Bible Studies for Life Sunday School Lesson for Dec. 29

Here’s the Bible Studies for Life Sunday School lesson commentary for December 29, written by Bobby McKay, pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi.

Bible Studies for Life Sunday School Lesson for Dec. 29

Looking Forward in Worship

Matthew 2:1–11, 16–18

If you are a college football fan, you know the many changes the game has experienced in the last few years. Players are free to transfer from school to school with less regulations and now, players are even compensated in the millions of dollars for their decision to play for their desired university or college. I hate to sound like a killjoy, but the college game has immersed itself in the money side of sports.

With all the changes, there is one exciting change: the college football playoff format that includes the 12 best teams in the country all competing for the opportunity to be national champions. This new system gives many teams the anticipation to look forward to more football to enjoy.

On a much more eternal note, how much time and energy do we use looking forward to worshiping God? The great thing about worship is that we don’t have to wait until Sunday.

As a pastor, I have often been told that people can worship at the deer stand or while fishing on the lake, and even the baseball diamond. I agree, but have you ever taken the time to worship in any of those places or others? If we only worship under the roof of a church building, we are missing out.

Jesus, the King of kings, is worthy of our worship. (1–6)

While it is unclear how many wise men visited Jesus that day, one thing is evident: Jesus is worthy of our best and intentional worship and sacrifice. Men of great wealth or power commonly offered gifts to other important figures as a sign of respect.

No other King deserves our best sacrifices and worship like Christ.

In this same passage, we see Herod. A man of great power and wealth but also filled with ignorance, hate and paranoia.

There will always be obstacles attempting to keep us from genuinely worshiping God. Worship should be a priority in our lives, not a fleeting option.

Some do not worship the rightful King and even oppose Him. (7–8, 16–18)

What are your motives when you worship? Is it to be seen by others? Do you see it as gaining an advantage with God? Do your ever-changing emotions draw you to feel something?

God knows your heart and your reasons for your actions. Herod was an evil man and hated the Messiah. Herod was threatened and desired for people to fear him. Under his rule, a countless number of small boys were slaughtered due to his jealousy and depraved heart. Under a covering of lies, Herod sought to destroy the young Jesus.

Of course, we know better. Our world seeks to hinder the message of Jesus and oppose the church in many ways. Our motives to worship must remain pure and focused on Him.

Jesus’ role should lead us to worship Him. (9–11)

The wise men minimize Herod’s evilness in this narrative at the sight of the young Jesus. God’s will shall always be accomplished. His people’s worship endures in spite of others’ wicked deeds. Our worship must persevere in the face of opposition.

No one can keep us from worshiping God. The rule and reign of Christ should compel us to live in a spirit of adoration and worship. Let’s look forward to worship that is much more significant than any football game or activity.


By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi

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