Lessons from Matthew 2: Worshipping Jesus
If you recall, in Part 1 of these lessons from Matthew 2, Herod told the Wisemen to go search for the child-king.
That’s what the Magi did. They didn’t let Herod’s evil intent, the religious leaders’ lack of heartfelt response, or the people’s fear stop them from moving forward on their own journey!
And so verse 9 tells us after they had heard Herod the king, they went on their way. Again the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.
Worshipping Jesus
Their journey from Jerusalem to Bethlehem was only about 5-6 miles. However, some believe the full journey from start to finish took about a year. When the Magi arrived where the star had led we are told they rejoiced! What a right response to accomplishing any task, duty, or journey that God has given!
And upon entering the house, they saw the child together with His mother, and they bowed down and worshipped Him. They worshipped the King. King Jesus, the royal priest through the line of David. Jesus, the Messiah, the Savior born to the world, for all who would receive Him by faith.
And after their time of worship, they then opened up their treasures and presented Him with their gifts of
gold, pointing to His royalty
incense, pointing to His priesthood
myrrh, pointing to His death
William Barclay said,
Gold for a king, frankincense for a priest, and myrrh for the one who was to die—these were gifts of the wise men, and even, at the cradle of Christ, they foretold that He was to be the true King, the perfect High Priest, and in the end the supreme Savior of men.
These truly were wise men. They were wise to seek Jesus and information regarding Him. They were wise to pursue Him and respond in true worship, laying all their treasures before Him.
Having been warned by God in a dream not to go back to Herod, the Magi returned home to their country by another route. This was a costly trip for the Magi. But they gave it all in time, gifts, and strength and they listened and they obeyed.
Are you pursuing Jesus? Are you seeking information about Him in order that you too might bow your heart and head before Him and lay yourself at his feet in full surrender?
That’s the greatest gift God desires from you: the gift of yourself.
In Romans 12:1-2 Paul says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Those who worship Jesus with their heart, mind, body, and strength are renewed and in His Spirit.
Won’t you be like the Magi?
Listen and obey and reap the benefits and blessings of His protection.
Terri Hamman
Faith & Fitness Coach