3-Day Bible Reading Plan: “The Wise Men Part 1”
God is near us when we are far away. The message of Matthew 2 powerfully counters this feeling of distance. It unveils a God who relentlessly pursues those who are open to Him. His nearness is not confined by geographical location or cultural understanding. He shows up to those who are genuinely seeking Him. - Pastor Paul Crandell, 12/1/24
Day 1
Featured Verse: Matthew 2:1-12 - “When They Saw the Star, They Rejoiced Exceedingly With Great Joy”
Cross References:
Daniel 2:48 - “Then the King Gave Daniel High Honors…and Made Him…Chief Prefect Over All the Wise Men of Babylon”
How did God use Daniel’s influence in Babylon to likely shape the intellects of the Magi generations later?
Daniel 5:11-12 - “Your Father…Made [Daniel] Chief of the Magicians, Enchanters, Chaldeans, and Astrologers”
Why would the king appoint Daniel above even his own men?
Daniel 1:20 - “In Every Matter of Wisdom and Understanding, He Found Them Ten Times Better Than All the Magicians and Enchanters”
In what ways were Daniel and his friends “ten times” wiser than the king’s wisest men?
“The conduct of the wise men is a splendid example of spiritual diligence. What trouble it must have cost them to travel from their homes to the place where Jesus was born! How many weary miles they must have journeyed!” - J.C. Ryle
Day 2
Featured Verse: Micah 5:2 - “O Bethlehem Ephrathah,...From You Shall Come Forth For Me One Who Is To Be Ruler”
Cross References:
John 7:42 - “Has Not the Scripture Said That the Christ Comes From…Bethlehem?”
The birth of Christ in Bethlehem is one of the ways God chooses to fulfill His own Word in a way we wouldn’t expect. What did the people expect of the Messiah’s origin?
Luke 2:4 - “Joseph Also Went Up…to the City of David, Which is Called Bethlehem, Because He Was of the House and Lineage of David”
How was God’s hand providentially working all things together in the background to bring Joseph’s little family to Bethlehem?
Matthew 2:23 - “And He Went and Lived In a City Called Nazareth”
Why did God “hide” the Messiah in Nazareth?
“Infinite, and an infant. Eternal, and yet born of a woman. Almighty, and yet hanging on a woman’s breast. Supporting a universe, and yet needing to be carried in a mother’s arms. King of angels, and yet the reputed son of Joseph. Heir of all things, and yet the carpenter’s despised son.” - Charles Spurgeon
Day 3
Featured Verse: Luke 2:8-19 - “Unto You Is Born This Day In the City of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord”
Cross References:
Isaiah 9:6 - “For To Us a Child is Born…And His Name Shall Be Called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”
Jesus is more than a great man, a good teacher, or Israel’s king. According to the prophet Isaiah, who is Jesus?
Isaiah 7:14 - “Behold, the Virgin Shall Conceive and Bear a Son and Shall Call His Name Immanuel”
Why did God choose a virgin to bear His Son?
Luke 1:34 - “How Will This Be, Since I Am a Virgin?”
Mary was a remarkable woman. She agreed to God’s plan despite being a virgin and the social stigma she knew she would face. Think of the great faith needed to carry out such a magnificent calling despite not understanding a thing. Why do you think she humbled herself to fulfill God’s will?
“When Christ was born he lay in a virgin’s womb, and when he died he was placed in a virgin tomb; he slept where never man had slept before.” - Charles Spurgeon