Sermon Snapshot: Come & Worship
This Sunday, we celebrated Epiphany—the moment the three wise men encountered the baby Jesus, revealing Him as the King of the Jews. In this message, we were invited to reflect on the invitation to come to Jesus, no matter our background, imperfections, or doubts. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about answering the call to come and know Jesus personally, just as the Magi did. This journey isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.
The Scripture Focus - Matthew 2: 1-12, NIV
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
The Invitation to Come
The wise men were outsiders, yet they responded to the invitation to worship the King. Just as they followed the star to find Jesus, we too are called to follow the light and come to Him. The invitation to come is for everyone, regardless of our past or imperfections. It’s a call to come as we are, knowing Jesus sees us fully and loves us deeply.
“Jesus’ invitation isn’t based on what you bring; it’s based on who He is.”
The Decision to Follow
Like the Magi, we must make a decision to follow Jesus, even when the journey is long or difficult. The question is not if we’re perfect, but whether we are willing to step out in faith, trusting that what awaits us is worth everything we leave behind.
“Coming to Jesus is about intentionality. It’s about making a decision to step out in faith, even when it’s hard or uncomfortable”
Worship as a Response
The wise men didn’t just come to see Jesus; they worshipped Him. Their worship wasn’t about obligation—it was a response to who Jesus is. They gave Him extravagant gifts because they recognized His worth. This kind of worship is not just a Sunday activity; it’s a way of life. When we encounter Jesus, we are transformed, and worship becomes an outpouring of gratitude and love.
“Their worship was intentional, heartfelt, and transformative. It wasn’t a passive act... It was a natural response to encountering Jesus”
Worship as our Identity
True worship isn’t limited to a specific time or place—it shapes who we are. It influences the way we live, love, and serve others. When we come to Jesus and experience His grace, our lives are transformed, and worship becomes the lens through which we see the world.
“Worship becomes more than a moment; it becomes our identity. It’s how we live, how we love, how we give”
The Call to Proclaim His Glory
The Epiphany story reminds us that our salvation isn’t just for us—it’s for the world. We are saved to worship and to proclaim Jesus’ glory. Like the wise men, we are called to share the good news of the King, living lives that reflect His love and grace to everyone we encounter.
Your Next Step: Embrace the Epiphany
As we reflect on the invitation Jesus extends to us, take a moment to ask yourself, "Am I truly coming to Him?" Jesus invites each of us to know Him personally, regardless of our past or our struggles. This week, make the intentional decision to draw closer to Him, allowing His presence to transform you. Remember, worship isn’t just something we do on Sundays—it’s how we live every day. Let your actions, words, and heart reflect your love and reverence for Him. Finally, don’t keep this joy to yourself. Look for opportunities to share the good news of Jesus with others, proclaiming His glory through your life and words. This Epiphany, let’s respond to the call: Come to Jesus, worship Him fully, and live out the transformation the Gospel brings.
“The invitation of Christmas is to come—to come to Jesus. To come and know Him personally and respond with a life of worship that proclaims His glory.”
Reflection Questions:
What does it look like for you to come to Jesus today? What is holding you back from responding to His invitation?
How can worship become a natural response in your life, beyond just a Sunday service?
In what ways can you live out your identity as a worshipper, pointing others to the glory of Jesus?
Let’s reflect on the call to come and worship this Epiphany, and may we respond with hearts open to the transforming power of Jesus.
