The Visit of the Wise Men Matt 2:1-12

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CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

JSS 2

TOPIC: THE VISIT OF THE WISE MEN (MATTHEW 2:1-12)

CORE CONCEPTS

The story of the Wise Men visiting Jesus shows that His birth was important to people not just in Israel, but also to those far away. It highlights God's amazing way of guiding people to His Son, Jesus, and how Jesus is worthy of our worship and best gifts. It also reveals the presence of evil (Herod) trying to harm God's plan, and God's powerful protection.

KEY POINTS

Who Were the Wise Men?

They were scholars and astronomers from the East (likely Persia or Babylon) who studied the stars. They were not kings, but wise men (Magi) who were skilled in interpreting signs and prophecies. They understood that a special star meant the birth of a new king for the Jews.

The Star's Guidance

The Wise Men saw a unique star in the sky, which they followed. This star guided them first to Jerusalem, the capital city of the Jews, because they expected to find a newborn king there.

Herod's Reaction and Deception

When they arrived in Jerusalem, they asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?" King Herod, who was the ruler at the time, became very troubled and scared. He feared losing his throne. He called together the chief priests and teachers of the law, who told him that the Messiah was prophesied to be born in Bethlehem, according to the prophet Micah (Micah 5:2).

Herod then secretly called the Wise Men and asked them to find the child. He lied, pretending he also wanted to go and worship Jesus. But his true intention was to find and kill the new king.

Finding Jesus and Worship

The Wise Men left Jerusalem, and the star reappeared, leading them until it stopped over the house where Jesus was. They were overjoyed. They entered the house and found the child Jesus with His mother, Mary. They knelt down and worshipped Him, showing great reverence and honour.

The Gifts

The Wise Men opened their treasure chests and offered Jesus valuable gifts:

Gold: This was a gift fit for a king, showing Jesus' royalty and kingship.

Frankincense: This was a fragrant incense used in temple worship, symbolising Jesus' divinity and role as God's Son.

Myrrh: This was a bitter perfume used for embalming the dead. It hinted at Jesus' future suffering, death, and burial.

Divine Warning and Protection

After their visit, the Wise Men were warned in a dream by God not to return to King Herod. So, they obeyed God's instruction and went back to their own country by a different route, protecting Jesus from Herod's evil plan.

SUMMARY

The visit of the Wise Men highlights God's universal plan of salvation, bringing people from all nations to worship Jesus. It shows God's divine guidance through signs like the star, the deep reverence and valuable offerings of the Wise Men, and God's constant protection over Jesus from evil forces like King Herod. This event confirms Jesus' identity as both King and God, worthy of all worship.