In this study, we have looked so far at the incarnation of Christ from three perspectives -

the PHILOSOPHIC as we studied that grand prologue in John’s Gospel, then two weeks ago,

the HISTORIC as we surveyed the sweeping promise of prophecy, specifically from the writings of Daniel.

Last week, we will look at the incarnation from a DOCTRINAL perspective as Paul presented it in Philippians 2.

Today, we are looking at the incarnation from the PRACTICAL perspective. In other words, “so what?”

What now - Christ has stepped out of eternity into time - He has taken on the suit of Adam, He has shown us the very Glory of God, conquering death and sin, and has ascended to the right hand of the Father… what difference does that make on any given Tuesday?

As a springboard text - I want to look at Matthew 2:1–12 (ESV) We are told that this band of Magi came from the East to pay homage to the one who had been born King of the Jews.

1 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.

These wise men, followed a star and found a stable, what they saw in that manger changed them forever - they could not go back the way they came, they could no longer cooperate with Herod. They went home another way.

When we genuinely encounter the Christ of Christmas - it will inevitably change us. We can’t leave the way we came.

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Maximum Life is the Media Ministry of Pastor Zach Terry.

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