Advent 2024: Be a Wise Guy
The passage today emphasizes the differing reactions to Jesus: while the wise men eagerly seek Him out, bringing gifts and offering worship, Herod reacts with fear and hostility. It presents a powerful choice—how will we respond to the arrival of Jesus in our lives? Will we receive Him with faith and reverence like the wise men, or reject Him out of fear, pride, or self-interest like Herod?
Matthew 2:1-12
Be a Wise Guy
Sermon Outline
1. Rejecting Jesus
a. Fear
b. Ignore
2. Receiving Jesus
a. Joy
b. Worship
c. Generosity
Small Group Questions
1. In Matthew 2:1-12, we see different reactions to the birth of Jesus. How does King Herod respond to the news of Jesus' birth? What motivates his reaction?
2.The wise men respond differently. What do their actions and attitudes teach us about receiving Jesus? Why do you think they traveled so far to honor him?
3. The wise men worshiped Jesus when they found him. What does true worship look like, and how can we practice this in our daily lives?
4. Why do you think Herod was so threatened by Jesus' birth? In what ways can fear or pride lead us to reject Jesus or resist his influence in our lives?
5. Have there been times in your life when you have either "rejected" or "received" Jesus in a way similar to Herod or the wise men? Can you share a specific example from your own experience?
6. What steps can we take this week to respond to Jesus as the wise men did—seeking him, worshiping him, and offering our gifts to him?
Matthew 2:1-12
Be a Wise Guy
Sermon Outline
1. Rejecting Jesus
a. Fear
b. Ignore
2. Receiving Jesus
a. Joy
b. Worship
c. Generosity
Small Group Questions
1. In Matthew 2:1-12, we see different reactions to the birth of Jesus. How does King Herod respond to the news of Jesus' birth? What motivates his reaction?
2.The wise men respond differently. What do their actions and attitudes teach us about receiving Jesus? Why do you think they traveled so far to honor him?
3. The wise men worshiped Jesus when they found him. What does true worship look like, and how can we practice this in our daily lives?
4. Why do you think Herod was so threatened by Jesus' birth? In what ways can fear or pride lead us to reject Jesus or resist his influence in our lives?
5. Have there been times in your life when you have either "rejected" or "received" Jesus in a way similar to Herod or the wise men? Can you share a specific example from your own experience?
6. What steps can we take this week to respond to Jesus as the wise men did—seeking him, worshiping him, and offering our gifts to him?