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Matthew 2:1-12 English Standard Version (ESV)
The Visit of the Wise Men 2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men[a] 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[b] 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, 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. |
We ‘follow’ people on Instagram or Facebook or ‘follow’ the news because we think it has some value to our lives. Over 2000 years ago, the Magi saw something they thought worth following wholeheartedly. They gave of all of themselves to follow the sign they thought led to a new King. The wise men make me face the question of who, or what, I’m following at the the moment. Am I following Jesus wholeheartedly in all areas of my life?
The Magi remind us that Christmas is a time of travel for people all around the world. Here in Uganda, people travel back to their home villages to be with extended family. Like the Magi, am I travelling towards Jesus in my life or am I moving further away from Him?
In the passage we read that the star is a signpost to Jesus. It literally directs the Magi to meet and worship the new-born King. The star shone in the dark, pointing to the One who would bring joy and hope. Like the God-given star, are we a shining beacon in the dark, directing others to the Saviour?
The wise men were experts in astrology and used this unique ability to discover Jesus. Like the wise men, we are all endowed with God-given gifts, training and experience. How are we using our unique attributes to seek out truth and goodness?
David and Emma C