December 30, 2024 • 13 mins
In a humble house, nestled near the valley where King David himself once herded sheep, the King of Kings is adorned with gifts. Each gift is a symbol of his identity and prophecy of his fate.
Today's Bible verse is Matthew 6:21, from the King James Version.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
For where your treasure is, there, your heart will be
also Matthew six twenty one. Dear heavenly Father, help us
to examine our hearts and our priorities to recognize what
we truly value and treasure. May our desires align with
(00:21):
your kingdom and your righteousness, so that our hearts will
be firmly anchored in You. Keep us from being swayed
by the fleeting treasures of this world, which can never satisfy.
Teach us to invest our time, energy, and resources in
what matters Eternally, fill our hearts with a longing for
(00:45):
your presence and your ways, knowing that the true treasure
is found in a relationship with you. May our lives
be a reflection of where our treasure lies. May we
find joy and contentment in pursuing you above all else.
(01:06):
In the name of Jesus, our greatest treasure. We pray, Amen,
sh sweet child, I'm here.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
Mary's voice was a reassuring balm to the child's cries.
Her hands were gentle as she wrapped Jesus in her
arms and swayed him back and forth. Her voice hummed
alongside the crackling fire in their humble home. Jesus's tiny
eyes glistened in the warm glow. Joseph was by the fire,
(01:36):
his eyes dancing with the flames, a momentary refuge from
the labors of life he had toiled all day with
the Stonemasons. While Mary and Jesus walked through the market place.
Their single room was a sanctuary for all of them,
a refuge from the cold night outside, filled with the
warmth of love. Joseph's eyes found Mary's and he approached her,
(02:01):
gently kissing her forehead before touching his lips to the
baby's nose. A coop escape Jesus's lips and the new
parent's faces lit up with joy. In the chaotic storm
of parenting, these tranquil moments were a glimpse of Heaven's peace.
Speaker 3 (02:19):
Hello, I'm Pastor Jack Graham with today's episode of the
Bible in a Year podcast. It's been a joy following
the highs and lows of this renowned Christmas tale with you.
Today we glimpse an intimate scene between the Magi and Jesus.
The story of the Magi visiting Jesus is more than
a picturesque scene. It's a spiritual lesson on true royalty.
(02:45):
Meaningful worship and heartfelt giving. The Magi have followed the
star gotten word that the child must be in Bethlehem
and are about to behold the majesty of Jesus. In
case any of you were curates us about the timeline
of these events, the Magi most likely visited Jesus when
he was between six and eighteen months old. No doubt,
(03:09):
Joseph procured a job in town, waiting for the right
moment to return to Nazareth. This episode is quiet, warm
and profound, but make no mistake, it is the calm
before the final storm.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
Let's begin, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus shared a tender moment
in the warmth of their humble home, the crackling of
fire intermixed with the chirping of crickets outside. Jesus was
calling now, eyes fixed on his mother. Mary and Joseph
were in constant awe of him. His eyes reflected promise, hope,
(03:48):
and love. He was only an infant, but their knowledge
of who he was caused them to look at him differently,
although they occasionally forgot when it was time to feed him,
change him, or remain up all night with him. Son
of God or not an infant was an infant, but
for now all was quiet and peaceful. Suddenly a knock
(04:13):
jarred them from their moment of bliss. Joseph's eyes narrowed,
his hands reaching instinctively for his chisel, a who would
be visiting at this hour. The knocking grew insistent, and
Joseph's heartbeat quickened, a drum of war, readying him to
protect his family. He gestured for Mary to step back
as he approached the door, the chisel hidden and ready
(04:35):
to strike. He opened the door and immediately cocked his
head in confusion. Three men adorned in rich and resplendent
robes stood before him. The jewels from their head dresses
gleamed like stars. May I help you, Joseph asked, confused
and off kilter. We have journeyed for Caspar smiled with
(04:57):
his eyes. To worship the king, he said, with his
grizzled and low voice. Joseph's breath caught in his throat.
He glanced back at Mary, his eyes wide with disbelief,
before gesturing for the men to step in. The child
was cradled in Mary's arms, hand firmly grasping her finger.
