Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Bow to Jesus - Matthew 2:1-12

Bryan Schneider · December 22, 2018

Scripture passage not listed

sharonrpc.org/sermons/bow-to-jesus-matthew-2-1-12

Summary

Matthew's account of the wise men presents Jesus not merely as a good teacher or sentimental child but as the King who has arrived and must be worshiped.
The Magi enter Herod's capital asking for the one born King of the Jews, then bow before the child and offer royal gifts despite their own status and wealth.
Jesus fulfills God's covenant promise that David's descendant would possess an everlasting throne and shepherd God's people.
Throughout Matthew, sufferers, rulers, disciples, and the women at the empty tomb bow before Jesus because his authority over disease, demons, nature, death, and resurrection is unique.
Jesus properly receives worship that apostles and angels refuse, while Hebrews portrays the Father commanding the angels to worship the divine Son.
Revelation shows the slain and risen Lamb receiving the worship of heaven and all creation, pressing every hearer to bow to Jesus now.

How does Matthew 2 challenge sentimental or merely moral views of Jesus?
What is dangerous about the Magi asking Herod where the true King of the Jews has been born?
How does God's promise to David prepare us to understand Jesus' kingship?
Why is it significant that Jesus accepts worship which Peter and angels refuse?
What do Jesus' works over sickness, demons, nature, and death reveal about his authority?
Have I treated Jesus as a useful teacher while resisting his rule as King?
What gift, loyalty, or area of life do I withhold from the King?
What would it mean for me to bow to Jesus with joyful faith today?

Magi: Wise and influential visitors from the east who followed the star, sought the newborn King, bowed before Jesus, and gave royal gifts.
Worship: The reverent bowing, adoration, honor, and service due to God and rightly received by Jesus.
King of the Jews: The royal title that exposes Herod's illegitimate fear and identifies Jesus as the promised Davidic ruler.
Son of David: The promised descendant who inherits David's covenant throne and rules God's people forever.
Christ: The Messiah or Anointed One, God's appointed King rather than a surname attached to Jesus.
Incarnation: The eternal Son's taking a true human nature while remaining fully divine in one person.
Worthy Lamb: The crucified and risen Jesus whom heaven praises as worthy to receive power, honor, glory, and blessing.