
Matthew 2:1-23
👉 The Wise Men:
- from the east
- came to Jerusalem
- called Jesus “King of the Jews”
- knew that it was “his star”
- came to worship
- rejoiced exceedingly with great joy
- fell down and worshiped
- offered him their treasures
- warned to not return to Herod
- went back to their own country
👉 Herod:
- troubled by the birth of Jesus
- summoned the wise men secretly
- wanted information on Jesus’ location
- furious when tricked by the wise men
- killed all male children under 2 yo in Bethlehem
👉 Joseph, Mary, Jesus:
- leave Bethlehem and flee to Egypt
- leave Egypt and go to Nazareth
I’ve always loved this chapter. The wise men packed up their treasures, traveled far from home, and went to see Jesus. They were exceedingly glad when they arrived and I imagine the giddiness of the journey as they knew what awaited them. The joy and the worship and the offerings. What a scene it must have been.
Herod only saw Jesus as a threat to his power and his position. The same event that brought the wise men such joy troubled Herod greatly.
Then there are the scribes and priests in Jerusalem who, when asked, knew the prophesies regarding the coming Messiah but did not recognize that they had been fulfilled.
The wise men had learned the prophesies – but were also looking for the fulfillment of them. They knew about the coming Messiah and they also were also eager to encounter him.
👉 Are we only interested in learning about Jesus or are we eager to encounter him?