Title: What's New?
05:50 New Wisdom
17:04 New Trouble
24:10 New Worship
31:03 New Peace
37:48 Conclusion
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Matthew 2:1–12
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. (ESV)
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In this sermon on Matthew 2, Jed Gillis explores the profound question: What’s truly new in the story of Christmas? New jobs, new marriages, or new children often reshape our lives, but nothing compares to the transformation brought by God taking on human flesh and dwelling among us.
Matthew isn’t merely recounting historical events; he’s preaching a message with purpose. Through the account of the wise men, King Herod, and the humble setting of Jesus’ birth, we discover four key “new” realities that Christmas introduces:
1. New Wisdom: Human wisdom is often flawed and temporary, but God’s wisdom transcends cultural expectations. The wise men sought a king not in a palace but in a humble home in Bethlehem.
2. New Trouble: The arrival of Jesus disrupts earthly power structures. Herod’s violent response highlights humanity’s resistance to surrendering self-rule to the true King.
3. New Worship: The wise men responded with joy, humility, and costly gifts. True worship means recognizing Jesus as King and offering Him our greatest treasures.
4. New Peace: Jesus came not just as a teacher or moral example, but as the Savior to rescue us from our sins. His arrival brings lasting peace where human solutions fail.
At the heart of the Christmas story is Emmanuel—God with us. This reality changes everything. It challenges our self-rule, calls us to true worship, and offers peace beyond human understanding.
This Christmas, let the wonder of God becoming flesh captivate your heart again.
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Berean Bible Church is a non-denominational church in East Knoxville, TN. We are grounded in the Word, celebrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Our community thrives on worship and mutual encouragement, fostering deep connections among members. Committed to our mission, we reach out with compassion and hope, reflecting God's glory throughout our city and beyond.
Learn more at berean.church.
