Leave it to Tim Keller to show me something new from this familiar Christmas passage. Just as he has said that if you were making the story of Jesus up, you would not have had women be the first at the empty tomb, likewise, if you were making this story up, you would not have had Magi (astrologers, magicians, interpreters of dreams) be the first to travel to see Jesus. The Bible tells us to have nothing to do with those who practice the magic arts. They were to be put to death! (Lev. 20:27 and Deut. 18:10-12)
So why does the Bible say women were at the empty tomb first?
Why does the Bible tell us Magi went to find Jesus?
Because it really happened historically.
They traveled for months, perhaps years, following the star.
Keller also implied they were not believers until they saw Jesus, and then they bowed down and worshipped him.
Sunday:
- How have you experienced “Immanuel” (God with Us) this week?
Monday: The Text
2. What did Balaam prophesy in Numbers 24:17?
3. Read Matthew 2:1-12
-
- What thoughts do you have after first reading this passage and why?
- Why do you think they went to Herod for wisdom?
- How did the chief priests know where the Messiah was to be born?
- Why is Herod in such a panic?
- How did the Magi respond when they saw the child? Keller says this is when they received true wisdom on who this King was. Do you agree or not? Explain.
- How do you see God’s hand in this story?
Tuesday: Wisdom of the World Always Dated
This made me think of a conversation with my stylist concerning surgeries performed on adolescents who self-identify as the opposite sex. I told her doctors were beginning to have second thoughts on this as suicide had increased instead decreased. I told her I thought it was a passing phase and doctors should refuse. She said, “But if you were the doctor, wouldn’t that put you in a hard place if both the child and parents want it?”
I said, “No, because I would have made a promise to do no harm. ”
I didn’t bring in the Bible, but I do agree that everything that is not eternal is eternally out of date.
4. Listen through Keller’s first point
-
- What stood out to you and why?
- Give an example of something the world held to be true but was later disproved by explorers or science.
- Nearly all of America’s Founding Fathers owned slaves, some even justified it by twisting Scripture, mentioning the verses about slaves. (That slavery was different and voluntary and for a limited time. )How did God awaken them to their sin both through other believers and through Scripture?
- Share, if possible, a wrong belief you held that Scripture corrected.
- Why was Augustine, though he lived 1500 years ago, so often right?
- Why is the Bible true today, yesterday, and tomorrow?
Christmas Eve: Wisdom of the World Only Partially Wrong
My favorite Professor at Covenant Seminary was Jerram Barrs, who stressed so strongly that all wisdom comes from above, and that you can find some beautiful examples in secular books. Each year in my Christmas letter, I share a favorite book and movie. This year I chose a secular movie: Lilly – the true story of Lilly Ledbetter’s fight for equal pay as a woman. It also humbled me to see that Republicans stood against her and the Democrats supported her, for I so often am upset with the Democratic leaders.
5. Listen through Keller’s second point
-
- What stands out to you and why?
- Define common grace and give a few examples of it.
- How do you see it in the lives of the Magi before they saw Jesus?
- Share a secular book or movie that touched your soul as a child or an adult
Christmas Day: Wisdom Will Only Find Fulfillment in Jesus
6.Listen through Keller’s final point.
A. What stands out to you and why?
B. How does Keller illustrate this with the Magi?
C. How has this been true for you?
Friday: Kathy’s Thoughts
This was so interesting to me. I was blessed with a very wise father, very well read, and very moral. Yet he didn’t come to the Lord until the end of his life. He turned me into a reader by reading wonderful books to me, though not necessarily Christian. His his wisdom guides me all the time. Some of the quote, that he may have gotten from wise men, guide my life. Here is a sampling of so many:
- Give each task the time it is worth — no more, no less.
- Don’t make important decisions precipitously.
- There is always hope when you listen to both sides, if you attend only to one, errors harden into prejudices.
- You do not have appointments, but commitments, so keep your word and be punctual.
- Don’t judge someone until you’ve walked a mile in his shoes.
7. Listen to the end.
A. What stands out and why?
B. How do you choose a good doctor or dentist? Is it important to you that
they be a believer? Why or why not?
C. Kathy used the quote “Eat the meat and spit out the bones.” I’ve also heard, based on Exodus 4:22 that sometimes the Lord allows us to “plunder the gold of the Egyptians.” Secular people may have skill and even wisdom, and we can learn from them, but we need to sift. Give an example of a few wise sayings that are not from Scripture, or of books not from Christians, or from secular mentors.
D. Keller said we learn from community — and we certainly have here. Can you give a specific example of something someone taught you:
-
-
- From this blog?
- From an unbeliever?
- From another country?
- From the opposite sex?
- From a true believer but from a very different camp — perhaps Catholic or Pentecostal
-
I can have trouble receiving from a pastor who seems harsh to me or where I have a strong difference in a gray issue — perhaps where they stand on women in ministry, or if tongues are for all believers, but I do want remember I can still learn from them!
8. Keller said: Sin in me means I am never as good as my right theology should make me. But common grace and the image of God means the non-Christian is never as bad as his wrong theology should make him. Point?
