​Unexpected Peace (Matthew 2:1-18)

I. Intro                                                                                                                                          Big Idea: Christ’s arrival leads to unexpected peace in our restless world.  
II. Jerusalem                                                                                                                                  A. The Magi expected Jerusalem to seek the King. Numbers 24:17a; Matthew 2:1-2
B. The coming of the Prince of Peace disturbed Jerusalem. Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 2:3-6
III. The Star                                                                                                                                    A. We can miss God’s peace. Matthew 2:7-8; John 3:19
B. Peace appears in unexpected places. Matthew 2:9-10
IV. Warned                                                                                                                                      A. God’s warnings lead to unexpected peace. Matthew 2:12
B. Obeying God means participation in His purposes. Matthew 2:13-14
V. Fulfilled                                                                                                                                      A. The way to peace is costly. Matthew 2:16
B. God offers ultimate comfort. Matthew 2:17-18

The Next Step

• What’s a holiday memory that means a lot to you?
• Why do you think Matthew (inspired by the Holy Spirit) included the story of the Magi in his gospel?
• How would you respond to an entourage of wealthy foreigners showing up in Elma because they were seeking Jesus?
• Why was the presence of the Magi so disturbing to the people of Jerusalem?
• What are some things that cause you to miss God’s peace?
• How do we know God offers us His peace?
• What’s something we can believe this season that will help us experience God’s unexpected peace?

Sermon Video

​*The sermon video will be available after Sunday. To watch the sermon live on Sunday morning, visit 
​FBC Elma on YouTube.