The Wise Men Follow the Star
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
Theme: Seeking Jesus and worshipping Him
Overview
The story of the wise men is one of the most beloved parts of the Christmas narrative. These men traveled a great distance, following a star, because they had heard that a king was born. When they finally arrived and found Jesus, they bowed down and worshipped Him, presenting gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
This simple story carries deep truth: Jesus is worth seeking. He is worth the journey. He is worth the worship.
Key Verse
“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 (NIV)
The Story
- Wise men from the east saw a star and knew it signaled the birth of the king of the Jews.
- They traveled to Jerusalem and asked King Herod where the child was.
- Herod was troubled and called his religious leaders. They told him the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
- Herod secretly told the wise men to find the child and report back so he could “worship” him too. His real intent was to destroy the child.
- The star led the wise men to the house where Jesus was. They bowed down and worshipped Him.
- They presented gifts: gold (a gift for a king), frankincense (used in worship), and myrrh (used in burial — a foreshadowing of Jesus’ death).
- God warned the wise men in a dream not to return to Herod. They went home another way.
Discussion Questions
- How far do you think the wise men traveled? What does their journey tell you about how important Jesus is?
- Why did Herod pretend to want to worship Jesus when he really wanted to hurt Him?
- What do the three gifts tell us about who Jesus is?
- What gift could you give Jesus today? (Hint: it does not have to be something you can hold in your hands.)
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are worth seeking. Help me to follow You faithfully, to worship You with my whole life, and to bring You the best I have. Amen.