Main Idea
When was the last time you saw a ladybug or a roly poly? Better yet—when was the last time you went looking for one? Children don’t mind getting messy or doing what seems inconvenient. But as adults, we often see that kind of curiosity and humility as a waste of time. Jesus, however, teaches that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who become like little children (Matthew 18:5).
Scripture
Matthew 18:5
5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
Matthew 2: 1-12
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 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.”
3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 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:
6 “‘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.’[b]”
7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 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.”
9 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. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 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. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
Numbers 24:17
“I see him, but not now;
I behold him, but not near.
A star will come out of Jacob;
a scepter will rise out of Israel.
He will crush the foreheads of Moab,
the skulls[a] of[b] all the people of Sheth.
Nehemiah 8:10
10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Discussion Questions
- Icebreaker: What’s something you were really curious about as a child? Did you ever get in trouble for asking too many questions or getting too messy?
- What made the magi (wise men) see the star and take action when others didn’t? What does that say about the importance of spiritual curiosity?
- Read Matthew 2:1–12. What do we learn about God from the fact that He revealed Jesus’ birth to foreigners and outsiders, rather than to the Jewish leaders?
- How does “holy curiosity” differ from “dangerous curiosity”? How can you practice curiosity in a way that leads to deeper faith and better relationships?
- What’s one way you can be more like a child in your spiritual life more humble or more curious? How can this group encourage you in that?
Moving Forward
God is not far He is Emmanuel, “God with us.” But can you see Him? You won’t see what you’re not looking for. This week, practice holy curiosity. Be willing to ask questions, embrace discomfort, and seek Him even when the journey is long. He promises joy to those who seek Him.
