1 00:00:00,370 --> 00:00:03,650 Speaker 1: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 2 00:00:04,550 --> 00:00:10,959 Speaker 1: Matthew 6.21 Dear Heavenly Father, Help us to examine our 3 00:00:11,020 --> 00:00:17,140 Speaker 1: hearts and our priorities, to recognize what we truly value 4 00:00:17,560 --> 00:00:22,360 Speaker 1: and treasure. May our desires align with your kingdom and 5 00:00:22,380 --> 00:00:26,750 Speaker 1: your righteousness, so that our hearts will be firmly anchored 6 00:00:27,070 --> 00:00:31,290 Speaker 1: in you. Keep us from being swayed by the fleeting 7 00:00:31,430 --> 00:00:36,600 Speaker 1: treasures of this world, which can never satisfy. Teach us 8 00:00:36,659 --> 00:00:41,780 Speaker 1: to invest our time, energy, and resources in what matters eternally. 9 00:00:43,159 --> 00:00:46,879 Speaker 1: Fill our hearts with a longing for your presence and 10 00:00:46,900 --> 00:00:51,520 Speaker 1: your ways, knowing that the true treasure is found in 11 00:00:51,540 --> 00:00:56,870 Speaker 1: a relationship with you. May our lives be a reflection 12 00:00:56,890 --> 00:01:01,510 Speaker 1: of of where our treasure lies. May we find joy 13 00:01:01,750 --> 00:01:07,050 Speaker 1: and contentment in pursuing you above all else. In the 14 00:01:07,090 --> 00:01:13,000 Speaker 1: name of Jesus, our greatest treasure, we pray. Amen. Thank 15 00:01:13,020 --> 00:01:16,280 Speaker 1: you for praying with me today. Stay tuned now for 16 00:01:16,319 --> 00:01:29,110 Speaker 1: another episode of Stories of the Messiah. sweet child I'm here. 17 00:01:29,370 --> 00:01:33,120 Speaker 2: Mary's voice was a reassuring balm to the child's cries 18 00:01:33,900 --> 00:01:36,640 Speaker 2: her hands were gentle as she wrapped Jesus in her 19 00:01:36,900 --> 00:01:40,740 Speaker 2: arms and swayed him back and forth her voice hummed 20 00:01:40,819 --> 00:01:46,060 Speaker 2: alongside the crackling fire in their humble home Jesus's tiny 21 00:01:46,400 --> 00:01:50,330 Speaker 2: eyes glistened in the warm glow Joseph was by the 22 00:01:50,390 --> 00:01:54,990 Speaker 2: fire his eyes dancing with the flames a momentary refuge 23 00:01:55,030 --> 00:01:58,330 Speaker 2: from the labors of life He had toiled all day 24 00:01:58,390 --> 00:02:02,400 Speaker 2: with the stonemasons while Mary and Jesus walked through the marketplace. 25 00:02:03,040 --> 00:02:05,900 Speaker 2: Their single room was a sanctuary for all of them, 26 00:02:06,520 --> 00:02:10,240 Speaker 2: a refuge from the cold night outside, filled with the 27 00:02:10,300 --> 00:02:14,829 Speaker 2: warmth of love. Joseph's eyes found Mary's, and he approached her, 28 00:02:15,310 --> 00:02:18,450 Speaker 2: gently kissing her forehead before touching his lips to the 29 00:02:18,510 --> 00:02:23,109 Speaker 2: baby's nose. A coo escaped Jesus' lips, and the new parents' 30 00:02:23,190 --> 00:02:27,270 Speaker 2: faces lit up with joy. In the chaotic storm of parenting, 31 00:02:27,630 --> 00:02:31,150 Speaker 2: these tranquil moments were a glimpse of heaven's peace. 32 00:02:34,050 --> 00:02:37,060 Speaker 3: Hello, I'm Pastor Jack Graham with today's episode of the 33 00:02:37,130 --> 00:02:40,660 Speaker 3: Bible in a Year podcast. It's been a joy following 34 00:02:40,700 --> 00:02:45,320 Speaker 3: the highs and lows of this renowned Christmas tale with you. Today, 35 00:02:45,800 --> 00:02:49,180 Speaker 3: we glimpse an intimate scene between the Magi and Jesus. 