1. The recognition they gave - v. 2 - the star.
“We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”
The wise men recognized the work of God around them.
In 7 B.C. there was an unusual conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, which could have appeared as a new heavenly light. In 3 B.C. Halley’s Comet passed through our atmosphere. Could the star have been a supernova which exploded centuries before and whose light had just arrived? However it came about, God was behind it.
Do you recognize God’s work around you?
2. The research they made - v. 2 - the Scriptures.
“Where is the One who has been born king of the Jews?”
The wise men researched the Word of God for answers. When the wise men made their search the Old Testament was available. We have no way of knowing what they read, but we know they apparently had enough knowledge of Scripture to know a “Messiah” was coming.
Do you spend time in the study of the Scriptures?
3. The resolve they showed - v. 1 - the journey.
“Magi from the east came . . .”
The Magi hailed from faraway Persia, modern-day Iran, a distance of almost 1000 miles!
Are you wiling to put forth the effort to seek the Lord?
4. The risk they took - v. 3 - Herod.
“When king Herod heard this he was disturbed . . .”
The wise men entered Jerusalem, where they had an audience with Herod. They asked King Herod, “Where is he born King of the Jews?” Now, Herod was insanely jealous. During his reign, he
murdered his wife and mother-in-law, and assassinated three of his sons. The Roman’s said it was safer to be Herod’s pig than Herod’s kinfolk. In fact, not long after the Magi’s visit, Herod ordered all children 2 years or young in Bethlehem to be killed (Matt. 2:16). The Wise Men took a big chance insinuating that Herod had a claimant to his throne.
Are you willing to risk identifying yourself as a follower of Christ?
5. The reward they received - v. 11 - they entered His presence.
“They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” - Matthew 2:11
A. A Gift Worthy of His Lordship – Gold.
B. A Gift Worthy of His Holiness – Frankincense.
C. A Gift Worthy of His Sacrifice – Myrrh.
Worship is responding with all I am to the revelation of all God is.
When did the wise men begin to worship Christ? The moment they responded to the revelation He gave of Himself to them.
They worshiped Him by recognizing the star as a work of God.
They worshiped Him by researching the Scriptures.
They worshiped Him by resolving to make their journey.
They worshiped Him by risking identification as His followers.
They worshiped Him in fullness by presenting their gifts to Him when they entered His presence.
In light of what we know compared to the Wise men, shouldn’t we, likewise, recognize God’s work in our lives, research His Word, and resolve to follow Him, regardless of the risks involved?
If we do, then we can expect to receive the same reward the wise men received - entering His presence - every day we live here on earth and eternally, one day in heaven, where we, like the wise men, will worship Him in fullness!
