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, 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.” Matthew 2:1-2
This morning, I continued with my listening/reading of a Christmas/Advent devotional from John Piper. Today's entry focuses on the difference between Luke and Matthew's account of the birth of Jesus and how Matthew's account describes foreigners or Gentiles - Magi - coming to visit Jesus. Hence, when we have, when one views the last verses of Matthew (Matthew 28:18-19) together with today's verses, as Piper describes, a portrayal of "Jesus at the beginning and ending of his Gospel as a universal Messiah for all the nations, not just for Jews." Piper also points us to Isaiah 60:3 where Jesus' birth and visits from other nations are prophesied. Piper wraps the devotional for today by stating that "Matthew adds proof to the messiahship of Jesus and shows that he is Messiah — a King, and Promise-Fulfiller — for all the nations, not just Israel."
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who sent His Son Jesus, who came as a baby - so that I could have a God who empathized with my experience and so that I could have life to the full now and for eternity because of Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection. Thank You Jesus! The greatest gifts of all time and indeed we have something to celebrate with the birth of Jesus! I am not deserving of such gifts. I am often harsh with my words and also I worry - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