36 00:02:50,360 --> 00:02:53,079 Speaker 3: The story of the Magi visiting Jesus is more than 37 00:02:53,180 --> 00:02:58,959 Speaker 3: a picturesque scene. It's a spiritual lesson on true royalty, 38 00:02:59,320 --> 00:03:04,940 Speaker 3: meaningful worship, and heartfelt giving. The Magi have followed the star, 39 00:03:05,360 --> 00:03:08,420 Speaker 3: gotten word that the child must be in Bethlehem, and 40 00:03:08,460 --> 00:03:13,060 Speaker 3: are about to behold the majesty of Jesus. In case 41 00:03:13,220 --> 00:03:16,000 Speaker 3: any of you were curious about the timeline of these events, 42 00:03:16,690 --> 00:03:19,530 Speaker 3: the Magi most likely visited Jesus when he was between 43 00:03:19,530 --> 00:03:24,310 Speaker 3: 6 and 18 months old. No doubt Joseph procured a 44 00:03:24,350 --> 00:03:27,320 Speaker 3: job in town, waiting for the right moment to return 45 00:03:27,340 --> 00:03:34,279 Speaker 3: to Nazareth. This episode is quiet, warm, and profound. But 46 00:03:34,340 --> 00:03:37,840 Speaker 3: make no mistake, it is the calm before the final storm. 47 00:03:39,160 --> 00:03:39,750 Speaker 3: Let's begin. 48 00:03:42,350 --> 00:03:46,030 Speaker 2: Mary, Joseph, and Jesus shared a tender moment in the 49 00:03:46,070 --> 00:03:49,890 Speaker 2: warmth of their humble home. The crackling of fire intermixed 50 00:03:49,910 --> 00:03:53,950 Speaker 2: with the chirping of crickets outside. Jesus was calm now. 51 00:03:54,690 --> 00:03:58,050 Speaker 2: eyes fixed on his mother. Mary and Joseph were in 52 00:03:58,150 --> 00:04:03,530 Speaker 2: constant awe of him. His eyes reflected promise, hope, and love. 53 00:04:04,230 --> 00:04:07,050 Speaker 2: He was only an infant, but their knowledge of who 54 00:04:07,170 --> 00:04:11,330 Speaker 2: he was caused them to look at him differently. Although 55 00:04:11,730 --> 00:04:14,450 Speaker 2: they occasionally forgot when it was time to feed him, 56 00:04:14,870 --> 00:04:18,250 Speaker 2: change him, or remain up all night with him. Son 57 00:04:18,290 --> 00:04:22,130 Speaker 2: of God or not, an infant was an infant. But 58 00:04:22,190 --> 00:04:27,940 Speaker 2: for now, All was quiet and peaceful. Suddenly, a knock 59 00:04:28,100 --> 00:04:31,760 Speaker 2: jarred them from their moment of bliss. Joseph's eyes narrowed, 60 00:04:32,080 --> 00:04:36,200 Speaker 2: his hands reaching instinctively for his chisel. Who would be 61 00:04:36,250 --> 00:04:40,250 Speaker 2: visiting at this hour? The knocking grew insistent and Joseph's 62 00:04:40,290 --> 00:04:43,730 Speaker 2: heartbeat quickened, a drum of war readying him to protect 63 00:04:43,790 --> 00:04:46,650 Speaker 2: his family. He gestured for Mary to step back as 64 00:04:46,690 --> 00:04:50,489 Speaker 2: he approached the door, the chisel hidden and ready to strike. 65 00:04:51,300 --> 00:04:54,360 Speaker 2: He opened the door and immediately cocked his head in confusion. 66 00:04:55,260 --> 00:04:59,500 Speaker 2: Three men, adorned in rich and resplendent robes, stood before him. 67 00:05:00,830 --> 00:05:04,849 Speaker 2: The jewels from their headdresses gleamed like stars. May I 68 00:05:04,950 --> 00:05:08,130 Speaker 2: help you? Joseph asked, confused and off-kilter. 69 00:05:08,510 --> 00:05:09,870 Speaker 1: We have journeyed far. 70 00:05:10,310 --> 00:05:14,830 Speaker 2: Caspar smiled with his eyes. To worship the king, he 71 00:05:14,890 --> 00:05:19,180 Speaker 2: said with his grizzled and low voice. Joseph's breath caught 72 00:05:19,220 --> 00:05:22,090 Speaker 2: in his throat. He glanced back at Mary, his eyes 73 00:05:22,190 --> 00:05:25,510 Speaker 2: wide with disbelief, before gesturing for the men to step in. 74 00:05:26,310 --> 00:05:30,200 Speaker 2: The child was cradled in Mary's arms, hand firmly grasping 75 00:05:30,260 --> 00:05:34,320 Speaker 2: her finger. The Magi entered slowly and with great respect. 