BBCC Bible Study Notes – December 8, 2024
BBCC Bible Study Notes
Faithful Endings Inspire Current Faith — Matthew 2:1–12
December 8, 2024 · Pastor Samuel Sutter
The Story of the Wise Men (Matthew 2:1–12)
"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 saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.' When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him… And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way." (Matthew 2:1–12, NIV)
I. Biblical Examples of God's Providence
A. Joseph's Story
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." (Genesis 50:20, NIV)
B. The Psalms
Proclaiming God's faithfulness through difficult times.
C. Paul's Sermon in Acts 13:16–25
"So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: 'Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen. The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it… Of this man's offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised.'" (Acts 13:16–25, NIV)
II. Steps in the Christian Life
- Admitting our brokenness and need for a Savior
- Trusting in God's kindness and Jesus' sacrifice for our sins
- Continuing in faith, believing that God will bring goodness out of our difficulties
III. Faith Ends in the Joy of the Lord
Joy is the response of the soul to knowing Jesus Christ. Joy gives hope, resilience, and strength in the midst of challenges.
"Nehemiah said, 'Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.'" (Nehemiah 8:10, NIV)
BBCC Verse of the Week — 1 Chronicles 16:31 (NIV)
"Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, 'The LORD reigns!'"
Study & Discussion Guide
In spite of the well-known Christmas carol "We Three Kings of Orient Are," there is little historical certainty behind the wording of the stanza. The Magi were probably religious advisers to their court rather than kings. Their actual number is uncertain — Eastern tradition sets it at twelve, Western tradition at three, based on the three gifts. Likely the Magi traveled with a much larger number of attendants and guards for the long journey.
An expectation had circulated in the world of the first century that a ruler would arise from Judea. Suetonius writes, "Throughout the whole of the East there had spread an old and persistent belief: destiny had decreed that at that time men coming forth from Judea would seize power [and rule the world]." Through the Jewish community in their homeland, the Magi would have become familiar with Balaam's prophecy: "A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel" (Numbers 24:17). In many quarters within Judaism this prophecy was understood to point to a messianic deliverer. In Revelation, Jesus refers to himself in similar language: "I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star." (Wilkins)
Over the years people have said, "I don't know what I believe about Jesus, but doctrine doesn't matter — what matters is that you live a good life." However, when you say that, you are already expressing a doctrine: salvation by your works rather than by grace. It assumes you are not so bad that you need a Savior, and that you have the moral resources within yourself to live as you should. The message of Christmas is that those assumptions are wrong. You can believe in the truth of Christmas — that you are saved by grace alone through faith in Christ alone. Then you can receive an identity that is humbled out of pride but affirmed and loved out of insecurity, and one that offers forgiveness and restoration when you fail. (Keller)
Discussion Questions:
- The Magi were Gentile outsiders who traveled a great distance to worship Jesus, while the religious leaders in Jerusalem knew the scriptures but did not go. What does that contrast say to us about how we approach Jesus?
- Paul's sermon in Acts 13 traces a long arc of God's faithfulness through history. How does remembering God's past faithfulness strengthen your faith in the present?
- Timothy Keller argues that "doctrine doesn't matter, just live a good life" is itself a doctrine. How would you explain the difference between salvation by works and salvation by grace to someone who holds that view?
- Where in your life right now do you most need the joy of the Lord as your strength (Nehemiah 8:10)?