LEARNING DAILY

Matthew 2:1-2, 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, 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."

There is a lot to consider when thinking about the wisemen. Where they’re from? How did they know the prophecies about the “King of the Jews?” Perhaps you have questions, as well. Let me ask this question. Did the wisemen come in search of a baby or a king? The scriptures said they had come to worship and give gifts to a “King.” May I also add the shepherds went looking for the One the angels called, “A Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

These kings that traveled for so long and over a great distance recognized the significance of the birth of Jesus. It was so important that they followed a bright star so they could find Him and worship Him. They were from different backgrounds and beliefs than the Jewish people; yet, they had to have recognized the significance of Jesus’ birth. Did they sense that this “King of the Jews” as a king for all people, a Savior for all people? The wisemen sought Him. They went out of their way, in faith, and perhaps humility, to seek and worship the “King of the Jews.”

Read the account of the wisemen and you will see there is not a lot of details given about them in Scripture. What most people believe about them and their journey is centered in tradition. Ultimately, it does not matter. We know these wisemen were searching for a king that had been prophesied, and they had followed a bright light that had appeared until they found Him. Imagine taking on this journey. They must have known Micah 5:2, which designates Bethlehem as the place the Messiah would be born. The arrival of the wisemen signified the coming of the Messiah was known outside of the Jewish people. Bible scholars have attributed this knowledge to Daniel’s teaching among the Babylonian people.

Their journey to find and worship this king is very interesting to me. I wonder if it is not about wanting to find truth, spiritual truth and acknowledging it. Many believe they traveled from as far away as Iran. That says the birth of the “King of the Jews” was not about boundaries or just for the Jewish people. The Messiah would be for all people, for all people around the world. The seeking of the wisemen is a reminder that the Messiah is for all people who seek Him today.

Believers today are being led by signs that lead to a greater encounter with the Lord. The signs may not be a bright light in the sky. Signs might be guidance from Bible teachers, reading/studying/meditating on the Word of God, what is happening in natural events, or fellow Believers who challenge us to go deeper into our knowledge of God. These signs can be a reminder that God is constantly at work in each Believer, guiding them to a greater life of love, hope in Him, and greater obedience as they walk the narrow way with Him. The wisemen found their way to the “King of the Jews” by following a star. He is still giving signs for Believers today to find a deeper relationship with Him.

Yes, I will write this again this year: Wise men and women still seek Jesus!