Learn the Story of Jesus
Season 2: The Story of Jesus Begins
2.7 — The Wise Men Visit Jesus
The Wise Men Visit Jesus: Travelers from distant nations follow the star and come to worship the promised King.
2.7 — The Wise Men Visit Jesus
Seeking the King Who Had Been Born
After the birth of Jesus, visitors arrived from far away searching for the promised King.
These travelers are often called the Wise Men or Magi.
They studied the stars and recognized unusual signs connected to the birth of a king.
Their journey reveals an important truth:
people from distant nations were being drawn toward Jesus.
While some leaders in Jerusalem ignored or feared the news about the Messiah, the Wise Men traveled great distances seeking Him.
Scripture References
Matthew 2:1–12
Micah 5:2
Isaiah 60:1–6
Psalm 72:10–11
Numbers 24:17
The Story
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem during the reign of King Herod, Wise Men arrived in Jerusalem from the East.
They asked an important question:
“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?”
The Wise Men explained that they had seen His star and had come to worship Him.
When King Herod heard this news, he became troubled.
Herod feared threats to his power and position.
He gathered religious leaders and asked where the Messiah was supposed to be born.
The leaders answered using the prophecy from Micah:
the Messiah would come from Bethlehem.
Herod secretly met with the Wise Men and instructed them to search carefully for the child.
He falsely claimed that he also wanted to worship Jesus.
The Wise Men continued following the star until it stopped over the place where Jesus was.
When they found Him, they rejoiced greatly.
They bowed down and worshiped Jesus.
Then they presented gifts:
gold,
frankincense,
and myrrh.
Afterward, God warned the Wise Men in a dream not to return to Herod.
They departed for their homeland by another route.
Understanding the Story
Who Were the Wise Men?
The Wise Men, often called Magi, were likely educated travelers or scholars from eastern lands.
They studied stars, wisdom, and signs in the heavens.
Though the Bible does not specify exactly how many Wise Men there were, tradition often mentions three because of the three gifts presented.
Why Was Herod Afraid?
King Herod was known for protecting his power aggressively and sometimes violently.
The announcement of a newborn “King of the Jews” threatened him politically.
Why Was Bethlehem Important?
Bethlehem fulfilled Old Testament prophecy about the birthplace of the Messiah.
Jesus’ birth there connected directly to promises spoken centuries earlier.
What Did the Gifts Mean?
Gold was associated with kings and royalty.
Frankincense was connected to worship and priestly service.
Myrrh was often connected to burial and suffering.
Christians often see symbolism in these gifts pointing toward Jesus’ identity and mission.
Understanding Jesus
Stars and Signs in the Ancient World
Could Daniel Be Connected to the Wise Men?
Some Bible scholars believe there may be a connection between the Wise Men and the prophet Daniel from the Old Testament. Daniel lived for many years in Babylon and served among wise men, scholars, astrologers, and advisors within foreign kingdoms. Because Daniel taught about the God of Israel and received prophecies about future kingdoms and the coming Messiah, some believe knowledge about the promised Savior may have continued spreading among eastern scholars long after Daniel’s lifetime. While the Bible does not directly state that the Wise Men learned from Daniel’s teachings, the possibility helps show how God may have been preparing people from many nations to recognize the coming of Jesus Christ.
Worship and Bowing Before Kings
The Wise Men came from outside Israel. Their journey helps reveal that Jesus came not only for one people group or nation, but for the world.
Connections can also be made to:
Feasts, Festivals, Seasons, and the Jewish Calendar,
and
Feasts and Festivals in the Time of Jesus,
because prophecy, worship traditions, pilgrimage travel, and sacred expectations shaped the world surrounding Jesus’ birth.
Key Themes
Jesus Came for All People
The Wise Men came from distant lands seeking the Savior.
Worship Is Central to the Story
The Wise Men traveled far to worship Jesus.
God Guides Those Who Seek Him
The Wise Men followed the light they were given until they found Christ.
Earthly Power and God’s Kingdom Are Different
Herod responded with fear and control while the Wise Men responded with worship and humility.
Why This Lesson Matters
The Wise Men remind believers that people everywhere search for meaning, truth, hope, and salvation.
Their story also reveals that recognizing Jesus often requires humility, persistence, and faith.
This lesson contrasts two responses to Jesus:
fearful resistance represented by Herod,
and joyful worship represented by the Wise Men.
The story challenges believers to ask:
How will we respond to Jesus?
Connecting to Jesus
The Wise Men recognized Jesus as:
King,
worthy of worship,
and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Christians believe Jesus came not only for Israel but for people from every nation and background.
The gifts presented to Jesus point toward His future identity and mission as King, Savior, and sacrifice.
Living the Message
The Wise Men responded to Jesus with worship, generosity, and faithful seeking.
This week:
Spend time seeking God through prayer and Scripture.
Reflect on ways you can worship Jesus in everyday life.
Remember that Jesus welcomes people from every background and nation.
Ask God to guide you as you follow Him.
Look for opportunities to honor Christ through generosity, humility, and faith.
Reflection Questions
Why did the Wise Men travel to find Jesus?
Possible answers:
They recognized signs pointing to the birth of a king and came to worship Him.
Why was Herod troubled by the news about Jesus?
Possible answers:
Herod feared losing power and viewed the birth of another king as a threat.
What do the gifts symbolize?
Possible answers:
The gifts point toward Jesus as King, worthy of worship, and connected to suffering and sacrifice.
What does this lesson teach about worship?
Possible answers:
True worship involves humility, seeking God, honor, and devotion.
Why is it important that the Wise Men came from distant nations?
Possible answers:
Their story reveals that Jesus came for people from all nations and backgrounds.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
The Wise Men recognized Jesus as the promised King and came to worship Him.
Reasons We Believe
Jesus fulfilled prophecy and drew people from many nations to Himself.
Obedience in Action
Seek Jesus with humility, worship, and faithfulness.
Walk It Out
Read Matthew 2 this week and reflect on the different responses people had toward Jesus.
Continue Learning
The Story of Jesus Begins:2.8 — Escape to Egypt
The Story of Jesus Begins: 2.6:Jesus Presented at the Temple
Season 2 — The Story of Jesus Begins
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Feasts, Festivals, Seasons, and the Jewish Calendar
Feasts and Festivals in the Time of Jesus
