_Wise men from the East._ -They were wise, not so much for their learning, but because they sought God diligently. Wisdom does not make unbelievers, but folly. (_Wilmot Buxton._) PHILOSOPHY AND THE BABE I. The wise men seeking Christ. 1. They are presented to us here as seekers. 2. They were ea... [ Continue Reading ]
_Seen his star._ THE GUIDING STAR It was revealed to the shepherds and then to the wise men. 1. The Jews had the priority of time, so also they had a superiority in the manner of the declaration. To one a living angel; to the other an inanimate star. 2. To the shepherds it was done much more fee... [ Continue Reading ]
_Herod._ HEROD 1. Blind. 2. Luxurious. 3. Revengeful. 4. Flattered. 5. An habitual sinner. (_J. M. Ashley._) 1. The shortness of kingdoms. 2. The fear of an evil conscience. 3. Various uses of Holy Scripture. 4. The disposition and temper of the world. 5. The conditions of an acceptable o... [ Continue Reading ]
_Priests and scribes._ NEAR IN PRIVILEGE, FAR FROM PIETY Some that are best acquainted with the gospel are practical strangers to it. They are like one who should pore over a map, mastering its geography; marking each sea, lake, river; understanding the position of every range of mountains; learnin... [ Continue Reading ]
_A Governor._ MESSIAH’S GOVERNMENT I. The character of the Governor, 1. His dignity (Romans 9:5; Colossians 2:9; Jeremiah 33:6; Isaiah 45:18; Isaiah 45:24; Romans 14:11; John 1:1, and others). Suitably sustained by His attributes. 2. His condescension (Philippians 2: [ Continue Reading ]
_Search diligently._ I. Wicked men often cloak their evil designs under the appearance of religion. They attempt to deceive those who are really good, and to make them suppose that they have the same design. But God cannot be deceived, and He will bring them to punishment. II. Wicked men often mak... [ Continue Reading ]
_Worshipped Him-Gold and frankincense and myrrh._ ACTION, PRAYER, SORROW I. Gold may be taken as representing our substance, our goods, our material wealth. All work, all material, have their worth in gold. This oblation, represents the efficiency of that which is external to us, and can be detach... [ Continue Reading ]
_Flee into Egypt._ THE DUTY OF PARENTS TO THEIR CHILDREN I. Childhood is exposed to imminent dangers. “Herod sought the young child’s life.” Evil is never so active or persistent as when it seeks the ruin of the young. II. On what conditions the safety of childhood depends. 1. The first of these... [ Continue Reading ]
_Departed into Egypt._ I. The natural seed of Israel, as called out of Egypt. II. The divine seed, the man Christ Jesus. III. The chosen seed that shall be brought out of Egypt. (_C. H. Spurgeon._)... [ Continue Reading ]
_Slew all the children._ THE HOLY INNOCENTS The narrative presents sharp contrasts of character and history. I. Christ the terror of the tyrant even when a helpless babe. II. The tyrant’s utmost endeavours are all in vain against the child. III. Our richest blessings are often baptized with blo... [ Continue Reading ]