The Wise Seek the King
Matthew 2:1-12 (NASB) 2020 edition
1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”
3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.
5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:
6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah;
For from you will come forth a Ruler
Who will shepherd My people Israel.’”
7 Then Herod secretly called for the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.”
9 After hearing the king, they went on their way; and behold, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on ahead of them until it came to a stop over the place where the Child was to be found.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
11 And after they came into the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary; and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
12 And after being warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.
REFLECTION
Matthew gives us a brief glimpse into the days following the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ, King of the Jews.
He shows us the Magi searching for where to find the King. Matthew does not give further explanation about how these Magi learned of the child, how they arrived, or how long it took them. However, we can note that they were wise men, familiar with the prophecy about the Savior’s birth and attentive to the star announcing His arrival.
These Magi were willing, watchful, and sensitive to the signs that led them to worship the King. Guided by the star, they rejoiced with great joy upon seeing the child, and they worshiped Him.
Their search, willingness, and preparation culminated in worship, offering gold, myrrh, and frankincense.
Advent is the preparation of our hearts for the birth of the King of Kings. Let us be like the Magi—ready to worship and offer our treasures to the King. How are we preparing to worship the King?
PRAYER
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the birth of Your Son and for bringing Your kingdom near to us. May our hearts be ready to offer worship to the King of Kings. In the name of Your Son Jesus. Amen.
Written by Maida Tamayo (Chile), Sister, Missional Base Jerez.
