1. The Wise Men
Encounters With Jesus

2. Introduction Encounters With Jesus
“from the east” refers to Babylon/Persia
“wise men” the Greek term “Magos” or “Magi” the term was corrupted and becomes our “magic” and a term to describe sorcerers
Same group of people referred to in Daniel 2
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3. Introduction Encounters With Jesus
The Magi were scientist, priest, philosophers and lawmakers
Portrayed in both history and Scripture as politically active and often in positions of power Jer 39:3,13; Dan 6:7; Esther 1:3
History would tell us they were in fact “king-makers”
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4. Seeking the King Encounters With Jesus
“There had spread over all the Orient an old and established belief that it was fated at that time for men coming from Judea to rule the world.”
Suetonius
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5. Seeking the King Encounters With Jesus
“There was a firm persuasion that at this very time the east was to grow powerful and rulers coming from Judea were to acquire a universal empire.”
Tacitus
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6. Seeking the King Encounters With Jesus
Why did this group of Magi succeed in finding the Lord?
Portrayed in Matthew as listening to and obeying God - Matt 2:5-6,12
Perhaps influenced by Daniel and the faithful Jews left from the captivity
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7. Seeking the King Encounters With Jesus
If we desire to encounter the King we must allow Scripture to be our guide - 2Peter 1:16-21
Scripture presents itself as the singular source for instruction in how to approach him
The Gospel finds its source in the Divine Mind not the Human heart
Man cannot encounter Jesus through I think, I feel, I want religion - Matt 17:1-5
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8. King of My Life Encounters With Jesus
There is a real need to emphasize the Lordship of Christ
Jesus is the spotless lamb, the loving savior and the embodiment of grace and truth, but these do not fully comprehend his nature or His rule
Paul presents Jesus as an authoritative and powerful king - 1Tim 6:11-16
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9. King of My Life Encounters With Jesus
“I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; A star shall come forth from Jacob, A scepter shall rise from Israel, And shall crush through the forehead of Moab, And tear down all the sons of Sheth.
Numbers 24:17 (NASB95)
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10. King of My Life Encounters With Jesus
“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.”
Micah 5:2 (NASB95)
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11. King of My Life Encounters With Jesus
The Lord will stretch forth Your strong scepter from Zion, saying, “Rule in the midst of Your enemies.”
Psalm 110:2 (NASB95)
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12. King of My Life Encounters With Jesus
13 “I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, And He came up to the Ancient of Days And was presented before Him. 14 “And to Him was given dominion, Glory and a kingdom, That all the peoples, nations and men of every language Might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion Which will not pass away; And His kingdom is one Which will not be destroyed.
Daniel 7:13–14 (NASB95)
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13. King of My Life Encounters With Jesus
5 “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord, “When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch; And He will reign as king and act wisely And do justice and righteousness in the land. 6 “In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell securely; And this is His name by which He will be called, ‘The Lord our righteousness.’
Jeremiah 23:5–6 (NASB95)
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14. King of My Life Encounters With Jesus
18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18–20 (NASB95)
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15. King of My Life Encounters With Jesus
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.”
Acts 2:36 (NASB95)
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16. King of My Life Encounters With Jesus The Christ of Scripture is King
He rules over His creation by Divine Right - Col 1:16; Eph 1:20-21
He rules over my eternal destiny by the authority given Him by the Father - Jn 5:21-23
Will I submit or rebel?
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17. King of My Life Encounters With Jesus
The Magi of Matthew 2 lived in a time of political chaos
The eastern empire had been at war with Rome
Augustus was aging, Tiberius had stepped down, Herod the Great was weakening
In the midst of this the Magi sought a King
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18. Submitting to the King Encounters With Jesus
Demonstrated through more than mere lip service
The Wise Men brought luxurious gifts
They fell down and worshipped him
They rejoiced with exceeding great joy
What gift do we offer our King?
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