When the wise men from a foreign land come to find the newborn King Jesus they say, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." (Matt. 2:2). In this passage, we see the promised blessing of salvation to those who believe from all nations is starting to be fulfilled. As the church reaches out with the gospel to various social and ethnic groups, we call all who would listen to come that they may worship him.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
THINKING: Questions aimed at our minds to help us understand God’s word.
The foreign wise men (or magi, i.e., magicians or astrologers) were likely familiar with Old Testament prophecies. How does Numbers 24:17 help us understand why they would follow a star to find a king?
Read Psalm 72:8–11, 15, in the context of the whole psalm. How does this shed light on the wise men’s actions in Matthew 2:11?
FEELING: Questions aimed at our affections to help us love God.
Isaiah 60:1–5 tells us that when a “light” comes to Israel it will be the time of salvation for his people and renewal for the world. This should cause the people’s hearts to thrill and rejoice (Isa. 60:5). When this “light” finally comes, who ends up responding properly and who does not (note Matt. 2:3, 10)?
What do the Wise Men do when they finally see Jesus? What does this tell us about who Jesus is?
DOING: Questions aimed at our hands to help us live for God (Personally, Communally, and Missionally).
This passage points to the fulfillment of the promise that through Israel all nations will be blessed. How does this spur you on in the mission to bring the gospel to those around you?
Compare and contrast the three responses to Jesus in this Passage: Herod, the Scribes and Chief Priests, and the Wise Men. Where do we see these responses to Jesus today? How does this challenge the way you see and respond to Christ?
