Daily Devotionals

Matthew 2:9–12｜The Wise Men Worship the King

Kermit Wu

— 2 min read

I. Passage Overview

Matthew 2:9–12 (ESV)

“After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.”

This passage reveals how the Wise Men found Jesus, how they responded in worship, and how God continued to guide them.

II. Background and Exegesis

1. Who were the Wise Men, and what enabled them to find Jesus?

  • Who they were:
    • Likely scholars or astrologers from the East (Persia or Babylon), educated in astronomy, history, and perhaps influenced by Jewish prophecies from the Exile.
  • Key factors in finding Jesus:
    • They followed the light God gave them (the star).
    • They sought truth with humility and perseverance — willing to travel far and risk danger.
    • They responded actively to revelation instead of staying in comfort.
Insight: God reveals Himself to seekers with open hearts. Finding Jesus requires both God’s guidance and our willing obedience.

2. What was their reaction to seeing the child Jesus? What do the gifts mean?

  • Their reaction:
    • “They rejoiced exceedingly with great joy” — not just intellectual satisfaction, but heartfelt worship.
    • They fell down and worshiped Him — recognizing His kingship even as a child.
  • Meaning of the gifts:
    • Gold → fit for a King (royalty and authority).
    • Frankincense → used in worship (divinity and priestly role).
    • Myrrh → used for burial (foreshadowing His suffering and death).
Insight: Their costly gifts show deep recognition — Jesus is King, God, and Savior who will die for His people.

3. How did God continue to guide the Wise Men? What is the meaning of “returning by another way”?

  • Divine guidance:
    • God warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
    • Their obedience protected Jesus from Herod’s plot.
  • Spiritual significance:
    • When you truly meet Jesus, your path changes — you cannot “go back the same way.”
    • God directs those who seek Him sincerely, even when earthly powers threaten.
Application: Following Jesus often means taking a different road — one led by God, not by fear or convenience.

III. Summary

  • The Wise Men were sincere seekers, guided by God because they obeyed the light they had.
  • They worshiped Jesus with joy and costly gifts, recognizing Him as King, God, and Savior.
  • God protected and redirected them, showing that those who follow Christ walk a new path.
Key challenge: Are we pursuing Jesus with the same humility and eagerness?
Do we offer Him our best — our treasure, our worship, our obedience?
And when God redirects us, do we follow His way rather than return to the old road?

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