Christmas with Compassion - Day 15
Day 15 - Friday, December 22
Read Matthew 2:1-12
Highlight
Here we see God reveal Himself not just through supernatural, but natural means. These wise men are also called Magi or ‘royal astrologers’. They’re men of science and of faith who, in their studies of the constellations, notice an anomaly. A star out of place that behaves unlike any they’ve seen before. They start to put the puzzle pieces together in the ancient texts and it leads them to Jerusalem where they inadvertently launch a conflict between the political and religious leaders of the day and Jesus that will follow him the rest of his life and eventually lead to his crucifixion. Again, beginning a chain of events that will continue to fulfill every prophecy in the Scriptures.
The Magi, however, remain focused on their goal and they find the child Jesus and respond in worship. Yesterday we read that when Joseph and Mary obeyed the law by dedicating Jesus as their firstborn son to the Lord in the temple they brought a ritual sacrifice of ‘a pair of doves or two young pigeons’ (Luke 2:24). This detail gives us some insight into the social status of Jesus’ earthly family. The law actually required that new mothers bring a sacrifice of a lamb for a burnt offering 40 days after the birth of their firstborn son as well as a dove or pigeon. However, if the mother could not afford a lamb, a second dove or pigeon would suffice. If this was still too high a price, then a portion of fine flour could be given as a substitute (Leviticus 12:6-8; 5:7-11). Luke is telling us that Jesus’ parents were in poor circumstances, but not abject poverty.
We don’t know exactly when the wise men arrive at Jesus’ house, the context suggests possibly several years after his birth. Could it be, that whenever it was, the gifts of the Magi came right on time for Joseph and Mary? This young couple of humble means are working hard to care for the Son of God when suddenly they’re presented with gifts of precious metals and valuable spices. Perhaps these offerings helped Jesus’ parents pay for his trips to the Temple, education as a Rabbi, or even helped fund his future ministry. Again, God shows Himself as the trustworthy provider for those who put their hope in Him. He masterfully cultivates the gifts of the faithful: the childlike faith of Mary and Joseph, the bold evangelism of the shepherds, the wisdom and spiritual discernment of Simeon and Anna, the intellect and financial generosity of the Magi. Every story, every faithful follower, every heartfelt offering, woven together to bring His Kingdom to Earth as it is in Heaven. Joy to the World, the Lord has come! Let Earth receive her King!
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Matthew 2:1-12
Highlight
Here we see God reveal Himself not just through supernatural, but natural means. These wise men are also called Magi or ‘royal astrologers’. They’re men of science and of faith who, in their studies of the constellations, notice an anomaly. A star out of place that behaves unlike any they’ve seen before. They start to put the puzzle pieces together in the ancient texts and it leads them to Jerusalem where they inadvertently launch a conflict between the political and religious leaders of the day and Jesus that will follow him the rest of his life and eventually lead to his crucifixion. Again, beginning a chain of events that will continue to fulfill every prophecy in the Scriptures.
The Magi, however, remain focused on their goal and they find the child Jesus and respond in worship. Yesterday we read that when Joseph and Mary obeyed the law by dedicating Jesus as their firstborn son to the Lord in the temple they brought a ritual sacrifice of ‘a pair of doves or two young pigeons’ (Luke 2:24). This detail gives us some insight into the social status of Jesus’ earthly family. The law actually required that new mothers bring a sacrifice of a lamb for a burnt offering 40 days after the birth of their firstborn son as well as a dove or pigeon. However, if the mother could not afford a lamb, a second dove or pigeon would suffice. If this was still too high a price, then a portion of fine flour could be given as a substitute (Leviticus 12:6-8; 5:7-11). Luke is telling us that Jesus’ parents were in poor circumstances, but not abject poverty.
We don’t know exactly when the wise men arrive at Jesus’ house, the context suggests possibly several years after his birth. Could it be, that whenever it was, the gifts of the Magi came right on time for Joseph and Mary? This young couple of humble means are working hard to care for the Son of God when suddenly they’re presented with gifts of precious metals and valuable spices. Perhaps these offerings helped Jesus’ parents pay for his trips to the Temple, education as a Rabbi, or even helped fund his future ministry. Again, God shows Himself as the trustworthy provider for those who put their hope in Him. He masterfully cultivates the gifts of the faithful: the childlike faith of Mary and Joseph, the bold evangelism of the shepherds, the wisdom and spiritual discernment of Simeon and Anna, the intellect and financial generosity of the Magi. Every story, every faithful follower, every heartfelt offering, woven together to bring His Kingdom to Earth as it is in Heaven. Joy to the World, the Lord has come! Let Earth receive her King!
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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