Beyond Bethlehem
“Opposition, Indifference, or Worship?”
Matthew 2:1-12

How you connect with Christmas will determine the transformation you experience.

We can be …
Threatened 
Indifferent
Worshipers 

Matthew 2:1-12

Herod – Matthew 2:1-3, Matthew 2:7-8, Matthew 2:16-18
One of the best-documented ancient rulers
Awarded the title “King” only in Judea 
Called “Herod the Great” 
Married 10 wives, had many sons who wanted to take over 
Became paranoid that no one would mourn his death
Ordered the killing of male children age two or younger 
(Source: Dr. Paul L. Maier)

Herod was threatened by King Jesus.

Religious leaders – Matthew 2:4-6
Knew the prophecies 
Quoted the prophet Micah – Micah 5:2, Micah 5:4
Lived five miles from Bethlehem 
	
Religious leaders were indifferent to King Jesus.

Magi – Matthew 2:1-2, Matthew 2:9
“Magoi” a tribe of people from Persia (Modern-day Iran)
Curious outsiders from Daniel – Daniel 2:1-2
May have done the math from Daniel’s prophecy – Daniel 9:25
A star was predicted to rise in Israel – Numbers 24:17

“I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel …” –Numbers 24:17

Magi 
God may have spoken to them – Matthew 2:12
They worshiped Jesus 

Magi became worshipers of King Jesus.
		
True worship always involves humility, joy, and sacrifice.

How you connect with Christmas will determine the transformation you experience.