The Right PathSýnishorn

The Magi Praised

What Wise Men! They believed and they put their belief into action and sought the King—Jesus. So what happened when they arrived at the place where the star had led them? Matthew tells us they worshipped the King. Let’s peek over the shoulder of the Magi.

The gospel writer Matthew tells us that the Magi “rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.” This can be translated this way: they had a joy of the greatest greatness. Imagine finding what you had been seeking and then having it be greater than you had anticipated. This is what the Wise Men experienced – the greatest great joy! It reminds us of what the angel said to the shepherds in the fields the night of Jesus birth, that there will be “good news of great joy to all people.” The gospel—quite literally the good news—is that a Savior has been born for all mankind. 

The Wise Men then did what a wise person would do when coming into the presence of the King of Kings. Matthew tells us that “they fell down and worshipped Him.” A fitting thing to do when they found themselves in the presence of, as the song says, “Thy Perfect Light.” They worshipped Him. It begs the question this Christmas: Do we worship Him? We sing the songs and we decorate the tree, but do we truly worship Him for the King that He is? 

The Magi did one more thing, they presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The gold, which signified the surrender of worldly possessions to the service of the King, would later be used by Joseph to care for his family when they were sent to Egypt for protection. Frankincense was a fragrance that was used to bring a wonderful scent to an odious situation, like a burial tomb. And myrrh, which was a burial spice. Without knowing it, the Magi brought gifts that foretold of this King’s life… He was born to die for the sins of the world—a special King indeed. 

The Wise Men were truly wise because they believed the signs in front of them that told of the birth of a great King. They sought Him by following His star and pursuing the right path that God had laid before them. And they worshipped Him as the King that He still is. 

How will you prepare to celebrate the birth of the Savior of the World this year? Please look for the 5th part of the plan, The Right Time.  

For more resources on spiritual growth—podcasts, study guides, e-booklets, and others—visit http://www.gsot.edu/center. The Grace Center for Spiritual Development at Grace School of Theology provides non-degree studies, live online bible study opportunities, and resources like this devotional.