The Magi Came to Worship the Messiah

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

The Magi Came to Worship the Messiah

Date: Dec. 25, 2024

Passage

Matthew 2:1-12 (ESV)

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.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 2:11

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.

The Magi are believed to be a group of astrologers who traveled from Egypt or Babylonia. They saw an unusual star indicating the birth of the King of the Jews, the Messiah, and traveled a long way following the star to worship him. As they came to Jerusalem, they lost the star and came to Herod the King, expecting to find the whereabouts of the Messiah. Herod was disturbed at the news of the Messiah’s birth. However, with the help of scholars, he found the scriptural indication that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Herod had the resources and power to find Jesus but did not have any intention to worship him.

As the Magi went on their way, they were overjoyed to find the star that led them to where young Jesus was with his mother. They bowed to the child and presented the precious gifts they had brought with them. Afterward, they were warned not to go back to Herod. Instead of giving in to the lie of Herod, who told them to report the exact location of the Messiah so he would also worship, they took another route to go home.

The Magi’s quest ended in blessing. Do you want to join the Magi to see Jesus and worship him from your heart? Are you willing to gift him your treasure?

Prayer: Father, my heart is filled with joy to receive Jesus, my Savior. I worship him with my all.

One Word: Worship the Messiah!

Preparation to Build the Temple

2 Chronicles 2:1-16

Key Verse: 2:12

Hiram also said, “Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, who made heaven and earth, who has given King David a wise son, who has discretion and understanding, who will build a temple for the LORD and a royal palace for himself.

Today's Question

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