Finding Jesus | Matthew 2:1-10

Searching for the Savior

Today we'd like to focus on the wise men and their search for the King of the Jews. There are a few things we can learn from them that can aid us in our search for Him.

How Did They Know to Look?

How did they know to look for Him in the first place? We may say it was the star that alerted them, but what made them aware that any such star existed? Or why this star was the beacon light for the King's arrival? These were not Jews, but Gentiles, men from the east. Whilst they did not have the customs and traditions of the Jewish culture, they did have one prophecy of their own, given by God to Balaam when he was in their land 1,400 years prior: "I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth" (Numbers 24:17).

It was this word that had guided them to the star, and the light of that star led them to Israel. The word narrowed down their search to the little town of Bethlehem, with the light of that star guiding them all the way to the very place where they would come face to face with the Savior. Not the Savior they expected—one born of nobility in a palace—but a lowly King born to the working class in a barn.

What made them Wise?

They were wise because they believed the word of God and acted upon it. They had read of a star that would rise, ushering in a King who would "smite the corners of Moab." Instead of running from this star to avoid judgment, they ran to it. Today, if you are wise, when you see the light of the gospel and the glory of Christ who will one day rule the nations, you will run to Him, not from Him!

They were wise because they would not rest until they had found Him. Dear reader, if you are looking for Him, do not rest until you have found Him and laid at His feet all your riches and all your life.

They were wise in that they were careful not to betray Him. Having been warned of God, they broke their alliance with evil King Herod and pledged their allegiance to little King Jesus. How foolish it would be to fear men instead of God! Be wise and break all your alliances with this world who hates Christ, and bow the knee to Him.

The Journey to Finding Christ

Their journey was not a direct path. They had some light—first from the word, then from the star, then from the scribes in Jerusalem, and then again God guiding them right to the very place where Christ was. So it is with our search for the Savior.

It starts with the Word of God. It tells us that there is a King coming, one who is coming in glory and judgment. It gives us the signs to look for, and we see them before our very eyes and begin to look for Him, that we might bow the knee.

They first went to Jerusalem, where one might expect a king to be born, but all they found was dead religion and politics. How sad it is that many people who are searching for Christ have gone to the places where He ought to be found but only found men.

While they did not find the Savior there, they did at least find men who could help them on their journey. The scribes and chief priests knew the Scriptures pointed to Bethlehem. In our search for Christ, God puts men in our paths to guide us further along, to reveal to us the Scriptures, guiding us ever closer.

It is worth mentioning that they only instructed them where to look, but the traveling would have to be done by them. So it is with pastors and teachers in this hour. We cannot have a relationship with Christ for you. You must find Him, bow the knee, and worship Him. But if God would help us, by the light of the Scriptures we want to tell you where He can be found.

The Light of Providence

Then there was this providential light—undeniably God was at work in the natural world around them. To ignore this light would have been the opposite of wisdom, but insanity. So it is today. God is working in the world around us with the light of His providence, ever reminding us that there is something He wants to share with us, that there is Someone we need to meet.

Looking back on my life, I see the light of His guiding hand from a very early age. The light of His word, the light of conscience guiding me, teaching me of judgment. Then circumstances that sprang onto my life like a bright light, reminding me of my need for Him and driving me to find Him.

The Fateful Hour

Then there was the fateful hour when they stepped into the little stable and fell on their knees before the King. The search was over. He had been found, and it was this little Child that had been guiding them all along. These hands had formed the star that had guided them, written the word that had instructed them, pricked their conscience to come.

Do you remember that fateful hour when you came face to face with Christ? Perhaps you never have. May God guide you further on till He is your Savior, until your knees have bowed and your heart believed and your mouth confessed that He is King.

Millions of wise men and women down through the ages have sought Him and found Him. You can too. Let the Word of God guide you, let men aid in the journey, and God's providential hand will lead you to that fateful hour.