Message Overview / Follow Along: What to Bring the King
Speaker: Pastor Paulo Andrade | Date: January 11, 2026
Base Bible Reading: Matthew 2:1–12
- The Rhythm of Seeking: While the Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on Jan 7th, we’re entering the season of _______________. As we follow the Christmas story, we see shepherds rushing to Bethlehem in angelic wonder, the Magi traveled with _______________ __________________ seeking the one born King of the Jews.
- The Courage to Seek: Seeking Jesus is rarely ________________; it is often a long and difficult process that costs time, money, and at times even our __________________. Pastor Paulo describes this seeking as an Impulse of __________________ that begins with a movement of the heart, soul, and mind.
- The Threat of a New King: King Herod and the religious establishment were by the news of a newborn king. Herod didn’t reject Jesus because he lacked _______________, but because Jesus was a threat to his _____________ and ______________. We at times, act like Herod when we seek our own ___________________ instead of God’s.
- Worship with Meaning: The Magi did not bring leftovers; they brought __________. and ______________ gifts:
• Gold: Acknowledging Jesus as _________________.
• Frankincense: Recognizing His _________________.
• Myrrh: Foreshadowing His _____________________. - A Changed Direction: After encountering Jesus, the Magi returned home by ___________ ____________ . Meeting Jesus _______________ us and requires us to be willing to ____________ _____________.
6. Conclusion: The greatest gift you can bring the King is your_____________________.
Answer Key 1. Epiphany; Spiritual Curiosity 2. Convenient; Status; faith 3. Disturbed; Information; Power and control; Kingdom 4. Symbolic and costly; King; Divinity; Suffering 5. Another route; Transforms; Change direction, 6. Self / Presence
Go Deeper: Grace Collectives Small Groups & Personal Study Guide
Message Title: What to Bring the King – Base Bible Reading: Matthew 2:1–12
- Comparing the Seekers: Pastor Paulo points out that while the shepherds arrived in “angelic wonder,” the Magi traveled for weeks or months out of “spiritual curiosity”. In your own walk with God, do you find yourself more often moved by sudden “wonders” or by a long, curious process of seeking? How would you evaluate your Spiritual Awareness?
- The Inconvenience of Faith: According to Pastor Paulo, seeking God is rarely convenient and often involves leaving behind routines, duties, and status. As you reflect on the past year, are there routines, duties (and ?) that you find got in the way of your relationship with God? What are some ways, we can make a difference this year?
- Knowledge vs. Movement: The religious leaders in Jerusalem were familiar with the prophecies but “missed the signs,” while the Magi traveled from a far-off land to worship. How can we prevent our “religious (head0 knowledge” from becoming a substitute for actual movement toward Jesus? What ways do we get “stuck” in knowing facts & religious practices yet, not being changed/transformed?
- The “Herod” Within: Pastor Paulo suggests we act like Herod when we seek our own power and status. Why is it often easier to accept Jesus as a “rescue plan” than as a “ruling presence” (Jesus as Saviour – but not Lord) in our daily lives?
- Offering Our Best: The Magi’s gifts were “symbolic, costly expressions of their faith” rather than “leftovers”. If you were to offer Jesus a gift today that represents your “best” rather than your “leftovers,” what would that look like in terms of your time or talents? What about in our daily routines/priorities?
- The “Another Route” Principle: The Magi returned by a different way, suggesting they were transformed by their encounter with Jesus. Can you share a time when your relationship with Christ forced you to “change direction” from a path that seemed comfortable or expected? How did it make you feel, What did you learn?
- The Ultimate Gift: Pastor Paulo concludes that God does not require sacrifices, but rather for us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly. Since the “greatest gift we bring to the King is you,” what is one practical way you can offer your “presence” to God this week/Year?