The magi entered slowly and with great respect. Their grandeur
(05:21):
and extravagant clothes starkly contrasted Joseph and Mary's humble home.
But as their eyes fell on Jesus, all sense of
status and wealth faded. These three men, who bowed to
no one, fell prostrate on to the floor before him,
their faces pressed to the ground, voices quivering with awe.
(05:43):
It is an honor, our King, Caspar whispered, his voice,
a gentle breeze. We have followed the star, and it
led us to you. Marrying Joseph exchanged glances, their hearts
pounding with wonder. These were not mere men, but rulers
and kings in their own right, and yet they bowed
(06:03):
before their child. We have brought gifts, Melchia announced in reverence.
Kaspar brought out a small wooden chest with silver engravings.
He opened the chest to reveal dozens of gold pieces
shimmering in the firelight. Gold for a king, he said, softly,
laying it at Mary's feet. Melchior brought out a glass
(06:24):
flask of refined oil frankncense, he said, with reverence for
the divine Boushaszar brought out a linen bag of resin glimmering,
nearly as bright as the gold and muh he concluded
with a soft voice. The three magile lingered there for
a while. Words failed them, for they had a sense
(06:45):
that this moment was more profound than they would ever realize.
After a final bow, the men rose, their faces etched
with reverence and gratitude. We must go, Bauchassar said, his
voice heavy with reluctance. They departed, their souls forever changed,
leaving behind a blessing that lingered in the air. Joseph
(07:08):
and Mary retreated to their bed, their hearts heavy with awe.
They watched Jesus sleep, his face a picture of serenity,
a reflection of God's grace. The magi returned to their
caravan with sober reflection on the tip of their tongues.
What have we just witnessed, Melchia asked with a sigh.
Caspar shook his head in disbelief. A God's chosen king
(07:33):
in a small home tucked in the hills of Bethlehem.
Was not King David such a child too. He hailed
from Bethlehem, and see how great he became, Melchia replied.
Balchazzar was more serious, keeping his eyes fixed on Jerusalem.
He had a pit in his stomach ever since leaving
(07:53):
Herod's palace. He will become greater than David, Balshazzar said.
That night, the men slept soundly in the ornate tents
pitched outside Bethlehem. The entire caravan was at peace, except Bauchazzar.
He tossed under the blankets, tormented by visions of fire
and blood. The sound of infant screams surrounded him. Before
(08:17):
he woke up in a panic, Sweat beat down his forehead.
He lit his torch and woke his companions. We must
go now, he insisted. Herod can never know of what
we have witnessed. We must leave before he has the
chance to follow us. The magi agreed to travel into
the night, retreating far away from Herod's sight. Something sinister
(08:41):
was at work, but they knew they had witnessed the
beginning of a story that would change the world, a
story of love, sacrifice, and redemption. In the quiet of
the night, they felt the hand of God guiding them,
assuring them that they were a part of a grand design.
A tapestry woven with thread of gold, frankincense, and mrher.
Speaker 3 (09:06):
The story of the magi's visitation to the infant Jesus
is a profound reminder of the nature of true royalty.
It's not in the splendor of garments or the accumulation
of wealth, but in righteousness. The magi, adorned with jewels
and dressed in royal robes, journeyed far to bow before Jesus.
(09:27):
These were wise men, kings in their own right, who
recognized a king in a child wrapped in swaddling clothes,
in a humble dwelling. They found a royalty that surpassed
all the worldly riches they possessed. Jesus, the King of kings,
was born in a stable, not a palace. His throne
(09:49):
was a manger, not a seat adorned with gold and
precious stones. This story invites us to reflect on our
own perception of greatness and success. Are we captivated by
the glitter of worldly success or the true royalty found
in righteousness, humility, and service to others. Jesus' kingship challenges
(10:11):
the world's understanding of power and prestige, leading us to
a new way of living. The Magi, filled with awe
and reverence, give three famous gifts to Jesus. The gifts
that the Magi presented to Jesus were not arbitrary. Each
had a symbolic significance. First gold, symbolizing Jesus's royalty. Gold
(10:37):
reminds us that Christ is the king of all creation.
