1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem
2and asked, "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."
3When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.
- P80
9After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.
10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
- P81
King Herod responds to the news of Jesus’ birth with fear and insecurity rather than joy. Instead of recognizing the arrival of the promised Messiah, he sees the child as a rival to his throne. His desire is not to worship but to destroy. This is a picture of how the human heart resists God’s purposes when driven by pride, fear, or self-centeredness. - P82
While Herod represents hostility to God’s plan, the Magi, who also seek the child, come with hearts ready to worship. The same truth holds for us: When we walk in the flesh, we risk opposing God’s work and missing the blessings of God’s grace. But when we surrender to Him in humility, we find joy in Christ and participate in the work of the Holy Spirit. - P82
The visit of the Magi is a beautiful picture of the wideness of God‘s grace.
These men were foreigners and outsiders to Israel‘s covenant story, yet Godused a star to guide them to the promised Messiah. They came, boweddown, and worshiped Jesus as King, presenting gifts that acknowledgedHis royal and divine identity. In sharp contrast to Herod‘s hostility, theMagi demonstrate humility and joy in their encounter with Christ. - P82
Theirobedience to God‘s warning shows that God both draws people to Himselfand protects His purposes. God‘s grace transcends boundaries of ethnicityand culture. Anyone anywhere can come to Jesus. We only need to havehearts that welcome and acknowledge His kingship. - P82
Lord, keep my heart from pride and fear that blind me to Your purposes and tempt me to resist You. Help me to walk in humility, acknowledging Your kingship so I may be ever ready to celebrate the work of Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. - P83
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