Read Matthew 2:7-8 and Micah 5:2. Unlike Mary and the shepherds, the Magi didn’t wait for God to encounter them, but passionately pursued an encounter with God. These Magi were most likely very well educated and very well accomplished, but that didn’t keep them from seeking the newly born King of Kings. They pursued Jesus with passion and didn’t let their status hinder them in their quest.

• How have you encountered God so far this advent season?
• Has any personal accomplishment/s ever hindered you from being passionate about your relationship with God? Explain.

One thing that led the Magi to have success in their journey was the refusal to be distracted from their mission. Even though Herod, the king of the land, could have been a diversion, they knew what they were seeking and stayed on track until they found Jesus. We too often get distracted in our quest to follow Jesus by activities, hobbies, work, and other things that keep us from fulfilling the purpose and plans that God has in mind for us to do.

• What typically distracts you from fulfilling the call of Christ on your life?
• Describe a time you refused to be distracted from a quest or calling you felt from God?

Read Matthew 2:9. The second thing that helped the Magi was their continual focus on the star of Christ. Too many of us fall short of pursuing and reaching life purposes because we don’t have a “north star” strategy keeping us focused and determined to proceed in the right direction. As long as we stay focused on the star, on Jesus, our passion is fueled, our purpose remains strong and peace remains present.

• What are some good things in your life you need to say “no” to in order to begin accomplishing the great things God has in mind for you?
• How do you best stay focused on the life Jesus called you to live?

Read Matthew 2:10-11. The interesting thing about the Magi’s trip to find Jesus was their desire not to get anything from him but to present awesome gifts to him. We often come to Christ or the church wanting only to receive when we should be coming to present our excellent offerings to our Lord. To do this we have to rearrange our priorities and our personal agendas and make serving Jesus our main goal.

• Do you come to Jesus more often with something to give or empty handed wanting to receive?
• What priorities have you rearranged in your life to bring Jesus an excellent offering this season?

Read Matthew 2:12 and Micah 6:8. When we rearrange our priorities around serving Jesus, God reroutes us to a whole new way of living. As we honor God with our best gifts, God honors us with greater and greater influence in the world. Once we encounter the true and living God, we are no longer driven by the values of this world, but the values of the Kingdom. It is then that we find true meaning and purpose in living and become the hands and feet of Christ to our broken, dying and lost world.

• Describe how God has honored you with a new lifestyle or new blessings once you honored Christ with your best gifts?
• What is one way you can begin to reroute your life to honor Christ this season?