The story of the Wise Men is a gripping Biblical story that showcases the combination of seeking to worship and the prophetic gifts they brought to the newborn King of the Jews. The Wise Men were from the east, in the area of Persia, and specialized in astronomy. These men were truly wise because they were seeking Jesus.
The Bible does not reveal how the Wise Men learned about the newborn King of the Jews. What is essential is that the Wise Men responded to God’s work in their hearts. They traveled a long distance at great expense to worship the newborn King and bring Him significant gifts. Not only does God draw them to Jesus, but He also provided a star to guide them.
God often uses our life experiences to lead us to Jesus, as He also does with the Wise Men, who studied the stars. The Wise Men must have been excited as the star led them to Jerusalem, the capital city of the Jewish nation. To their surprise, King Herod did not know anything about the birth of the King of the Jews and was disturbed by the news.
Herod Met with the Wise Men
When the Wise Men met King Herod, they were probably excited, unaware that he was a wicked king who feared anyone who claimed to be a king. Herod then asked the priests where the Messiah would be born, and they replied that it would be in Bethlehem, Judea. Then he instructed the Wise Men to find the child and return so he could also worship him.
Matthew 2:9 After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! 11 They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. [1]
The Wise Men presented gifts and worshiped Jesus for His true identity. This captures the essence of genuine worship—revering Christ for who He truly is and offering Him what holds value to you.
The Wise Men’s Gifts were Prophetic
As the wise men arrived to meet the baby, Jesus, they bowed in humility to worship and present gifts that held special meaning and were fit for a king. The treasures they brought—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—were deeply symbolic and prophetic for the future of Jesus.
Gold represents Christ’s divine kingship. The gift of frankincense highlights His purity as the Priest of God. Frankincense is traditionally burned in the temple as an offering (Lev. 2:2). Myrrh, which was often used to anoint and prepare bodies for burial, hints at His role as a Prophet and also foreshadows His death. In John 19:38-40, Nicodemus brought myrrh for Jesus’ burial.
What is the Lord prompting you to give to Jesus this Christmas? Does He want you to share your treasures? Is He calling you to fall to your knees and worship Him? I believe that today we can all be like modern Wise Men by allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our path.
This story demonstrates seeking to worship and prophetic gifts. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-gift-of-seeking
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Mt 2:9–11). Tyndale House Publishers.