76 00:05:35,080 --> 00:05:39,640 Speaker 2: Their grandeur and extravagant clothes starkly contrasted Joseph and Mary's 77 00:05:39,680 --> 00:05:43,820 Speaker 2: humble home. But as their eyes fell on Jesus, all 78 00:05:43,900 --> 00:05:44,360 Speaker 2: sense of. 79 00:05:44,420 --> 00:05:46,359 Speaker 3: Status and wealth faded. 80 00:05:47,320 --> 00:05:51,020 Speaker 2: These three men, who bowed to no one, fell prostrate 81 00:05:51,160 --> 00:05:54,960 Speaker 2: onto the floor before him, their faces pressed to the ground, 82 00:05:55,420 --> 00:05:59,440 Speaker 2: voices quivering with awe.' It is an honor, our king,' 83 00:05:59,720 --> 00:06:03,640 Speaker 2: Caspar whispered, his voice a gentle breeze.' We have followed 84 00:06:03,680 --> 00:06:07,370 Speaker 2: the star, and it led us to you.' Mary and 85 00:06:07,400 --> 00:06:12,190 Speaker 2: Joseph exchanged glances, their hearts pounding with wonder. These were 86 00:06:12,230 --> 00:06:15,429 Speaker 2: not mere men, but rulers and kings in their own right, 87 00:06:16,089 --> 00:06:20,730 Speaker 2: and yet they bowed before their child.' We have brought gifts, 88 00:06:21,070 --> 00:06:25,050 Speaker 2: Melchior announced in reverence. Caspar brought out a small wooden 89 00:06:25,110 --> 00:06:28,390 Speaker 2: chest with silver engravings. He opened the chest to reveal 90 00:06:28,480 --> 00:06:32,779 Speaker 2: dozens of gold pieces shimmering in the firelight. Gold for 91 00:06:32,820 --> 00:06:36,160 Speaker 2: a king, he said softly, laying it at Mary's feet. 92 00:06:36,940 --> 00:06:41,620 Speaker 2: Melchior brought out a glass flask of refined oil. Frankincense, 93 00:06:42,040 --> 00:06:46,500 Speaker 2: he said with reverence, for the divine. Belshazzar brought out 94 00:06:46,540 --> 00:06:49,719 Speaker 2: a linen bag of resins. glimmering nearly as bright as 95 00:06:49,779 --> 00:06:53,760 Speaker 2: the gold. And myrrh, he concluded with a soft voice. 96 00:06:54,640 --> 00:06:58,820 Speaker 2: The three magi lingered there for a while. Words failed them, 97 00:06:59,230 --> 00:07:01,550 Speaker 2: for they had a sense that this moment was more 98 00:07:01,630 --> 00:07:05,830 Speaker 2: profound than they would ever realize. After a final bow, 99 00:07:06,210 --> 00:07:09,990 Speaker 2: the men rose, their faces etched with reverence and gratitude. 100 00:07:10,450 --> 00:07:15,270 Speaker 2: We must go, Belshazzar said, his voice heavy with reluctance. 101 00:07:15,880 --> 00:07:20,270 Speaker 2: They departed, Their souls forever changed, leaving behind a blessing 102 00:07:20,290 --> 00:07:23,970 Speaker 2: that lingered in the air. Joseph and Mary retreated to 103 00:07:24,010 --> 00:07:28,350 Speaker 2: their bed, their hearts heavy with awe. They watched Jesus sleep, 104 00:07:28,710 --> 00:07:32,590 Speaker 2: his face a picture of serenity, a reflection of God's grace. 105 00:07:33,450 --> 00:07:36,490 Speaker 2: The Magi returned to their caravan with sober reflection on 106 00:07:36,510 --> 00:07:39,620 Speaker 2: the tip of their tongues. What have we just witnessed? 107 00:07:39,940 --> 00:07:43,920 Speaker 2: Melchior asked with a sigh. Kaspar shook his head in disbelief. 