Lessons of Faith – Matthew 2:1-11
Pastor Tan Thai · Dec 1, 2017
This sermon draws three lessons of faith from the story of the Magi in Matthew 2:1-11: trusting without full understanding, trusting without seeking recognition, and trusting despite hardship and cost. Through these examples, the pastor calls the congregation to a genuine faith that does not demand proof first, does not seek human glory, and willingly pays the price of discipleship.
The sermon opens by correcting the popular misconception that exactly three named kings visited Jesus, while the Bible simply records 'some wise men' without specifying their number or names. The pastor explains the Greek term 'magi' and shares the astronomical discovery of Johannes Kepler in 1603 – when Jupiter and Saturn converged in Pisces in 7 BC – as a historical finding that may correspond to the guiding star in the Christmas narrative.
The first lesson is 'trusting without full understanding.' The Magi departed without knowing their destination, much like Abraham leaving his homeland at God's call (Hebrews 11:8) or the Israelites following the pillar of cloud and fire in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21). Faith, defined in Hebrews 11:1 as 'evidence of things not seen,' stands in contrast to Thomas's demand to see and touch before believing (John 20:29). The pastor contrasts the mocking response of Soviet cosmonaut Popovich – who denied seeing God in space – with American astronaut William Anders, who read Genesis 1 from lunar orbit on Christmas Eve 1968, illustrating how the same reality can produce two entirely different responses of faith.
The second lesson is 'trusting without seeking recognition.' Scripture intentionally omits the names of the Magi and the shepherds, reflecting God's consistent pattern of knowing and honoring anonymous faithful servants – like the 7,000 who never bowed to Baal in Elijah's time (1 Kings 19:18). True joy comes not from having one's name proclaimed by others but from finding the Savior. To be known by God is worth infinitely more than being known by people.
The third lesson is 'trusting despite hardship and cost.' The pastor contrasts the scribes and chief priests – whose minds were full of scriptural knowledge but whose hearts were far from God – with the Magi who knew little of prophecy yet wholeheartedly sought Jesus. The proverb 'The closer to the church, the further from God' captures the spiritual complacency common in countries where faith carries no social cost. Meanwhile, believers in persecuted nations count every day the price of their faith and choose to pay it willingly.
The sermon closes with a call to personal, non-borrowed faith. The Magi personally made the long journey and presented gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus (Matthew 2:11) – a picture of wholehearted devotion. The pastor concludes by quoting a hymn that voices the sacrifice of Christ and challenges every listener to respond: 'I have given My life for you – what will you give to Me?'