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Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus. 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 Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 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 worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 1:24-25, 2:1-11
1. What is your view that it is God who put the different authorities and government in this world, and hence as believers, we are to submit to the authorities, respect the law and order of the land?
(Romans 13:1; John 18:36)
2. Explain how you understand the power and authority that comes with the name of Jesus. Discuss how spiritual warfare works and the power of prayer walk in praying onsite with insight in the name of Jesus. (Luke 1:30-32; John 16:24; Philippians 2:9-11)
3. What do the three gifts presented by the wise men to Jesus symbolize? Discuss if you are willing to be used by God though you may not understand the full picture of God’s plan, as Mary & Joseph were willing to obey.
(Matthew 2:1-2, 11; Revelation 17:14; Hebrews 9:11-12; John 4:23; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20)