Daily Devotionals

Matthew 2:1–8｜Responses to the Birth of the King

Kermit Wu

— 2 min read

I. Passage Overview

Matthew 2:1–8 (ESV)

*“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘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.’ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
“And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.’”

This passage presents different kinds of people and different responses to Jesus’ birth.

II. Background and Exegesis

1. Who are the different people here, and how did they respond to Jesus’ birth?

  • The Wise Men from the East (Magi) → Seekers of truth
    • They left home, crossed nations, and followed a star to find the newborn King.
    • Their heart posture was worship, not politics.
  • King Herod → Threatened ruler
    • Instead of rejoicing, he was fearful and hostile.
    • He saw Jesus as competition, not salvation.
  • Chief Priests and Scribes → Indifferent scholars
    • They knew the prophecy but showed no movement to seek Jesus themselves.
    • They had knowledge without obedience.
  • Jerusalem’s people → Troubled by uncertainty
    • Their fear mirrored Herod’s anxiety; change felt threatening.

2. How can we avoid the weakness and even sin of the negative examples?

  • Avoid Herod’s pride and insecurity → Don’t see Jesus as a threat to our control; welcome Him as Lord.
  • Avoid the priests’ indifference → Don’t let familiarity with Scripture harden us into apathy.
  • Avoid fear-driven passivity → Don’t let social pressure keep us from responding to Christ.
Key principle: Knowing about Jesus is not enough — we must seek Him with humble hearts.

3. How can we imitate the Magi’s spirit of seeking the King?

  • Eager pursuit → They traveled far and sacrificed much to meet Christ.
  • Obedient response → They followed the light they had, trusting God to lead them further.
  • Worshipful heart → They came not to get something from Jesus, but to honor Him.
Application: Seeking Jesus today means prioritizing time with Him, letting His truth guide decisions, and worshiping Him above every earthly treasure.

4. What does this passage remind us about receiving Jesus?

  • Jesus’ birth demands a response: either worship, hostility, or indifference.
  • True disciples receive Him as King, even when it costs comfort or control.
  • God still calls seekers (like the Magi) from unexpected places and honors their pursuit.

III. Summary

  • Three main responses to Christ’s coming →
    • Worship (Magi)
    • Hostility (Herod)
    • Indifference (priests and people)
  • Our challenge today → Avoid pride and apathy, pursue Christ eagerly, and truly receive Him as Lord.
The question is not whether Jesus is King — but whether we welcome Him as our King.
Are we like Herod, afraid to lose control?
Like the priests, unmoved though we know the truth?
Or like the Magi, ready to seek and worship?

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