Why is Herod Part of Christmas? - Christmas 2018 - Lesson #2

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Sermon Notes

Speaker: Pastor Dave Tyree

Date of Sermon: December 16, 2018

Summary: The birth of Christ was an opportunity for Herod to turn to God.

Key Verse: "(Herod) sent them to Bethlehem and said, 'Go and make a careful search for the child.  As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.'" - Matthew 2:8

Bible Reading:  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, 2 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.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 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. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.  13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” - Matthew 2:1-13 ESV

Message Outline:

1. Believers Hear God's Word (verses 1-6)
   1. The Magi hear God's Word
   2. Herod hears God's Word
2. Believers Obey God's Word (verses 7-9)
   1. The Magi obey God's Word
   2. Herod promises to obey God's Word    
3. Believers Worship God (verses 10-13)
   1. The Magi hear God's Word
   2. Herod hears God's Word

​Important Takeaway:  God wants us to share what we have learned about the will of God that is good, pleasing, and that is perfect.

 Reflection Questions:  

• Who in your life would you least expect God to care about?
• Who is your Herod? Your Saul?
  
• Have you given yourself to God? 

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