Gold as a royal medal, pointed to Jesus's dominion and reign.
Gold is a pure metal and is valued above all others. Frankncense,
representing Jesus's divinity. Frankincense was used in worship and portrayed
(10:58):
Jesus as God incarnate. It speaks of his heavenly origin
and his role as our eternal high Priest. MRR alluding
to Jesus's eventual death. MRR was used for embalming bodies.
Even at his birth, the shadow of the cross loomed,
and this gift prophetically pointed to his sacrificial death. These
(11:21):
gifts were not just valuable, but full of meaning, connecting
with the identity and mission of Jesus. They remind us
that our worship and gifts to him should be thoughtful
and profound, reflecting our understanding of who he is. We
are reminded of the Magi's offerings to Jesus as we
(11:41):
exchange gifts during Christmas. Our gifts are symbols of love, kindness,
and joy. But let's also remember the true gift of Christmas,
Jesus Christ. The connection between the Magi's gifts and our
Christmas presence lies in the heart behind the giving. Let
our gifts be expressions of our love for one another,
(12:03):
mirroring the love God showed us by sending his son,
Whether richly adorned like the Magi or simple and humble.
Let our giving be sincere, reflecting the values and virtues
of Christ's kingdom. As we celebrate Christmas. May we bow
before Jesus, our righteous King, with hearts full of worship
(12:25):
and hands filled with love. May our gifts reflect his love,
his sacrifice, and his redemption. Jesus said in Matthew chapter six,
verse twenty one, for where your treasure is there, your
heart will be also. The Magi story invites us to
treasure Jesus above all else. May this Christmas season be
(12:47):
a time to draw near to Him, to discover his
love anew, and to share it with those around us.
Thanks for listening to today's Bible in a Year podcast.
I'm pastor Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas. Download thepray dot
com app and make prayer a priority in your life.
If you enjoy this podcast, share it with someone you love.
(13:09):
By sharing this podcast, you can make a difference in
someone's life. And if you want more resources on how
to tap into God's power for successful Christian living, be
sure to visit Jagraham dot org. God bless you.
For where your treasure is, there, your heart will be
also Matthew six twenty one. Dear heavenly Father, help us
to examine our hearts and our priorities to recognize what
we truly value and treasure. May our desires align with
(00:21):
your kingdom and your righteousness, so that our hearts will
be firmly anchored in You. Keep us from being swayed
by the fleeting treasures of this world, which can never satisfy.
Teach us to invest our time, energy, and resources in
what matters Eternally, fill our hearts with a longing for
(00:45):
your presence and your ways, knowing that the true treasure
is found in a relationship with you. May our lives
be a reflection of where our treasure lies. May we
find joy and contentment in pursuing you above all else.
(01:06):
In the name of Jesus, our greatest treasure. We pray, Amen,
sh sweet child, I'm here.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
Mary's voice was a reassuring balm to the child's cries.
Her hands were gentle as she wrapped Jesus in her
arms and swayed him back and forth. Her voice hummed
alongside the crackling fire in their humble home. Jesus's tiny
eyes glistened in the warm glow. Joseph was by the fire,
(01:36):
his eyes dancing with the flames, a momentary refuge from
the labors of life he had toiled all day with
the Stonemasons. While Mary and Jesus walked through the market place.
Their single room was a sanctuary for all of them,
a refuge from the cold night outside, filled with the
warmth of love. Joseph's eyes found Mary's and he approached her,
(02:01):
gently kissing her forehead before touching his lips to the
baby's nose. A coop escape Jesus's lips and the new
parent's faces lit up with joy. In the chaotic storm
of parenting, these tranquil moments were a glimpse of Heaven's peace.
Speaker 3 (02:19):
Hello, I'm Pastor Jack Graham with today's episode of the
Bible in a Year podcast. It's been a joy following
the highs and lows of this renowned Christmas tale with you.
Today we glimpse an intimate scene between the Magi and Jesus.
The story of the Magi visiting Jesus is more than
a picturesque scene. It's a spiritual lesson on true royalty.
