Message Five: "The Wise Men"

By Dr. Michael Guido, D.D.

Matthew 2:1-12

When God made man he didn’t arrange the joints of his bones so he could pat himself on the back. But there are some men whom I’d like to pat on the back. They’re introduced to us in the 2nd chapter of Matthew and they’re called The Wise Men.

They’re wise men because of their Decision. When the Lord Jesus was born, men were waiting for God. The desire for Him was in their hearts. They discovered from experience that they couldn’t build a golden age without God. It was to a waiting world that Jesus came; and, when He came, the wise men gathered at His cradle. They were priest-sages, extremely well educated for their day. They were specialists in astronomy and astrology, medicine and magic. They turned from the seat of human wisdom to bow at the feet of Him who is the Wisdom of God. They left their astrology to worship the Almighty. They were wise because they acted on what they saw. Others may have seen the star, but these men not only saw the star, they came seeking the Savior. They came from afar, probably from Persia. It took them a long time, a very long time. But they didn’t mind the miles or the misery of the trip; they came. But today multitudes won’t come to Him right from where they sit in their comfortable chairs.

They’re wise men because of their Declaration. They didn’t ask whether Jesus was born, but where. Their declaration was, “Where is He that is born King of the Jews?” This required faith, for they recognized in the infant of days the Ancient of days, the uncreated being who took the form of a created babe, He who made flesh was made flesh, He who rested on the bosom of a mother without an earthly father, once rested in the bosom of the Heavenly Father without a mother. For no other child did the heavens call into being a new star. For no other child did the angels descend from glory. For no other child did the wise men come from the East, and they came because they had faith in Him. Have you?

They’re wise because of their Deed. They worshiped Jesus. They didn’t come to worship the cradle, but the Christ; not the mother, but the Master; not the site, but the Savior. Too often we put rituals ahead of the Redeemer, the church ahead of the Christ, the servants ahead of the Savior. They put Jesus first–ahead of their profession, their position, their possessions, their pleasures–they put Him first. Have you?

They’re wise men because of their Discovery. What was it that they discovered? Not what, but Whom–Christ. By discovering Christ I mean they found in Him pardon for their sins, power for their struggles, and peace for their strife. They found in Him a cure–for what? For weakness and worry, for meanness and misery, for suffering and sadness, for temptation and trouble. Have you found Him? Oh, nobody can find Him for you. You must find Him for yourself. He’s not far from you, He’s close at hand. All you have to do is to take one step and turn from your sins to the Savior. Do it now, won’t you?

They’re wise men because of their Donations. They didn’t come to Christ to get, but to give; and they didn’t come to give their bit but their best. First of all they brought themselves. They knelt at the feet of the Lord Jesus in dedication before acting as donors. Some patronize Christ with their holdings, but not their hearts; their substance, but not themselves. But it should be ourselves first, then our offerings. After they gave themselves, they gave their treasures. Oh, nothing is too good to give to God. Nothing is too costly to give to Christ. Give up everything for Jesus, but don’t give up Jesus for anything.

The wise men gave Christ gold. That’s the gift for a king, and they saw in Him the King of kings. Jesus was the man born to be King. But he reigns not by the lash but by love, and He rules over our hearts not because of a thorn but a tree–where He died for our sins.

The wise men gave Christ frankincense. That’s the gift for a priest. In Latin that word means “bridge-builder.” That’s what Jesus is. He built a bridge between man and God. He opened the way for us to come into the presence of God.

The wise men gave Christ myrrh. That’s the gift for one who’s to die. You and I were born to live. Not Jesus, He was born to die. There’s a picture of Jesus at the door of a carpenter shop in Nazareth. He’s just a boy, and He’s standing with His arms outstretched. Just behind Him on the wall, the sun throws His shadow, and it’s the shadow of a cross. He was born in a cradle that He might die on the cross for you and me. Just now, after all He has done for us, let’s give Him the gold of our obedience, the frankincense of our worship, and the myrrh of sacrifice. That’s what I’m doing. Care to join me?

copyright 2000 Guido Evangelistic Association

All Scripture verses are quoted from the New King James Version.

This series of messages on the books of the Bible were originally written for broadcast on Dr. Guido's radio program, "The Sower." They are collected and reprinted here for your enjoyment and spiritual edification. Go to the Sower's site for more at www.TheSower.com.