Saturday:
9. What is your take-a-way and why?
12 comments
Sunday:
How have you experienced “Immanuel” (God with Us) this week?
Despite experiencing some really tough circumstances this week, I have been lifted up and supported here in community with my sisters in Christ. Thank you all for that. This difficulty in our marriage has many layers and we stumble through the hard things sometimes, but currently are back to managing in a more healthy way.
Prayer request, for my daughter who is 20 weeks pregnant with her third child. She has had cholestasis in all her pregnancies, but not until the end and the babies were delivered a little early with no complications, but she is having symptoms now and this is very concerning. She sees the doctor tomorrow morning. Prayers for wisdom for the doctors and that baby can stay in long enough and be safe. It is very dangerous for baby as mom’s liver is not functioning properly and essentially toxins are building up in her body.
Oh Father, we come to you on behalf of this little one whom You knit together in her mother’s womb. Please give the doctors wisdom, put Your hand on both mother and babe, and give peace. In Jesus Name I pray
Chris, thank you for sharing. I do agree-this blog is such a supportive community. I know I could come here and share what’s in my heart, and know I would be prayed for. Lord, grant wisdom for the doctors as Chris’s daughter sees them tomorrow. Keep her and the baby safe. We confidently pray that you will be with them and will guide their steps.
Father God, I join the others in praying for this fragile mother and her precious baby. Lord, be with Chris’s daughter and her baby every moment. Give the doctors wisdom, and keep the baby and mother safe in Your Hands, dear Father. We ask for a miracle in this very difficult and critical situation. We give this to You outright Father in Heaven. Inn the Mighty Name of Jesus, we pray.
Chris, so good to hear that you are managing your marriage in a more healthy way and I continue to lift it up to the Lord.
I agree with these prayers for your daughter and this precious baby…may God protect and watch over them both.
Dear Jesus, thank You for helping Chris and her husband manage their marriage well at this time. We know You are in the middle of each of our stories. Please continue to guide them when it is necessary. I pray in agreement with the others here for the mommy and baby who need some care. Thank You Lord, for blessing us with Your love. Amen.
Sunday:
How have you experienced “Immanuel” (God with Us) this week?
I have experienced Immanuel on a newer and deeper level, in the sense that there is a greater awareness of His work and perfect timing. To share one thing: yesterday, I went to a store looking for a gift item for a very dear friend. I was hoping I could find it at a sister store, as I have already bought one for another friend. But alas, it was not there! The two friends I was shopping with suggested I stop by a Home Goods store nearby. I did not want them to have to wait for me to search for a gift that may not be there. But they insisted they had time to wait, and off they went to find parking in the crazy zoo-like parking lot. We did agree that perhaps I could find something else as a gift B.
Anyway, I did find some alternatives and was on my way to the checkout when, upon rounding an aisle, I saw the box I wanted! I know I said it here before, but I did cry (again!) I can almost hear Jesus saying, “There, there, Bing! I know you wanted this one for your friend!”
And Dee, I do agree with this: “Leave it to Tim Keller to show me something new from this familiar Christmas passage.” He has so much insight given by God.
Love this story and the love of your friends for you!
Oh, Bing! What a God we have. I love how He cares about the details. Yes, your friends sound lovely.🙏
How sweet! Friends and Jesus! Good story, Bing.
1. How have you experienced “Immanuel” (God with Us) this week?
I suppose I have experienced Immanuel in the rest after the busy build up to Christmas this year. It was a relatively slow week. My husband and I are celebrating our 36th wedding anniversary today (22nd). I decided to take off work last Thursday and just hang out with him. It was nice. Our son took us to a very yummy lunch. We really didn’t do anything and that was good!
2. What did Balaam prophesy in Numbers 24:17?
The Israelites would be thoroughly blessed, in all ways; never a need, and government.
3. Read Matthew 2:1-12
What thoughts do you have after first reading this passage and why?
I still wonder about the star and how it led them. I know there is a comet with a 2000 or so year orbit. Our youngest son was born on March 4, 1997. The comet Hale Bopp was in the sky that morning when we drove to the hospital. Could it be the same? I know the calendar has had a change within the span of time, but knowing Jesus was actually born in the spring (I think), it makes me wonder if it might have been a comet instead of a “star.” I haven’t had time to research it, but maybe when I retire!
Why do you think they went to Herod for wisdom?
I’m guessing they went because they thought the king would have the information they needed since he was the ruler of the land.
How did the chief priests know where the Messiah was to be born?
They read the prophecy.
Why is Herod in such a panic?
I guess he thought a new Jewish king might cause trouble for him?
How did the Magi respond when they saw the child?
The magi fell down and bowed to worship Him.
Keller says this is when they received true wisdom on who this King was. Do you agree or not? Explain.
I’m not sure. So little is said, and I read 5 different versions. I guess kings would not bow to others though, people usually would bow to them.
How do you see God’s hand in this story?
God “visited” them in a dream and told them not to go back to Herod.