(02:45):
Meaningful worship and heartfelt giving. The Magi have followed the
star gotten word that the child must be in Bethlehem
and are about to behold the majesty of Jesus. In
case any of you were curates us about the timeline
of these events, the Magi most likely visited Jesus when
he was between six and eighteen months old. No doubt,
(03:09):
Joseph procured a job in town, waiting for the right
moment to return to Nazareth. This episode is quiet, warm
and profound, but make no mistake, it is the calm
before the final storm.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
Let's begin, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus shared a tender moment
in the warmth of their humble home, the crackling of
fire intermixed with the chirping of crickets outside. Jesus was
calling now, eyes fixed on his mother. Mary and Joseph
were in constant awe of him. His eyes reflected promise, hope,
(03:48):
and love. He was only an infant, but their knowledge
of who he was caused them to look at him differently,
although they occasionally forgot when it was time to feed him,
change him, or remain up all night with him. Son
of God or not an infant was an infant, but
for now all was quiet and peaceful. Suddenly a knock
(04:13):
jarred them from their moment of bliss. Joseph's eyes narrowed,
his hands reaching instinctively for his chisel, a who would
be visiting at this hour. The knocking grew insistent, and
Joseph's heartbeat quickened, a drum of war, readying him to
protect his family. He gestured for Mary to step back
as he approached the door, the chisel hidden and ready
(04:35):
to strike. He opened the door and immediately cocked his
head in confusion. Three men adorned in rich and resplendent
robes stood before him. The jewels from their head dresses
gleamed like stars. May I help you, Joseph asked, confused
and off kilter. We have journeyed for Caspar smiled with
(04:57):
his eyes. To worship the king, he said, with his
grizzled and low voice. Joseph's breath caught in his throat.
He glanced back at Mary, his eyes wide with disbelief,
before gesturing for the men to step in. The child
was cradled in Mary's arms, hand firmly grasping her finger.
The magi entered slowly and with great respect. Their grandeur
(05:21):
and extravagant clothes starkly contrasted Joseph and Mary's humble home.
But as their eyes fell on Jesus, all sense of
status and wealth faded. These three men, who bowed to
no one, fell prostrate on to the floor before him,
their faces pressed to the ground, voices quivering with awe.
(05:43):
It is an honor, our King, Caspar whispered, his voice,
a gentle breeze. We have followed the star, and it
led us to you. Marrying Joseph exchanged glances, their hearts
pounding with wonder. These were not mere men, but rulers
and kings in their own right, and yet they bowed
(06:03):
before their child. We have brought gifts, Melchia announced in reverence.
Kaspar brought out a small wooden chest with silver engravings.
He opened the chest to reveal dozens of gold pieces
shimmering in the firelight. Gold for a king, he said, softly,
laying it at Mary's feet. Melchior brought out a glass
(06:24):
flask of refined oil frankncense, he said, with reverence for
the divine Boushaszar brought out a linen bag of resin glimmering,
nearly as bright as the gold and muh he concluded
with a soft voice. The three magile lingered there for
a while. Words failed them, for they had a sense
(06:45):
that this moment was more profound than they would ever realize.
After a final bow, the men rose, their faces etched
with reverence and gratitude. We must go, Bauchassar said, his
voice heavy with reluctance. They departed, their souls forever changed,
leaving behind a blessing that lingered in the air. Joseph
(07:08):
and Mary retreated to their bed, their hearts heavy with awe.
They watched Jesus sleep, his face a picture of serenity,
a reflection of God's grace. The magi returned to their
caravan with sober reflection on the tip of their tongues.
What have we just witnessed, Melchia asked with a sigh.
Caspar shook his head in disbelief. A God's chosen king
(07:33):
in a small home tucked in the hills of Bethlehem.
Was not King David such a child too. He hailed
from Bethlehem, and see how great he became, Melchia replied.
Balchazzar was more serious, keeping his eyes fixed on Jerusalem.
He had a pit in his stomach ever since leaving
(07:53):
Herod's palace. He will become greater than David, Balshazzar said.
