A father bought his daughters a quad bike for Christmas and was bursting with pride when the eldest rolled the machine over and wanted to get straight back on. Then he turned to his wife, saw tears and heard: I knew this would happen. One event, two different responses. That scene opens a sermon about three responses to the birth of Jesus (Matthew 2): the fury of Herod, the indifference of the scholars, who knew the prophecy and never moved, and the Magi, who travelled hundreds of miles to worship. The most dangerous of the three is not the angry one, but the one that knows everything and does nothing with it. Listen and ask which of them sits closest to what happens in you each December.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- In Matthew 2:1-12 we see three responses to Jesus' birth: Herod, the chief priests and teachers of the law, and the Magi. How do their reactions differ, and what drives each of them?
- The chief priests knew the prophecy in Micah 5:2 and that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, yet they never went looking for Him. Why can knowing about Jesus fail to lead us to actually meet Him?
- Herod felt threatened because there was no room in his life for another king. In what areas of your life is it hard to give Jesus control and first place?
- The preacher said many people know the Christmas story, but it has no personal consequences for them. What helps you experience Christmas as more than custom and tradition?
- The Magi sacrificed their time, their comfort and their best gifts to worship Jesus. What does it mean for you to come to Jesus prepared to give something?
- What specific gift of your time, talents or money can you offer Jesus this week as an act of worship?
