You say of God: I know, I believe, it is all clear, but have you really handed him the controls of your life, or pushed him into a corner as someone you know too little about anyway? This message follows the wise men from the east (Matthew 2), who had only a star and yet set out, asked strangers for directions, and were not afraid to ask about a new king in Herod’s own court. The paradox is that those who knew the most, Herod, the chief priests, the people of Jerusalem, never moved, while foreigners fell on their faces and opened their treasures before God, which is to say their own hearts. Listen if the king of heaven and earth is still not your king.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- The wise men had only a star, while the chief priests and teachers of the law knew the prophet's exact words about Bethlehem. According to Matthew 2:1-12, why did the wise men set out while those who knew the most stayed in Jerusalem?
- How do you understand the meaning of the wise men's gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh? What do they say about who Jesus is?
- The speaker highlighted the courage and humility of the wise men, who asked ordinary people for directions. What makes it hard for you today to ask questions about God and admit you don't know everything?
- Herod and the people of Jerusalem may not have sought Jesus because He didn't fit their picture of a powerful Messiah. Which of your expectations of God lead you to treat Him like a genie who grants wishes?
- The wise men opened their treasures, and the speaker compared this to opening your heart. How can giving God your time, money or service become a substitute for giving Him yourself?
- In which area of your life do you want to hand Jesus the steering wheel this week, so that others looking at you could say: God is clearly at work here?
