Virtual Nativity: Wise men

Series: Virtual Nativity
Wise Men by Ted Beasley, December 16, 2007

1. This Virtual Nativity series has challenged us to think about the Christmas story with new eyes. One of the things Ted challenged us with at the beginning of his message is to be real about our doubts. So before we get into a discussion of the wise men, let’s talk about doubts. Often it is in asking questions that we get new eyes to see things differently, and questions also can be a route to greater faith. Think for a minute about your own doubts. What do you have questions about… particularly anything about the Christmas story? If you are in a group, see if you can identify what are any common questions/doubts people have? (And please remember, that it’s OK to have questions – and OK to respond to them, but don’t get de-railed into trying to ask or answer every question. The point here is to understand what are ours and other’s common issues – not to silence or answer them. There will be more discussion about doubts later.). (5 – 10 minutes)

2. Ted gave us a very different look at the Magi than we typically see. Let’s do some more re-imaging of our picture of the wise men. Take about 5 minutes to make a list of different impressions you’ve had of the Magi. Next, go through the list and note which are “fact” (at least from a historical or biblical perspective) and which are “fiction”. If there are any “facts” that are particularly surprising, be sure to note that. (5 – 10 minutes)

3. Ted gave an amazing explanation of the “star of Bethlehem” that guided the wise men to Jesus (for anyone who did not get to hear the message – It would be worth 5 minutes to explain the details to them about the three convergence of planets that took place in 7 B.C.). For some people, getting answers to confounding questions about the Bible and faith is something that strengthens their willingness to trust. What about you? Have you had an issue with something in the Bible that you struggled with, but then had resolved with new/more information? Take some time to talk about that… particularly any that are related to some of the questions/doubts raised in Question #1. (15 minutes)

4. Take some time to think more about the Maji. What might have been their motivation? What might have been their thoughts and emotions at different stages in the journey? What made them take a large journey across the desert? It’s just speculation, but try to get different perspectives on what was motivating these “seekers”. (10 – 15 minutes)

5. Ted challenged us at the end to think about how WE respond to information about the birth of Jesus. He used the examples of the King Herod, the Jewish religious leaders, and the Maji, noting how each responded.

• King Herod: Did not want to give up his control to a new King
• Religious leaders: Were too preoccupied with their religious practice go to a real, living King
• The Maji: Would go to any lengths to find the this King

What about you? What is your reaction to the new born King this Christmas? If you are hearing God speak to you about this, write down what you hear, and then ask for His help in following and finding. (5 minutes)

Have a blessed Christmas!

Bible verses from the message:

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, / are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; / for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'" Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him." After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Matthew 2: 1 – 12

The oracle of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are opened: "I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel.”
Numbers 24: 16 – 17

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