Matthew 2:1-2,10-11 (NKJV) Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” …When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
The Magi, astrologers, scientists, or wise men from the East are known to be wealthy and influential Gentiles from that region. Some scholars believe that they were descendants of the Babylonian magicians who were intrigued by Daniel’s God, who helped Daniel interpret the king’s dream and thus saved all their ancestors from execution.
Those who are exposed to the spiritual realm, such as the Magi or astrologers, are aware that a higher or greater power exists beyond those they serve—they understand that there is a god. The Magi came to search for the King of the Jews, and the most obvious place to find the baby was the palace where King Herod resided. They journeyed a long way to worship Him. They came to worship the King of the Jews, but we know that Jesus is the Messiah.
We are blessed to have the revelatory understanding of Christ’s position as the second person of the godhead, the Son of God, the Messiah. We are aware of Jesus Christ’s work of redemption and atonement for our sins. Therefore, we worship Him as our God and Saviour.
If the three wise men showed such respect and honour to Jesus at His birth, how much more should we, as believers who know the truth of who Jesus is, demonstrate greater respect, honour, and reverence for Him? No believer would stand with folded arms or behave with indifference in the presence of God.
Our attitude toward God shapes our worship, our relationship with Him, and our faith in Him. That attitude is formed by the thoughts we hold about who He is, and Scripture is where God reveals Himself to us.
Every king can pardon criminals, protect His people, and allocate land or resources to His subjects. The King can also conquer enemies with his armies. Likewise, Jesus has conquered the devil and the fallen angels, and dealt with the sin issue that separated us from God. He is now seated at the right hand of the Heavenly Father. He is our provider and the giver of life. Therefore, He is worthy of our worship and adoration.
Reflection: Considering the example of the Magi, who came with reverence and wholehearted devotion to honour Jesus, how can you cultivate a worshipful attitude of the heart that truly honours God?
Sermon Series: Worshipping the King of kings
敬拜君王
马太福音 2:1-2, 10-11当希律王的时候，耶稣生在犹太的伯利恒。有几个博士从东方来到耶路撒冷，说： “那生下来做犹太人之王的在哪里？我们在东方看见他的星，特来拜他。” …他们看见那星，就大大地欢喜。进了房子，看见小孩子和他母亲马利亚，就俯伏拜那小孩子，揭开宝盒，拿黄金、乳香、没药为礼物献给他。
东方的博士（也称为占星家、学者或智者），被认为是来自东方的富有且有影响力的外邦人。有些学者认为，他们可能是巴比伦术士的后裔，这些人曾因先知但以理所信的神而受到触动——正是这位神帮助但以理解梦，从而拯救了他们的祖先免于被处死。
那些接触属灵领域的人，例如博士或占星者，往往意识到在他们所事奉的对象之上，存在着一位更高、更大的权能——他们知道“有神”的存在。博士们前来寻找“犹太人的王”，而他们直觉上认为，这位新生的王应当在君王所居住的宫殿里，也就是希律王的宫中。他们不远千里而来，只为敬拜祂。他们是来敬拜犹太人的王，但我们知道，耶稣就是那位弥赛亚。
我们有福，能够领受启示，认识基督的身份——祂是三位一体神中的第二位，是神的儿子，是弥赛亚。我们也明白耶稣基督为我们所成就的救赎与赎罪之工。因此，我们敬拜祂为我们的神与救主。
若这几位博士在耶稣降生时尚且如此尊崇与敬拜祂，那么我们这些已经真正认识祂是谁的信徒，岂不更应当以更深的尊敬、荣耀与敬畏来对待祂吗？没有一个信徒会在神的同在中无动于衷、袖手旁观。
我们对神的态度，决定了我们敬拜的方式、与祂的关系，以及我们对祂的信心。而这种态度，是由我们对神是谁的认知所塑造的；而圣经正是神向我们启示祂自己的地方。
世上的君王可以赦免罪犯、保护百姓、分配土地或资源，也可以率领军队战胜仇敌。同样地，耶稣已经战胜了魔鬼和堕落的天使，并且解决了使我们与神隔绝的罪的问题。祂如今坐在天父的右边，祂是我们的供应者，是生命的赐予者。因此，祂配得我们一切的敬拜与赞美。
默想：
从博士的榜样来看，他们以敬畏与全心的委身来尊崇耶稣。我们应当如何培养一颗真正敬拜神、尊荣祂的心？
讲章系列：敬拜万王之王