25 DECEMBER (PREACHED CHRISTMAS DAY 1777)
Born King
‘Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.’ Matthew 2:2
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: 2 Peter 1:16–21
The Lord knows his people and will find means that they, however circumstanced, shall come to know him. Jesus is a King, King of all, and especially King of the Jews—the true Israel (Romans 2:29)—born a King by an original right, their Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, before his birth—and came to his own (John 1:11).
The enquirers: wise men of the East—at a great distance, probably like those called Chaldeans in Daniel—we might say, philosophers. A principal study in the East was astronomy, but without this one star, the knowledge of all the rest would have left them miserable.
Their guidance: no common star, neither fixed star or planet—a light, in appearance a star, which they saw in their own country, and again at Bethlehem leading them to the very house. But there was more than this: certainly a divine revelation to their mind. How else should the sight of a new star lead their thoughts to Jesus? Here is an emblem of the work of grace: a light is seen, the heart drawn. This light is the gospel, written or preached—the Word is a light in a dark place—and the Holy Spirit.
Note their declaration, we have seen, expressing their own certainty to excite the attention of others, expecting information from a people who had the Scriptures—might they not wonder they went forward by themselves?
Their design: to worship. Jesus the proper object of worship, of admiration, praise, profession, love, trust and service. Are these your views of worship (Psalm 45:11)?
They are come. They who are apprised of his glory will come, will use diligence, wait, read, pray, hear. These came a long journey. Enquiring souls are busy in earnest.
FOR MEDITATION: Shall these wise men condemn us in judgement? You have seen the star, heard the message. Do you yet sit still? You that are indeed come to worship, admire his love, approach his table. He who once lay in the manger will be there.
SERMON: MATTHEW 2:2 [1/1]
Milo 