Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-7

Where is Jesus?

Intro.

1. People wanted to know where Jesus was, John 7:11; 9:12. Some, to see him for good (John 12:21), others for harm (John 7:32).

2. Wise men asked Herod, who asked scribes, Matt. 2:1-2.

3. Let us ask and answer the wise men’s question: “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?”

I. WHERE WAS JESUS AS A CHILD?

A. Born in Bethlehem, Matt. 2:3-6 (Micah 5:2).

-Manger at birth (Luke 2:7), then in a house (Matt. 2:11).

B. Taken to Egypt, Matt. 2:13-15 (Hosea 11:1).

C. Hometown of Nazareth, Matt. 2:19-23.

1. Doing His Father’s business, Luke 2:49.

2. Subject to His parents and growing up, Luke 2:51-52.

3. Became a source of derision and unbelief (John 1:46; 7:41-43).

II. WHERE WAS JESUS DURING HIS EARTHLY MINISTRY?

A. Began in Galilee, Matt. 4:12-17.

1. Extended to regions east and south, Matt. 4:23-25.

2. Extended to the north, Matt. 15:21.

3. Outside Jerusalem (Heb. 13:12): Death (Paradise), Resurrection.

4. Ascension from Bethany (east of Jerusalem), Luke 24:50-51.

B. Now in Heaven at God’s Right Hand, Heb. 1:3.

III. IN HEAVEN PREPARING A PLACE FOR HIS FOLLOWERS, John 14:1-6.

A. On His Throne at God’s Right Hand, Acts 2:29-31, 33-36.

B. King and High Priest, Psalm 110:1-4 (Zech. 6:12-13).

1. King with all authority, Heb. 1:8.

a. Builder and Head of His church, Eph. 1:20-23.

b. Ruler over friend and foe, Psalm 110:2-3.

2. High Priest over house of God, Heb. 3:1; 8:1-2; 10:10-14.

3. Mediator of new covenant, Heb. 9:15 (Isa. 2:3).

4. Intercessor for Christians, Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25.

IV. JESUS IS IN THE MIDST OF THE CHURCHES, Rev. 1:11-13, 20.

A. He Knows the Churches, Rev. 2:2 (2:9, 13, 19; 3:1, 8, 15).

B. He Commands, Warns, and Promises Rewards to Those Who Overcome, Rev. 2:5, 7 (2:11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 19).

V. JESUS IS IN THE CHRISTIAN’S HEART AND LIFE, Col. 1:27.

A. Christ Dwells in Our Hearts by Faith, Eph. 3:17.

1. Word of Christ in heart, Col. 3:16 (Heb. 8:10).

2. Live by faith, Gal. 2:20.

3. By keeping His word, John 14:23 (21).

4. How we know we are in Him, 1 John 2:5-6.

B. The Spirit of Christ Dwells in Us, Rom. 8:9-11. (fellowship)

1. Spirit of God/Christ in you – Christ in you (9-10).

2. When we are led by the Spirit (8:14); Walk according to the Spirit (8:1), subject to His will (gospel, 8:5-8).

VI. WHERE WILL JESUS BE?

A. Return on the Throne of His Glory to Judge the World, Matt. 25:31; 2 Cor. 5:10 (2 Thess. 1:7-8).

Conclusion

1. We know where Jesus has been, where He is now, and where He will be in the future.

2. The question is: Will you honor and worship Him like those wise men of old by following Him? Or will you deny Him from your life?

By: Joe R. Price

Posted December 21, 2021