The Kings
And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. – Matthew 2:11
The wise men from the East arrived at the house where Jesus lived with His parents. At this point, Jesus was likely around two years old. The Bible describes Him not as a baby but as a “young child.” As a toddler, Jesus may not have been aware of His identity as the King of Kings, but the wise men certainly were.
Today, the wise men are often referred to as kings, but the Bible does not exactly call them that. What we do know is that they were magi and men who studied the stars. Their journey was came about because of a unique star, which they followed to find the King of the world. It is evident that they had access to ancient manuscripts prophesying the Messiah’s coming and the star as a sign. Some believe these writings were carried to the East when the Israelites were taken into Babylonian captivity. They may have even had access to Daniel’s writings, as he lived among the Babylonians. This could explain why they came from the East, seeking Jesus.
What makes this moment truly remarkable is that these men traveled from another country to worship Jesus. They were the first recorded individuals to fall down and worship Him from another nation. This is significant because they were not Jewish people, yet they were not turned away. If they were indeed kings, they became the first rulers to bow before the King of Kings. This moment in history is a foreshadowing of the future when all nations will bow before Him.
The magi also brought treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These were some of the most valuable resources of their time. These gifts were both symbolic and practical. They signified Jesus’ kingship, priesthood, and sacrificial death while also providing for the Holy Family’s needs. The gifts enabled Joseph to take his family to Egypt, protecting them from King Herod’s wrath.
Today, I want to encourage you to consider the example of the wise men. They came from afar to worship Jesus, bringing their best to honor Him. How can you follow their example? Take time to fall down in worship, offering Him your deepest praise and thanksgiving. Celebrate His coming into the world as the King who saves all people from sin. Don’t wait until the day of His return to worship Him because He is worthy of your praise today!
He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
Today’s Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-12
1 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,
2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:
6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”
7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”
9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.
11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
The Daily Dose 