Matthew 2:1-12 (ESV)
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 saw his star when
it rose and have come to worship him." [3] When Herod the king heard this,
he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; [4] and assembling all the chief
priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to
be born. [5] They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written
by the prophet:
[6] " 'And you, O
Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.' "
[7] Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from
them what time the star had appeared. [8] And he sent them to Bethlehem,
saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found
him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him." [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.
Questions for Reflection
1. If you could give any gift to anyone, what would you give, to whom, and why?
2. What prompts people to make great sacrifices for others?
3. What external and internal factors prompted the Magi to search for Jesus? (2:2)
4. What title did the Magi give to Jesus? (2:2)
5. What was the Magi’s reaction when they realized they had found the Christ? (2:10)
6. How would you define worship?
7. What sort of activities does worship involve?
8. What are some various “presents” we might give to Christ?
