Leading to the Savior
Bible Reading: Matthew 2:9-12
9 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. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 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. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
Reading Questions: How did the Magi find Jesus? (9-10) Where was Jesus? (11) What were the gifts they gave Jesus? (11) Why didn’t they go back to Herod? (12) How do you know the Magi thought Jesus was a king? How do you think the Magi felt finding a king in an ordinary house? What do you think is the significance of the gifts they brought?
[Myrrh was an aromatic gum extracted from the leaves of a special plant. It was used in beauty treatments (Ester 2:12). It was mixed with wine and offered to Jesus on the cross as a pain reliever (Mark 15:23). It was also applied to Jesus’ body after his death. (John 19:39-40) Incense is an aromatic compound burned on special occasions. People all over the world have used it in religious rituals. The Israelites burned it in the temple. The burning of incense only has meaning to God when our hearts are right with him. (Jeremiah 6:19-20) The burning of incense in scripture is often a symbol of prayer. (Psalm 141:2) Gold is a precious metal and has been used throughout history as a standard of exchange. The tabernacle and temple in Jerusalem were decorated with gold in honor of God. In scripture many things are said to have greater value than gold: wisdom (Proverbs 3:13-14), God’s law (Psalm 119:72) and faith (1 Peter 1:7).]
Journal Writing: What is an important truth from the Bible reading? Why do you need to know that truth?
Application Prayer: Write out a prayer for God’s insight and help into how you can apply the truth from the reading.
Week’s Memory Verse: John 3:19-20.
19This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.