IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Magi Worship the King of the Jews

Date: Jan. 23, 2021

Passage

Matthew 2:1-12

The Visit of the Wise Men

2:1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6   “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
  for from you shall come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: Matthew 2:1b-2

The Visit of the Wise Men

2:1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

First, truth-seeking magi and wicked Herod (1-8)

A group of learned men from an eastern kingdom recognized a new star as the sign of the birth of the Messiah. Though they were Gentiles, they understood that this king was their true hope. They traveled to Jerusalem and asked King Herod where to find the child. Herod and the Jewish religious leaders were alarmed and did some quick Bible research. They found that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem and gave the Magi the information they needed. But with evil intent, Herod told them to return and report the child's location.

Second, they found Jesus (9-12)

The Magi were overjoyed when the star led them to the house where Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus were. They worshiped Jesus and gave him gifts from their hearts. On their way back home, God warned the Magi to avoid Herod so that his plan would not succeed. To find the object of worship in Jesus gives us true joy, even if we don't get any earthly benefit.

Prayer: Father, thank you for blessing me with success in finding Jesus, my true object of worship.

One Word: Those who purely seek Jesus find him


Daily Bread

Remember Who God is

Psalm 77:1-20

Key Verse: 77:11

I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.

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