108 00:07:44,980 --> 00:07:50,140 Speaker 2: God's chosen king in a small home tucked in the 109 00:07:50,180 --> 00:07:54,720 Speaker 2: hills of Bethlehem? Was not King David such a child too? 110 00:07:55,400 --> 00:07:58,440 Speaker 2: He hailed from Bethlehem and see how great he became, 111 00:07:58,460 --> 00:08:03,940 Speaker 2: Melchior replied. Belshazzar was more serious, keeping his eyes fixed 112 00:08:04,000 --> 00:08:07,310 Speaker 2: on Jerusalem. He had a pit in his stomach ever 113 00:08:07,350 --> 00:08:12,210 Speaker 2: since leaving Herod's palace. He will become greater than David, 114 00:08:12,570 --> 00:08:17,070 Speaker 2: Belshazzar said. That night, the men slept soundly in the 115 00:08:17,270 --> 00:08:21,830 Speaker 2: ornate tents pitched outside Bethlehem. The entire caravan was at peace, 116 00:08:22,310 --> 00:08:26,750 Speaker 2: except Belshazzar. He tossed under the blankets, tormented by visions 117 00:08:26,810 --> 00:08:30,940 Speaker 2: of fire and blood. The sound of infant screams surrounded 118 00:08:30,980 --> 00:08:34,200 Speaker 2: him before he woke up in a panic. Sweat beat 119 00:08:34,220 --> 00:08:38,020 Speaker 2: down his forehead. He lit his torch and woke his companions. 120 00:08:38,520 --> 00:08:40,960 Speaker 3: We must go, now, he insisted. 121 00:08:40,980 --> 00:08:45,250 Speaker 2: Herod can never know of what we have witnessed. We 122 00:08:45,300 --> 00:08:48,290 Speaker 2: must leave before he has the chance to follow us. 123 00:08:48,750 --> 00:08:52,050 Speaker 2: The magi agreed to travel into the night, retreating far 124 00:08:52,110 --> 00:08:56,370 Speaker 2: away from Herod's sight. Something sinister was at work, but 125 00:08:56,390 --> 00:08:58,829 Speaker 2: they knew they had witnessed the beginning of a story 126 00:08:58,870 --> 00:09:02,990 Speaker 2: that would change the world. A story of love, sacrifice 127 00:09:03,290 --> 00:09:07,079 Speaker 2: and redemption. In the quiet of the night, they felt 128 00:09:07,140 --> 00:09:10,360 Speaker 2: the hand of God guiding them, assuring them that they 129 00:09:10,400 --> 00:09:13,730 Speaker 2: were a part of a grand design, a tapestry woven 130 00:09:13,760 --> 00:09:17,230 Speaker 2: with threads of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 131 00:09:20,910 --> 00:09:24,010 Speaker 3: The story of the Magi's visitation to the infant Jesus 132 00:09:24,330 --> 00:09:27,580 Speaker 3: is a profound reminder of the nature of true royalty. 133 00:09:28,800 --> 00:09:31,939 Speaker 3: It's not in the splendor of garments or the accumulation 134 00:09:31,980 --> 00:09:37,030 Speaker 3: of wealth, but in righteousness. The Magi, adorned with jewels 135 00:09:37,110 --> 00:09:41,179 Speaker 3: and dressed in royal robes, journeyed far to bow before Jesus. 136 00:09:42,260 --> 00:09:45,679 Speaker 3: These were wise men, kings in their own right, who 137 00:09:45,740 --> 00:09:49,320 Speaker 3: recognized a king in a child wrapped in swaddling clothes. 138 00:09:49,860 --> 00:09:53,110 Speaker 3: In a humble dwelling, they found a royalty that surpassed 139 00:09:53,390 --> 00:09:58,190 Speaker 3: all the worldly riches they possessed. Jesus, the King of Kings, 140 00:09:58,750 --> 00:09:59,950 Speaker 3: was born in a stable. 141 00:10:00,580 --> 00:10:01,300 Speaker 1: Not a palace. 142 00:10:02,480 --> 00:10:05,480 Speaker 3: His throne was a manger, not a seat adorned with 143 00:10:05,540 --> 00:10:10,820 Speaker 3: gold and precious stones. This story invites us to reflect 144 00:10:10,960 --> 00:10:14,670 Speaker 3: on our own perception of greatness and success. Are we 145 00:10:14,790 --> 00:10:18,090 Speaker 3: captivated by the glitter of worldly success or or the 146 00:10:18,150 --> 00:10:24,250 Speaker 3: true royalty found in righteousness, humility, and service to others. Jesus' 147 00:10:24,309 --> 00:10:29,170 Speaker 3: kingship challenges the world's understanding of power and prestige, leading 148 00:10:29,270 --> 00:10:33,110 Speaker 3: us to a new way of living. The Magi, filled 149 00:10:33,170 --> 00:10:37,250 Speaker 3: with awe and reverence, give three famous gifts to Jesus. 