Advent Part 8- Signs
Matthew 2:1-12 NLT
Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’ Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared.Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
This is the eighth of nine videos of our Advent series and today we’re going to ask the question, does God communicate to us through signs, symbols and dreams?
Star: A sign of prophecy fulfilled
In ancient prophecy, it was predicted that a particular star would appear in the sky as a sign that the King of the Jews was to be born.
Numbers 24:17 NIV
“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.
After centuries of waiting and watching, the star suddenly appeared. Prepared for the event, this generation of wise men knew what to do and what to bring. They assumed that the King of the Jews would be born in the royal household and showed up at the doorstep of Herod the Great.
Prophecy
Understanding the significance of the star, Herod was upset by the wise men’s visitation. Herod summoned the teacher’s of the law to find out where the King of the Jews would be born. Correctly interpreting the scriptures, they informed Herod the babe was to be born in Bethlehem according to Micah 5:2.
Star gives direction
As soon as the wise men left the palace, the star reappeared and led them directly above the house where the baby and its mother were lodging.
Gold
The wise men presented the child with gold. Gold was symbolic of kingship. The wise men recognized the sacred position this baby held as King of the Jews. Gold also represents virtue. The Messiah was holy in character and purpose and worthy of all honor and praise (1).
Frankincense
Also presented to the child was the gift of frankincense. Frankincense symbolized deity. The wise men recognized and worshiped the child as God. Frankincense also represents prayer. This child will intercede to God for mankind (1).
Myrrh
Lastly, the wise men presented a box of myrrh. Myrrh was a symbol of death and mortality. This king was born to die. Myrrh also represents suffering. Although He was the King of the Jews, Jesus came to the earth as a suffering servant (1).
Dream
God spoke gave each of these men a message about Herod in a dream. Imagine, all of the men dreaming and given the same message! Obviously, it was a definite warning for the men to return to their country by another route.
Wise Men
I believe that the wise men themselves were a symbol. In my opinion, they symbolized true believers of the present day church who are watching and waiting for the signs of Jesus’ Second Coming according to the Scriptures. True believers will be ready with gifts of the gold of virtue and holiness, the frankincense of intercessory prayer, and the willingness to suffer for Christ sake. When Jesus returns, they will be caught up with Christ.
Herod and the Teachers of the Law
I believe that Herod and the Teachers of the Law represented the religiously corrupt. They knew the Scriptures inside out. And yet, they did not look for the signs and were not ready for His first coming. In fact, once they found out the baby was born, they did everything in their power to kill Him.
The signs were evident for all. But only true believers searched for them so they could worship the Messiah. The religiously corrupt did not welcome the signs, but could not succeed in their miserable attempts to prevent His coming. Today’s believers continue to look for the signs of the Messiah’s Second Coming, not as a newborn baby king, but as the King of Kings!
Daniel 4:3
How great are his signs, how powerful his wonders! His kingdom will last forever, his rule through all generations.
Let’s pray:
Father,
I am a true believer. Just as the true believers looked for the signs of the newborn king, I look for the signs of the King of Kings Who will reign forever. When that time comes, I will be ready with the gold of virtue and holiness, the frankincense of intercessory prayer, and the willingness to suffer for Christ's sake. Come Lord Jesus! Amen!
