THE STORY

Matthew 2:1-12 1 Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We
saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” 3 King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. 4 He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: 6 ‘And you, 0 Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.” 7 Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. 8 Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” 9 After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! 11 They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.

Break it Down:

• The Wise Men
• King Herod
• Priests

Make Room for God’s Purpose

• Are we making room?
• Do we make room only when it makes sense and is convenient?
• Do we make room only if it benefits us and fits into our schedules?
• Are we looking searching, wanting to have an experience with God?
• Do we make room if it falls into our lap and there is a clear sign?

What is His Purpose?

• It has been revealed
• Love God and love others – Matthew 22:37-40
• To believe in the 0ne He sent
• To follow and become like Him
• To stand firm in His promises
• To be filled with thankfulness and grow in the fruits of the spirit
• To be on mission

He Made Room for Us All
• The Gospel
• It wasn’t easy

Closing Questions

• What are you hearing today?
• Are you stuck in the little picture, not standing firm on the big one?
• Are we making room for God’s purpose in our lives?
• Are you seeing how God makes room for and has invited all?
• Do you need to give your life to Christ?

Questions to Reflect & Discuss:

Passages to consider: Matthew 2:1-12; Matthew 6:33; Psalm 27
Ice Breaker: Share a memory about playing Hide and Seek or Sardines. 0r what is something you searched for – maybe an item, animal, a person, a location? What insights did you glean from the sermon?

1. Read Matthew 2:1-12. Look at the characters in Matthew 2. What do you notice about each of them?
2. Who stands out to you in this encounter? What do you see in them or learn from them about making room for
   God’s perspective?
3. Take a look at Matthew 6:33 & Psalm 27. How would you describe what yo are seeking at this time in your life?
4. What are you coming to understand about God’s big picture? How is that impacting how you navigate your ‘little’
   pictures?
5. In what ways are you adjusting to make more room for God’s perspective?
6. How are you going to respond to what you heard from the sermon or our discussion?