C. Worship Involves Surrender and Reverence
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
The wise men fell down and worshipped the young King.
Their posture reflected complete humility and surrender.
These were men that were respected in their own countries.
Most likely from the areas of ancient Persia and Babylon.
Areas where Jews had once lived in exile.
The Jewish scriptures and prophecies became known in the region.
They were not kings, this is a common misconception taken from the Isaiah 60:3
3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, And kings to the brightness of thy rising.
But this seems to be more fulfilled int he 1,000 year reign of Christ on earth.
They were men of importance, but they humbled themselves before the King of kings.
Their visit shows:
God’s Sovereignty: He used a celestial sign to guide Gentiles to worship Jesus.
• Jesus as King of All Nations: Their homage underscores the universality of Jesus’ mission.
• The Importance of Worship and Giving: The Magi gave gifts that were valuable, symbolic, and fitting for a king.
True worship requires surrender.
It’s not just about singing hymns or attending church but giving our hearts, minds, and lives to Jesus in complete submission.
Just as the wise men fell down in worship before the King, we must bow our lives to Him, acknowledging His authority and offering Him everything we hold dear.
Ask yourself:
What areas of my life have I not fully surrendered to Christ?
Am I holding back my time, talents, or treasures from the One who gave His all for me?
Worshiping Jesus involves a heart posture of reverence, where we humbly acknowledge that He is Lord over every aspect of our lives.
This isn’t something we do once but a daily choice to yield ourselves to Him in faith and obedience.
Isaac Watts, known as the “Father of English Hymnody,” grew up frustrated with the rigid church music of his time. He once expressed to his father that the songs they sang lacked heartfelt meaning. His father, instead of dismissing him, challenged him: “If you think you can do better, then write your own!”
Isaac took up the challenge and began composing hymns that were deeply personal and expressive of his faith. One of his most famous works, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, was born out of his reflection on Christ’s sacrifice. Watts meditated on what it meant for Jesus to surrender His life for humanity, and he penned these powerful words:
“Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.”
Watts captured the heart of true worship—complete surrender to the King who gave His all for us. His hymn remains a timeless call for believers to lay everything at the feet of Jesus in reverence and gratitude.
Just as Isaac Watts realized that Jesus’ love demands more than words or superficial worship, we are called to give our all in surrender.
True worship requires that we fall before Jesus—not just physically, but with our hearts and lives—saying, “Lord, everything I am and have belongs to You.”
Are there areas of your life you’ve kept back from God?
Let the example of Isaac Watts and the wise men inspire you to bow in full surrender and reverence to Jesus, offering Him your soul, your life, your all.
D. Worship Leads to Joy
D. Worship Leads to Joy
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
The Wisemen when they saw the star they rejoiced.
This was the memory verse for your pastor when He was a severely ADD 3rd grade child.
True worship is not burdensome, it brings joy and fulfillment.
If worship and church attendance is a burden rather than a joy, it is possible our heart and focus is in the wrong place.
11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: In thy presence is fulness of joy; At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
The wise men’s worship teaches us that true worship requires preparation, sacrificial giving, humility, and leads to Real Joy.
Their example challenges us to honor Jesus with our best, not just during Christmas but throughout our lives.
As we reflect on the wise men’s worship, let’s commit to preparing our hearts, offering our best, surrendering fully, and finding joy in the presence of our King.
The wise men’s worship wasn’t just a moment of adoration; it led to a life-altering response.
After offering their gifts and bowing in reverence, they didn’t simply return to their old routines or paths.
Their encounter with Jesus changed everything—how they thought, how they traveled, and ultimately how they lived.
This reminds us that true worship doesn’t end at the altar.
It moves us to respond.
Just as the wise men obeyed God’s direction and left transformed, we, too, are called to let our worship shape our actions.
This brings us to the final part of their story:
III. The Response to the King
III. The Response to the King
12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
Let’s look at how their response can inspire and challenge us in our walk with Christ.
A. True Worship Results in Obedience
A. True Worship Results in Obedience
The Wise men obeyed God’s direction.
After meeting with Jesus, they received divine instruction in a dream to avoid returning to Herod.
Their obedience demonstrated trust in God’s guidance, even when it meant altering their plans.
Jesus told us himself:
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
Obedience is the natural outcome of genuine love and worship for Christ.
It doesn’t mean that you will be perfect, but you ought to see a pattern of obedience in your life.
Are you willing to change your plans or direction in life to follow God’s leading?
You will never be happier unless you yield it all to Him!
This week seek God’s guidance in prayer for the decisions you make, commit to obeying His will, even if it’s difficult!
Abraham obeyed God’s call to leave his homeland without being told where to go, or how long to travel.
Like the wisemen, Abraham trusted God and acted in faith, showing that worship involves not just feelings but action.
B. True Worship Leads to Transformation
B. True Worship Leads to Transformation
It changes you, and encounter with Jesus changes the path of your life.
Their obedience protected them from Herod’s schemes and furthered God’s plan!
Encountering Christ will change you forever!
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Has your encounter with Jesus changed the path of your life?
Are you walking in newness of life?
C. True Worship Inspires Others
C. True Worship Inspires Others
For thousands of years now the story of the wise men’s journey have inspired believers all around the world.
Their story reminds us to seek Jesus diligently, worship Him fully, and to obey Him completely.
Jesus commanded us to…
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
When we respond to Jesus with worship and obedience we influence others to seek Him too.
How is your response to Jesus inspiring others to know and follow Him?
This week take the opportunity to share your testimony of transformation with someone, and encourage them in their journey.
The wisemen’s response to the King reminds us that worship should lead to obedience, transformation and inspiration.
Meeting Jesus changes everything, and our response to Him reflects the depth of our worship.
Conclusion
Conclusion
The story of the wise men is more than a historical account; it is a powerful example of how worship transforms lives.
These men sought Jesus with diligence, worshiped Him with their best, and responded to Him with obedience and a changed direction.
Their journey challenges us to reflect on our own response to the King of Kings.
Are you seeking Jesus daily with the same passion and determination?
Have you surrendered everything to Him in worship and reverence?
Is your life changed and directed by His guidance?
Many years ago, in a small, snow-covered village, a young boy named Peter eagerly awaited Christmas. His family was poor, and though they had no presents, they cherished their tradition of lighting a single candle in their window on Christmas Eve. It symbolized hope and welcome—a sign to weary travelers that they were not alone.
One Christmas Eve, as the candle flickered in the window, Peter heard a knock at the door. Standing there was an old man, cold and weary from traveling. Without hesitation, Peter’s family welcomed him in, shared their meager supper, and offered him the warmest spot by the fire.
The man thanked them profusely, saying, “You don’t know how much your kindness means to me. I’ve been searching for a place to rest, and your candle was the only light I saw.”
Even many years later, Peter reflected on that Christmas and realized how much their small act of service had meant. The candle in their window had been a beacon of hope, a way of sharing the love of Christ in a simple yet profound way.
Like Peter’s family, the wise men allowed their worship to shine as a light for others.
They sought Jesus, gave Him their best, and obeyed His call, reflecting His love in their actions.
This Christmas, let’s light the candle of our worship and service, becoming beacons of hope for a weary world.
As we leave this place, let’s not leave unchanged.
Commit to seek Jesus with all your heart, surrender everything to Him, and let your life reflect His love in and through you.
Whether through acts of service, sacrificial giving, or simply sharing His message with someone, let your response to the King inspire others to do the same.
