Key Verse: "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." - Matthew 2:2 KJV
Not long after Jesus was born, the quiet town of Bethlehem received unexpected visitors from far away. These were wise men, seekers of truth, who had seen a star unlike any other and understood that it pointed to the birth of a King.
Their journey was long and costly, yet they came with a singular purpose: to worship. They were not content with knowledge alone, they acted on what they had seen. Their pursuit reminds us that those who truly seek Christ will go to great lengths to find Him.
“But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart…”
— Deuteronomy 4:29 (KJV)
When they arrived in Jerusalem, their question troubled King Herod. He saw Jesus not as a Savior, but as a threat. While the wise men sought to worship, Herod sought to destroy. Even at the beginning of His life, Jesus was met with both devotion and opposition.
After being directed to Bethlehem, the wise men continued their journey. The same star that had led them before now guided them precisely to where the child was.
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.”
— Matthew 2:10 (KJV)
And when they found Him, they responded in the only fitting way, they fell down and worshiped.
“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him…”
— Matthew 2:11 (KJV)
They brought gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh, each one meaningful. Gold for a King, frankincense for worship, and myrrh, a hint of the suffering He would one day endure. Even in His early days, the shadow of the cross was present.
Their worship was not casual or convenient, it was intentional and sacrificial. They gave what they had to honor who He is.
“Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him…”
— 1 Chronicles 16:29 (KJV)
The wise men returned home by another way, having been warned by God in a dream. Their encounter with Jesus changed their direction, just as a true encounter with Christ always does.
This part of Jesus’ life reminds us that He is worthy to be sought, worthy to be worshiped, and worthy to be given our very best. Some, like Herod, will resist Him. Others, like the wise men, will bow before Him.
The question for us is simple: which response will we choose?
“Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”
— Jeremiah 29:13 (KJV)
Like the wise men, may we seek Him diligently, rejoice when we find Him, and worship Him wholeheartedly.