150 00:10:38,350 --> 00:10:41,630 Speaker 3: The gifts that the Magi presented to Jesus were not arbitrary. 151 00:10:42,350 --> 00:10:49,460 Speaker 3: Each had a symbolic significance. First, gold. symbolizing Jesus' royalty. 152 00:10:51,540 --> 00:10:55,900 Speaker 3: Gold reminds us that Christ is the King of all creation. Gold, 153 00:10:56,100 --> 00:10:59,709 Speaker 3: as a royal medal, pointed to Jesus' dominion and reign. 154 00:11:01,470 --> 00:11:06,870 Speaker 3: Gold is a pure medal and is valued above all others. 155 00:11:07,750 --> 00:11:12,480 Speaker 3: Representing Jesus' divinity, frankincense was used in worship and portrayed 156 00:11:12,550 --> 00:11:17,219 Speaker 3: Jesus as God incarnate. It speaks of His heavenly origin. 157 00:11:17,660 --> 00:11:22,400 Speaker 3: and His role as our eternal High Priest. Myrrh, alluding 158 00:11:22,460 --> 00:11:27,070 Speaker 3: to Jesus' eventual death. Myrrh was used for embalming bodies. 159 00:11:27,910 --> 00:11:30,570 Speaker 3: Even at His birth, the shadow of the cross loomed, 160 00:11:31,050 --> 00:11:35,290 Speaker 3: and this gift prophetically pointed to His sacrificial death. These 161 00:11:35,429 --> 00:11:39,429 Speaker 3: gifts were not just valuable, but full of meaning, connecting 162 00:11:39,470 --> 00:11:44,030 Speaker 3: with the identity and mission of Jesus. They remind us 163 00:11:44,080 --> 00:11:47,130 Speaker 3: that our worship and gifts to Him should be thoughtful 164 00:11:47,309 --> 00:11:53,000 Speaker 3: and profound, reflecting our understanding of who He is. We 165 00:11:53,010 --> 00:11:55,900 Speaker 3: are reminded of the Magi's offerings to Jesus as we 166 00:11:55,960 --> 00:12:00,940 Speaker 3: exchange gifts during Christmas. Our gifts are symbols of love, kindness, 167 00:12:01,460 --> 00:12:05,809 Speaker 3: and joy. But let's also remember the true gift of Christmas, 168 00:12:06,309 --> 00:12:10,510 Speaker 3: Jesus Christ. The connection between the Magi's gifts and our 169 00:12:10,590 --> 00:12:14,530 Speaker 3: Christmas presents lies in the heart behind the givings. Let 170 00:12:14,650 --> 00:12:17,390 Speaker 3: our gifts be expressions of our love for one another, 171 00:12:17,929 --> 00:12:20,860 Speaker 3: mirroring the love God showed us by sending His Son. 172 00:12:22,260 --> 00:12:25,960 Speaker 3: Whether richly adorned like the Magi or simple and humble, 173 00:12:26,500 --> 00:12:31,079 Speaker 3: let our giving be sincere, reflecting the values and virtues 174 00:12:31,140 --> 00:12:35,970 Speaker 3: of Christ's kingdom. As we celebrate Christmas, may we bow 175 00:12:36,010 --> 00:12:40,090 Speaker 3: before Jesus, our righteous King, with hearts full of worship 176 00:12:40,190 --> 00:12:44,390 Speaker 3: and hands filled with love. May our gifts reflect His love, 177 00:12:44,830 --> 00:12:49,900 Speaker 3: His sacrifice, and His redemption. Jesus said in Matthew 6, 178 00:12:49,900 --> 00:12:53,660 Speaker 3: verse 21, For where your treasure is, there your heart 179 00:12:53,720 --> 00:12:57,900 Speaker 3: will be also. The Magi story invites us to treasure 180 00:12:58,000 --> 00:13:02,140 Speaker 3: Jesus above all else. May this Christmas season be a 181 00:13:02,160 --> 00:13:05,400 Speaker 3: time to draw near to Him, to discover His love anew, 182 00:13:05,980 --> 00:13:07,910 Speaker 3: and to share it with those around us.