After meeting with king Herod, the Magi continued to follow the star to the place where they found Jesus with his mother. They gave valuable gifts to the child. The fact that three gifts are listed has given rise to the legend that there were three Magi. Just as the light of the star guided the Magi to Jesus, so the light of Jesus guides us to the truth. 2 Corinthians 4:6 says, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”
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.
COMPREHENSION 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)
THOUGHT QUESTIONS:
The following is a description of the gifts the Magi brought to Jesus. Discuss what you think is the significance of each.
· 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) and 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. (Jer. 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 the temple in Jerusalem were decorated with gold in honor of God. In scripture many things are said to have greater value than gold: wisdom (Prov. 3:13-14), God’s law (Psalm 119:72) and faith (1 Pet. 1:7).]
PRAYER:
Thank God for sending Jesus as his light to lead you into his truth and save you from your sins. Pray that you would fully recognize the value of the gift that God has given you through Jesus and that his light would shine in you so you can lead others to him.