The Four Kings of Christmas (Magi) (Part 3) (Mt. 2:1-12)

Transition: The magi noticed the star's rising and investigated its meaning; they realized that this newborn King deserved worship; and they were willing to be led by God. Having considered the magi in such a positive tone, what was their deficiency?

SECOND, NOTICE ONE THING THE MAGI DID INCOMPLETELY (Mt. 2:12).

• THEY WENT HOME A DIFFERENT WAY THAN THEY CAME.
• That was true about their route, but not necessarily true about their lives.
• THE ENDING TO THEIR STORY IS ALMOST ANTICLIMACTIC.
• If we had written this story, most of us would have stopped at the end of verse 11.
• We would have preferred to end the story with the magi's worshiping Jesus.
• Instead, they had a dream and decided to bypass the interstate.  That's it?
• What happened when the magi returned home?
• Did they live any differently, having seen and worshiped Jesus?
• THERE IS A TEMPTATION FOR US TO PORTRAY THE MAGI DIFFERENTLY THAN THEY WERE.
• Yes, they sought Jesus.
• Yes, they bowed down before Jesus and worshiped Him.
• Yes, they presented costly gifts to Jesus.

However . . .

• There isn't any evidence that the magi stopped being magi.
• There isn't any evidence that those pagan astrologers had a conversion experience.
• There isn't any evidence that the magi became evangelists when they got home.