When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 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. – Matthew 2:10-11
Faith and Guidance
As we reflect on the wise men, we see how their journey was led by faith and divine guidance. They followed a star that signified the birth of Jesus, trusting in God’s plan. We can draw strength from their example of faith, which reminds us that even when the path is unclear, we should have faith that God is directing our steps. The wise men teach us that faith sometimes requires us to embark on a journey to seek out God’s presence and promise. Their willingness to follow a divine sign, despite the uncertainties, encourages us to remain steadfast in our belief that God will guide us through life’s paths. We can look to the biblical narrative as a source of inspiration and reassurance that following God’s direction will lead us to priceless treasures of wisdom and truth.
Matthew 2:1-2
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 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.” – Matthew 2:1-2
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 people of Seth will be his victims. – Numbers 24:17
Isaiah 60:3
Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. – Isaiah 60:3
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6
Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. – Jeremiah 29:13
Worship and Reverence
The wise men’s visit to Jesus emphasizes the importance of worship and reverence. Upon finding the child, they fell to their knees in adoration, recognizing His divine kingship. This teaches us that worship is not merely about giving honor, but also about recognizing the greatness of God. Our acts of worship should reflect our humility and awe in God’s presence. We learn that true worship stems from a heart filled with gratitude and reverence for the Savior. It is our way of acknowledging how profoundly blessed we are to have Jesus in our lives. Their example encourages us to engage wholeheartedly in worship, both in our hearts and our actions, as we continually seek to honor God.
Matthew 2:11
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. – Matthew 2:11
Psalms 95:6
Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; – Psalms 95:6
Hebrews 12:28
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, – Hebrews 12:28
Revelation 4:11
You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. – Revelation 4:11
John 4:24
God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth. – John 4:24
Gifts and Sacrifice
The gifts presented by the wise men demonstrate the importance of giving in our spiritual journey. Each gift they brought—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—carried significant meaning and value. Their willingness to offer these treasures highlights our call to present our best in service to God and others. We are encouraged to recognize that giving is not solely about material gifts, but also about a heart willing to sacrifice. What we offer may take different forms, such as our time, talents, or resources. This example reminds us that generosity is a reflection of our love and worship of Jesus. Like the wise men, we are invited to give freely and joyfully, knowing that our offerings have the power to bless others and glorify God.
Matthew 2:11
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. – Matthew 2:11
2 Corinthians 9:7
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. – 2 Corinthians 9:7
Proverbs 11:25
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. – Proverbs 11:25
Acts 20:35
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35
Philippians 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:19
Obedience to God’s Will
Another vital aspect of the wise men’s story is their obedience to God’s will. After worshiping Jesus and recognizing His divine purpose, they were instructed in a dream not to return to Herod. Instead of following a potentially dangerous path, they obeyed God’s guidance, which protected the child. Their story illustrates that obedience is part of our relationship with God; it’s how we demonstrate trust in His plans for us. We should strive to listen for God’s direction, allowing our own desires and plans to align with His. By being attentive to God’s voice, we can confidently walk in His paths and fulfill the purpose He has for our lives.
Matthew 2:12
And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. – Matthew 2:12
John 14:15
If you love me, keep my commands. – John 14:15
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2
James 1:22
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. – James 1:22
1 John 2:17
The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. – 1 John 2:17
Hope for All Nations
The visit of the wise men also carries a universal message of hope for all nations. As non-Jews, their journey underscores that Jesus’ birth was not solely for the Jewish people but for all of humanity. This inclusion demonstrates that God’s love and salvation extend to every corner of the world. As followers of Christ, we are called to share the message of hope with those around us, embracing the diversity of all God’s creation. With this understanding, we can appreciate the rich tapestry of cultures that God has created and see the beauty in our differences. We are reminded that in Christ, we are all united, and that our faith can bring hope to people everywhere, fostering unity among nations.
Matthew 2:1
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem. – Matthew 2:1
Isaiah 60:1-2
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. – Isaiah 60:1-2
Acts 2:21
And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. – Acts 2:21
Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. – Galatians 3:28
Revelation 7:9
After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. – Revelation 7:9
Radical Trust
Lastly, the story of the wise men teaches us about radical trust in God’s plans. Leaving their homeland and traveling a long distance guided by a star required an immense level of faith. They didn’t have all the answers or see the end of their journey, yet they believed in the significance of their mission. This can inspire us to exhibit a similar trust in our lives, as we often face uncertainty and challenges. God can take our steps and lead us to new places, just as He did with the wise men. We are invited to take bold steps of faith, confident that God is with us in every step we take and that He will guide us toward the blessings He has in store for us.
Matthew 2:2
…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.” – Matthew 2:2
Proverbs 16:9
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. – Proverbs 16:9
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. – Hebrews 11:1
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. – Isaiah 26:3
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the example of the wise men, we find valuable lessons that can transform our own spiritual journey. Their faith, willingness to worship, and determination to offer gifts remind us of the importance of putting God first in our lives. By being obedient to His will, we can forge a deeper connection with Him. The story also reassures us that God’s love extends to all, breaking down barriers and uniting us in faith. Through their journey, we are encouraged to exercise our own radical trust in God, knowing He guides us through unknown paths. Let us carry these lessons into our daily lives, as we continue to seek and serve God with our whole hearts.
We can further explore the richness of Scripture by reading more about the first Christmas and the promises surrounding the coming Messiah. There is so much to learn and understand in His Word.