The Magi
Let’s read a little story together:
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and 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.’
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. ‘In Bethlehem in Judea,’ they replied, ‘for this is what the prophet has written:
“But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.”’
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.’
After 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. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On 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.” Matthew 2:1-11 (NIV)
The story of the Magi is a beautiful reminder that sincere faith doesn’t stumble into Jesus accidentally—it seeks Him with intention, humility, and expectation. Matthew tells us these wise men came asking. Their question wasn’t casual. It came from careful study, discernment, and a readiness to follow wherever God led.
Herod lied to the Magi when he said he would worship the child. No one can find God for you. And you can’t find Him for someone who is unwilling.
Even when they encountered interruption and opposition—Herod’s disturbance, the religious leaders’ indifference, the secrecy and deception surrounding the search—they kept moving toward the light God had given.
And when the star finally rested, “they were overjoyed” (Matthew 2:10). Faith had become sight. Their first response wasn’t analysis or hesitation—it was worship.
They presented gifts that were prayerfully selected and prophetically appointed.
Gold for the King.
Frankincense for the Priest.
Myrrh for the Savior
What stands out is this: the wise men weren’t deterred by those who should have recognized the Messiah but didn’t. They weren’t discouraged by those who knew the Scriptures intellectually yet failed to seek Him spiritually. They weren’t swayed by Herod’s false promises or the enemy’s attempts to interfere with God’s purpose.
Their faith kept moving. Their worship kept leading. Their pursuit remained steady.
May we be people who look at the signs God has placed before us, who search carefully, who move with purpose, and who refuse to let anything—distractions, doubts, or spiritual noise—pull us away from the One who is worthy.
Because He is not hidden. He reveals Himself to those who sincerely seek Him.
And when we find Him, like the wise men, may our response be joy, humility, and wholehearted worship.
