“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him” (Matthew 2:1-2).
About 2,000 years ago, in the unimposing little village of Bethlehem, about six miles south of Jerusalem, the most fantastic event the world has ever known occurred. The power and magnitude of this event reverberates across the eons of time into all ages, yet it passed without notice. That is, it passed without notice for most, but a few men, wise men from the east, magi as they were called, skilled philosophers, healers and theologians, were somehow privy to this sacred knowledge. How did they know? Had God specially revealed it to them? Had they come to this knowledge through a study of the scriptures (Gen. 49:10; Num. 24:17; Dan. 9:24)? Had they been handed down a revelation given to Daniel centuries before? Perhaps the answer to this question will remain forever hidden to us. But there is one thing we do know: these wise men sought for He was born King of the Jews.
Today, there are lessons we can learn from these wise men. First, it is wise men who still seek for Jesus. These Gentile sages had to travel over a thousand miles from the east to reach Bethlehem. No doubt they faced many perils and hazarded their lives to reach their goal of finding Jesus. Others also sought Jesus. Zacheaus, a man of little stature, sought to see Jesus and climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse (Luke 19:1-9). Other Gentiles came up to the feast and sought Jesus out through Phillip, saying, “Sirs, we would see Jesus” (John 12:21). On one occasion, when Jesus was in a solitary place alone praying, Simon Peter said to Him, that “All men seek for thee” (Mark 1:37). To seek Jesus is wise because He alone has the words of eternal life (John 6:67-69). How far will you go to seek out Jesus?
Second, wise men worship Jesus. The reason the magi sought Jesus out was to worship Him. So many today forsake the assembling of ourselves together to worship Him in favor of watching a ball game or entertaining relatives or going to work or some such thing (Heb. 10:25). But what could be more important than bowing the knee to the Creator of all that is? In heaven, no one will be able to say, “I can’t worship God now, I must entertain my friends.” No excuses will be accepted (Luke 14:15-24). Of all things which I must do as a Christian, assembling with the saints to worship God must be the easiest. I can’t always control my thoughts or my words, but making and keeping an appointment with the Lord must be one of the easiest things to do.
Finally, wise men present their gifts before the Lord (Matt. 2:11). In fulfillment of ancient prophecies, the kings of the world brought their gifts to the Messiah (Ps. 72:10,11; Is. 60:6). They brought gifts that were fitting. Gold, a gift fit for a king, frankincense, representing His divinity, and myrrh, a gift given against the day of His death. We ought also to bring gifts to the Lord that are appropriate. More than anything else, we must give ourselves (II Cor. 8:5). What are you willing to give to the Lord?
Wise men still seek Jesus. Wise men worship Him. And wise men give themselves to the Lord.
Eric L. Padgett