After Jesus was born, there first came shepherds to see the baby Jesus, lying in a manger. Later 1“came wise men from the east to Jerusalem”. God had shown them a sign of Jesus’s birth and they had 1“come to worship him.” They didn’t know where the “King of the Jews” was but they came to Jerusalem to find Him. In doing so, they came unto Herod and asked him. However, it troubled Hared, as he would not see any other king but himself be on the thrown. In secret, he kept these feelings to himself, but still 1“demanded of them where Christ should be born”. In order to not lie to the king, they told him, 1“in Bethlehem of Judaea”, 1“for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.” Herod now knew of the city and next up was to pinpoint the time of the birth. So he then 1“enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.” It is not certain if this information got out, as it is not recorded. However, 1“he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child.” He was then hoping that they would trust him and come back to tell him where the child was. He truly thought they wouldn’t see through his evil plan. Before they left him, he said 1“when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.” With God by their side, they could see right through his lies.
After talking with Herod, the wise men 1“departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.” They didn’t need a map, for God was directing their path. 1“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” Their prayers were answered and they could finally come and worship their King. When they found Him, he wasn’t in a manger but in a home. Time had passed since the birth but that didn’t matter to them. They waited anxiously to see the King of kings. Upon arriving, they came 1“into the house” and 1“saw the young child with Mary his mother.” You can just imagine the amazement they felt inside when they first saw Him. They couldn’t help but fall down and worship Him. They then proceeded to offer up to the Lord their gifts. One at a time, they 1“opened their treasures” and 1“presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.” These were highly valuable but worthy for a King. We may not have gifts like these but we can still offer up our heart. We have our life to follow Him. Just like them, we ought to come and worship the Lord. As this story ends, God tells them not to return to Herod and 1“they departed into their own country another way.” It is wonderful to see them trusting in God and going where God leads.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I love to share the story of the wise man. It helps me understand the importance of seeking after You and heeding Your words. So many times, life tries to take me in so many different directions. I feel utterly lost in all of it until I seek Your guidance. I may not have a star to follow but Your Spirit leads me. I am led to fulfill Your promises with You by side. Lord, I am grateful for Your guidance. I am humbled to be counseled by my King. I will go where You want me to go. You are my guide. My life is to serve You. Whatever You have for my life, I will do. Your ways are my ways. Have Your way inside of me. Move me to always do Your will. I trust in You, Jesus. I come to worship the King. You are my Lord and Savior. I love You. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Matthew 2:1-12 (KJV)
1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
