Cornerstone Chapel - "Mystery of the Magi"

Date: December 28, 2025
Passage: Matthew 2:1–12
Speaker: Pastor Tyler (Cornerstone Chapel)

Episode Overview

This sermon explores the biblical account of the Magi—commonly called the “wise men”—detailed in Matthew chapter 2. Pastor Tyler unpacks the historical, theological, and spiritual mysteries surrounding the Magi’s identities, the star they followed, and the significance of the gifts they presented to the young Jesus. The teaching encourages listeners to consider who Jesus is in their lives: King, Priest, and Sacrifice, prompting a personal call to worship and surrender.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction: The Enduring Mystery of the Magi [00:00–02:45]

• Pastor Tyler sets the stage by presenting the "mystery" around the Magi:
  • Who were they?
  • Why did they come?
  • What was the star they followed?
  • What’s the meaning behind their gifts?
  • When did they arrive to see Jesus?
• Emphasizes that while there is much speculation and scholarly debate, the ultimate focus is on the significance of Jesus’ birth.
• Key Quote:

  “After all this teaching on who they were and everything that we can speculate on, the main purpose I want us to leave with: who does Jesus mean to you?” [02:10]

2. Reading the Text: Matthew 2:1–12 [02:45–05:15]

• Pastor Tyler reads the passage:
  • Wise men or Magi from the East come seeking the newborn King of the Jews, following “his star.”
  • King Herod and all Jerusalem are troubled.
  • Herod consults the scholars, points to Bethlehem per the prophecy in Micah.
  • Herod’s duplicity: asks Magi to return and tell him where the child is.
  • The star leads the Magi to Jesus.
  • The Magi worship Jesus, presenting gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
  • They are warned in a dream not to return to Herod.

3. Who Were the Magi? Historical and Scriptural Background [07:11–11:41]

• Magi’s Heritage:

  • Not Jewish or Christian but pagan Gentiles, likely a priestly caste of the Medes (from the Persian Empire, modern-day Iran).
  • Scholars, dream interpreters, royal astrologers.
  • Connected to the “magicians” and “astronomers” Daniel was set above in the Babylonian exile (Daniel 5:11).

• Influence of Daniel:

  • Speculation the Magi’s knowledge of Messianic prophecy may trace back to Daniel’s influence.
  • “Did the Magi of Jesus’ day know about the prophecies in Daniel... to follow this star?” [09:49]

• Number and Arrival:

  • Traditional “three wise men” based on three gifts—likely more (possibly 12 or a whole caravan).
  • Arrived some time after the shepherds; Jesus was likely between 1 and 2 years old.

• Memorable Moment:

  • Observes that nativity scenes usually blend shepherds and Magi together, which isn’t historically accurate.

• Key Quote:

  “These were not believers in the one true God, but they see something about this star – and I think it’s a supernatural manifestation.” [14:59]

4. The Mysterious Star: Theories and Theology [17:10–21:50]

• Summarizes several scholarly theories:

  • Astronomical events (Jupiter & Venus conjunction, supernova, comet).
  • Angelic guidance (biblical imagery of stars as angels).
  • Shekinah Glory: Pastor Tyler’s preferred view—supernatural manifestation of God's glory, possibly visible only to the Magi.

• Supporting OT Manifestations:

  • The burning bush, the pillar of fire, Pentecostal tongues of fire.
  • The star led the Magi in a personal, guiding way.

• Key Quote:

  “I think God is a God of supernatural, and I think He used something very creative. For pagan scholars to see this and realize… we're going to follow this because we believe that the divine King has been born.” [20:30]

5. The Gifts: Their Profound Symbolism [21:50–29:04]

• Gold: Signifies Jesus’ deity and kingship.

• Frankincense: Symbolizes His priestly role (incense in worship, pointing to Jesus as High Priest).

• Myrrh: Used for burial, pointing to Jesus’ sacrificial death.

• Pastor Tyler encapsulates:

  “The gold, frankincense and myrrh—deity, duty, and death.”

• References the Hebrews epistle for the roles of Jesus as High Priest and intercessor:

  • “He is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him, and He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.” [Hebrews 7:25, cited at 27:44]

6. Jesus Our King, Priest, and Sacrifice—Personal Application [29:04–end]

• King:
  • Jesus must be Lord as well as Savior.
  • “You can’t have Jesus be Savior, but not Lord. You can’t have one or the other.” [31:07]
• Priest:
  • Jesus is the only mediator; we go to God through Him, not a human priest or leader.
  • He intercedes for us, understands our weaknesses.
  • Hebrews 4:15—Jesus faced all the same temptations and struggles.
• Sacrifice:
  • His once-for-all sacrifice for sins.
  • References Isaiah 60:6, noting that in the future kingdom people bring gold and frankincense, but not myrrh—because Jesus’ atoning death was once for all.
• Full Circle of Scripture:
  • First question God asks man: “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9)
  • First question man asks God in the New Testament: “Where is He (the King of the Jews)?” (Matthew 2:2)
  • “God’s saying, ‘Where are you?’ I want you back. And then Jesus comes, and [we ask], ‘Where is He?’” [33:28]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On worship and surrender:

  “When they saw Him [Jesus], they couldn’t help but bend the knee and worship Him. And so that encounter with Jesus is…priceless.” [01:38]

• On gifts and their meaning:

  “These are not random gifts. This was purposeful… They were worshiping the divine. They knew He was divine. Somehow, I don’t necessarily think they knew He was the God of the universe, but they knew something was different about Him.” [11:50]

• On Jesus’ priesthood:

  “He’s a high priest that understands us. …You can’t say that to Jesus because Jesus gets you. He understands you.” [27:18]

• On the personal response:

  “Is Jesus King, Priest, and Sacrifice in your life? ... If He’s Lord of your life, then that means we worship someone greater than us.” [30:50]

• On the full circle of the Bible:

  “The Old Testament is all about God asking ‘Where are you in relation to Me?’... In the New Testament, [mankind] is looking for Him, saying ‘Where is He?’” [33:28]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction & Reading the Passage: [00:00–05:15]
• Comedic Interlude (Tim Hawkins clip): [05:15–07:11]
• Who Were the Magi? [07:11–11:41]
• Number & Arrival of the Magi: [11:41–14:29]
• The Star - Scholarly Theories & Theological Insights: [17:10–21:50]
• Gifts and Their Symbolism: [21:50–29:04]
• Jesus as King, Priest, Sacrifice (Application): [29:04–end]
• Memorable Full Circle Bible Connection: [33:28–34:10]

Takeaways & Closing Reflections

• The Magi’s journey and gifts model sincere worship—a response to an encounter with the living Christ.
• The gospel’s core: Jesus is King (deity & lordship), Priest (mediator & intercessor), and Sacrifice (atonement).
• The Magi’s question, "Where is He?" challenges every listener: Who is Jesus to you, and are you seeking Him with your whole life?

Final Challenge:

“Are you seeking Him? Do you see Him as Priest, King, and Sacrifice? Because if you don’t see Him in all three, then I pray the Holy Spirit will start convicting your heart…where is Jesus in your life?” [last segment]

This teaching closes with an invitation to personal reflection and surrender to Jesus’ kingship, priesthood, and sacrificial love for each believer.