Matthew 2:1-12 – Wise men still seek the King

According to Matthew here, Christ Jesus was born when King Herod was reigning in Judea. And it was about this time that wise men saw a star from the East, that led them to enquire and search for the King of the Jews. On news concerning this King, Herod was deeply disturbed. Threatened, he gathered together the chief priests and scribes to inquire where Messiah would be born. They told the threatened king what the prophet said in Micah 5:2.  Determined to locate where Jesus Christ was, so that he could destroy Him, Herod secretly met the magi. Of course he deceptively told them that he also wanted to worship Him. Although the magi were led to where Jesus was, to complete their mission to present gifts and worship Him, they did not inform Herod where the location of the Lord was. For God had warned them in a dream, so they left for their country by another route.

 

There are many lessons we can pick up form this short account. Here are a few: firstly, we need to know that those who are wise still seek the King. Many can go for the jingles of life. But if we want to have true life, we need to seek and know the King. Secondly, like the wise men, our purpose in seeking the King must be to bring Him a gift in worship. What we are is God’s gift to us, what we become is our gift to Him. The way the magi bow to worship also tells us that the right posture to worship is still humility. Thirdly, when we set our heart to seek Him, we will be guided to Him. Like the magi, God will set the situation and circumstance to guide us to find Him. But we need to be sensitive to God’s guidance and direction. Finally, from the quotation from Micah 5:2, it tells us that God gives us Jesus to be our shepherd and ruler. Who can better lead and guide us but Jesus, our shepherd and King. Bear in mind that wise men still seek the King. They still bow and worship Him!