That night, the men slept soundly in the ornate tents
pitched outside Bethlehem. The entire caravan was at peace, except Bauchazzar.
He tossed under the blankets, tormented by visions of fire
and blood. The sound of infant screams surrounded him. Before
(08:17):
he woke up in a panic, Sweat beat down his forehead.
He lit his torch and woke his companions. We must
go now, he insisted. Herod can never know of what
we have witnessed. We must leave before he has the
chance to follow us. The magi agreed to travel into
the night, retreating far away from Herod's sight. Something sinister
(08:41):
was at work, but they knew they had witnessed the
beginning of a story that would change the world, a
story of love, sacrifice, and redemption. In the quiet of
the night, they felt the hand of God guiding them,
assuring them that they were a part of a grand design.
A tapestry woven with thread of gold, frankincense, and mrher.
Speaker 3 (09:06):
The story of the magi's visitation to the infant Jesus
is a profound reminder of the nature of true royalty.
It's not in the splendor of garments or the accumulation
of wealth, but in righteousness. The magi, adorned with jewels
and dressed in royal robes, journeyed far to bow before Jesus.
(09:27):
These were wise men, kings in their own right, who
recognized a king in a child wrapped in swaddling clothes,
in a humble dwelling. They found a royalty that surpassed
all the worldly riches they possessed. Jesus, the King of kings,
was born in a stable, not a palace. His throne
(09:49):
was a manger, not a seat adorned with gold and
precious stones. This story invites us to reflect on our
own perception of greatness and success. Are we captivated by
the glitter of worldly success or the true royalty found
in righteousness, humility, and service to others. Jesus' kingship challenges
(10:11):
the world's understanding of power and prestige, leading us to
a new way of living. The Magi, filled with awe
and reverence, give three famous gifts to Jesus. The gifts
that the Magi presented to Jesus were not arbitrary. Each
had a symbolic significance. First gold, symbolizing Jesus's royalty. Gold
(10:37):
reminds us that Christ is the king of all creation.
Gold as a royal medal, pointed to Jesus's dominion and reign.
Gold is a pure metal and is valued above all others. Frankncense,
representing Jesus's divinity. Frankincense was used in worship and portrayed
(10:58):
Jesus as God incarnate. It speaks of his heavenly origin
and his role as our eternal high Priest. MRR alluding
to Jesus's eventual death. MRR was used for embalming bodies.
Even at his birth, the shadow of the cross loomed,
and this gift prophetically pointed to his sacrificial death. These
(11:21):
gifts were not just valuable, but full of meaning, connecting
with the identity and mission of Jesus. They remind us
that our worship and gifts to him should be thoughtful
and profound, reflecting our understanding of who he is. We
are reminded of the Magi's offerings to Jesus as we
(11:41):
exchange gifts during Christmas. Our gifts are symbols of love, kindness,
and joy. But let's also remember the true gift of Christmas,
Jesus Christ. The connection between the Magi's gifts and our
Christmas presence lies in the heart behind the giving. Let
our gifts be expressions of our love for one another,
(12:03):
mirroring the love God showed us by sending his son,
Whether richly adorned like the Magi or simple and humble.
Let our giving be sincere, reflecting the values and virtues
of Christ's kingdom. As we celebrate Christmas. May we bow
before Jesus, our righteous King, with hearts full of worship
(12:25):
and hands filled with love. May our gifts reflect his love,
his sacrifice, and his redemption. Jesus said in Matthew chapter six,
verse twenty one, for where your treasure is there, your
heart will be also. The Magi story invites us to
treasure Jesus above all else. May this Christmas season be
(12:47):
a time to draw near to Him, to discover his
love anew, and to share it with those around us.
Thanks for listening to today's Bible in a Year podcast.
I'm pastor Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas. Download thepray dot
com app and make prayer a priority in your life.
If you enjoy this podcast, share it with someone you love.
(13:09):
By sharing this podcast, you can make a difference in
someone's life. And if you want more resources on how
to tap into God's power for successful Christian living, be
sure to visit Jagraham dot org. God bless you.
Host
Jack Graham
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