After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”
Matthew 2:1-2
It’s wrapping time!
My dad always slipped me money to buy my mom’s Christmas gift just a few weeks before the big event. He’d whisper to me, “Buy something nice.” It’s easy to buy gifts for our loved ones compared to a stranger.
This reminds me of the magi. Gifts loaded on camels, rolling sand dunes to climb and that unusual light glowing in the night sky all adds up to a story. Whether they were philosophers, priests or astronomers the Scriptures does not say. But they were learned men; most likely from Persia or Arabia on a long journey.
Who were they searching for?
They wanted to find the King who had been born to the Jews. At the time, the Jews were anxiously waiting for the coming Messiah. By studying the Scriptures, from the book of Daniel (9:25-27), the Jews thought the time was approaching for the Deliver to come and free them from Roman bondage.
If we where looking for someone we would Google, Messenger or Facebook them to searched for the answer. Or if we were in need of a location, we would use our navigational system or a map. Obviously, these things were not around at the time of the magi. It is thought, at Christ’s birth, the special light shone in the sky. These men used the stars to map out their journey. According to most sources, that bright light remained until Jesus was about two years old. It may have been a two year long excursion the magi took.
Once in Bethlehem the magi needed further instructions, so the men inquired of those they came in contact with. What a disturbance they caused. Even King Herod became involved; along with the chief priests and scribes. Unfortunately, Herod’s motives were not to worship the King of the Jews.
The magi took incredible time to seek out what they felt was important. They also asked questions along the way. Once they found the young King, they presented great gifts to Him and then worshipped the King of the Jews, Jesus. These learned men invested time, energy and commitment to the task at hand. I doubt they left any stone unturned to find the King of the Jews.
What about today? How can we put effort forth in discovering the King of the Jews? Or should I say the King of Kings?
The best gift one can present to Jesus today is a life of repentance and devotion to the Savior of the world.
Patti Wolf 