Monday, February 5, 2001        "In Search of the King"
HAVE YOU EVER waited with anticipation for something only to find that when it came it was not what you want at all?
     The long-awaited birth of the Messiah is recorded in Matthew 1-2.  The nation of Israel waited for centuries for God's anointed King to be born.  What a wonderful day that was to be.  Jesus' birth, however, was not greeted with royal gladness by the nation and its leaders.  Instead, there was intrigue and conflict.  The political and religious establishment felt threatened by the coming of the Messiah.  It was left to foreign leaders to welcome the newborn King.
Warming to God  Think of something you once strongly desired (a car, TV, stereo, a special relationship, or whatever).  When you got it, did it fulfill your expectations?  Why or why not?
Read Matthew 1-2.
Discovering the Word  1.  Considering Matthew's purpose to portray Jesus as a heavenly king, why would Matthew include a lineage at the very beginning of his book (1:1-17)?  2.  Matthew highlights Jesus' birth in 1:18-25.  What do these verses tell us about his origin and destiny?  3.  In chapter 2, Matthew portrays Jesus' initial reception by the world.  How does Jesus the heavenly king contrast with Herod the earthly king?  4.  How are the Magi different from the religious leaders in this passage?  5.  God is the unseen actor throughout chapter 2.  In what ways can we see his "behind-the-scenes" actions (vv. 6, 15, 18 and 23)?
Applying the Word  1.  How has knowing Jesus involved you in a search or journey?  2.  The responses of the Magi and Herod are typical of the ways people respond to Jesus today.  What factors might cause people to respond to Jesus in such radically different ways?  3.  The Magi not only found Jesus, but they worshiped him and witnessed to the entire city of Jerusalem concerning his birth (2:2-3).  In what ways has your search for the Lord resulted in worshiping him and telling others about him?
Responding in Prayer  Spend time worshiping the King of Kings.  Then ask God to help you tell others about him.