1. The Wisdom of the Seekers

2. Timing of Visit from the Magi – Not to the stable, to a house – Not when He was an infant… Number of Magi/Wise Men? Timing of Visit from the Magi – Not to the stable, to a house – Not when He was an infant… Number of Magi/Wise Men? Key Background

3. Introduction Matthew 2:1-15

4. Wise Men SEEK Jesus Who Were the WISE MEN? – Magi – probably from Persia Who Were the WISE MEN? – Magi – probably from Persia

5. Wise Men SEEK Jesus Who Were the WISE MEN? – Professional astronomers Who Were the WISE MEN? – Professional astronomers

6. Wise Men SEEK Jesus Who Were the WISE MEN? – Daniel was a Master Magi Who Were the WISE MEN? – Daniel was a Master Magi

7. Wise Men SEEK Jesus Who Were the WISE MEN? – Often recognized world events and/or rulers Who Were the WISE MEN? – Often recognized world events and/or rulers

8. What Was the STAR? – NOT a meteor – NOT a comet – NOT a nova or supernova What Was the STAR? – NOT a meteor – NOT a comet – NOT a nova or supernova Wise Men SEEK Jesus

9. What Was the STAR? – PROBABLY a conjunction of planets or planets & stars – Several likely candidates – MAYBE supernatural What Was the STAR? – PROBABLY a conjunction of planets or planets & stars – Several likely candidates – MAYBE supernatural Wise Men SEEK Jesus

10. Why Seek the King of the Jews? – Prophecy – Numbers 24:17 – Writings of Daniel & other ancient writers Why Seek the King of the Jews? – Prophecy – Numbers 24:17 – Writings of Daniel & other ancient writers Wise Men SEEK Jesus

11. Wise Men JOYFULLY WORSHIP Hearts Filled with JOY

12. Wise Men JOYFULLY WORSHIP Prepared GIFTS of WORSHIP – Gold – Frankincense – Myrrh Prepared GIFTS of WORSHIP – Gold – Frankincense – Myrrh

13. Wise Men JOYFULLY WORSHIP Prepared GIFTS of WORSHIP – FRANKINCENSE Prepared GIFTS of WORSHIP – FRANKINCENSE

14. Wise Men JOYFULLY WORSHIP Prepared GIFTS of WORSHIP – MYRRH Prepared GIFTS of WORSHIP – MYRRH

15. Wise Men JOYFULLY WORSHIP Prepared GIFTS of WORSHIP – Bottom Line: Very costly, sacrificial gifts, prepared well ahead of time. Prepared GIFTS of WORSHIP – Bottom Line: Very costly, sacrificial gifts, prepared well ahead of time.

16. Wise Men JOYFULLY WORSHIP Prepared GIFTS of WORSHIP – Jesus as King – Jesus as God – Jesus as the Suffering Servant and Sacrifice Prepared GIFTS of WORSHIP – Jesus as King – Jesus as God – Jesus as the Suffering Servant and Sacrifice

17. Wise Men LISTEN and OBEY

18. Holy Family PROTECTED and PROVIDED FOR !

19. Conclusion Are you among the Wise Men? – Seeking – Joyful – Worshipping – Giving Are you among the Wise Men? – Seeking – Joyful – Worshipping – Giving

20. Conclusion Are you a WORSHIPPER or RESISTER?

21. Conclusion What is your trial? God is a PROVIDER & PROTECTOR