Lessons on What It Means To Pursue Jesus.
The wise men, or Magi, are intriguing figures in the Christmas story. They weren’t Jewish and they weren’t from Israel. Scripture tells us that they were scholars, astronomers, and possibly priests from Persia or Babylon which are hundreds of miles away from Bethlehem.
Yet somehow, they saw a star, recognized how important it was and left their homes to find and worship the newborn King of the Jews.
This was not an easy journey but they did it anyway. What made them willing to leave everything and travel so far? What were they hoping to find? These wise men didn’t have the Bible, they didn’t grow up in a synagogue, and they weren’t expecting a Messiah for themselves yet something told them to find and worship Jesus.
The Scripture
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.”
Matthew 2:1-2 (NIV)
Understanding Matthew 2:1-2
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod…” Matthew anchors the story in real history. This isn’t myth or legend – it happened in a specific place (Bethlehem) during the reign of a specific king (Herod the Great). Jesus’ birth was a historical event with real people, and real places.
“Magi from the east came to Jerusalem…” The Magi were respected scholars who studied the stars and interpreted signs. Their journey from the east to Jerusalem would have takeng months, possibly even over a year.
“…and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?'” Notice how they don’t ask if a king has been born. They just assume that it’s true and they want to find Him. They are confident in what they have seen and are convinced that this newborn King is worth finding. Notice also that these wise men recognized Jesus as King – not a prophet or a teacher.
“We saw his star when it rose…” God used something the Magi understood, astronomy, to reveal Jesus to them. God meets people where they are and uses what they know to point them to Jesus.
“…and have come to worship him.” They came to bow down and give honor to the King. They believed He deserved their worship and were willing to travel months to see Him and bring Him valuable gifts.
What’s so interesting about this scripture is the contrast between the Magi (foreigners) and the religious leaders in Jerusalem. The chief priests and scribes knew the Scriptures and could quote the prophecy about Bethlehem, yet they didn’t even bother to make a short trip to see if it was true.
Faith in Action
Be intentional about seeking Jesus. The Magi didn’t simply stumble upon Jesus by accident. They made a deliberate choice to find Him, no matter the cost. Are you intentionally pursuing Jesus through prayer, Scripture, worship, and obedience or are you just going through the motions?
Seeking Jesus is costly. The Magi left their homes, spent months traveling, faced dangers on the road, and brought expensive gifts. Following Jesus will cost you something whether it be your time, your comfort, your plans, maybe even relationships. What are you willing to sacrifice to know Jesus more deeply?
Worship is the goal. The Magi didn’t come to get something from Jesus, they came to worship and give to Him. So many times in our lives we come to God askign for things instead of just worshiping Him.
God reveals Himself to the sincere. The Magi weren’t Jewish. They didn’t have the Scriptures. But God revealed Jesus to them because their hearts were seeking. Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” God honors genuine seeking, regardless of your background or knowledge.
Don’t let familiarity breed apathy. The religious leaders knew the prophecies but didn’t bother to look for Jesus. Sometimes, the people closest to spiritual truth are the least moved by it. Don’t let familiarity with the Bible, church, or Christianity make you complacent.
Reflection Questions
- The Magi traveled months to worship Jesus. Are you seeking Jesus with intentionality and passion, or have you become complacent?
- What “stars” has God used in your life to point you toward Jesus? How has He revealed Himself to you in ways you could understand?
- The Magi were willing to pay a high price to find and worship Jesus. What is seeking Jesus costing you? How does that make you feel?
- How can you guard against knowing about Jesus without truly seeking a relationship with Him?
- The Magi came to worship, not to get something from Jesus. When you pray or go to church, what’s your primary motive? Do you need to shift your focus?
- God revealed Jesus to the Magi even though they weren’t part of Israel. How does it make you feel to know that God has a heart for all people, regardless of background or knowledge?
Affirmation
Jesus is worth seeking, no matter the cost.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father
Thank You for the example of the wise men who sought Jesus with everything they had.
Forgive me for the times I’ve been complacent or apathetic in my pursuit of You. Stir my heart with fresh passion to know You more.
Help me to seek You intentionally, worship You wholeheartedly, and be willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to follow You closely.
Reveal Yourself to me as I seek You with all my heart.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
