The Gift: Advent Bible PlanНамуна

We Three Kings

“Praise the Savior, hear the angels

Sing the songs from the Heavens that we know You came from

Was the lowest of the low, born in a manger

Came to Earth out of love so You could save us”

When we read the account of Jesus’ birth in Matthew, we read that three kings came from the East and brought gifts to Jesus. Because we may be so familiar with it, it can be really easy to gloss over these men and their story. However, if we really think about it, the visit of the three kings is very unusual and points to the significance of Jesus.

Now, the Bible doesn’t necessarily identify who these visitors were. Some say they were kings, others say they were scholars, but what we do know is that they were men of knowledge, power and great wealth. We also know that these men were Gentiles, meaning they were not Jews. They were not a part of God’s chosen people and were certainly not eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Messiah foretold by Jewish prophets. In fact, some believe they were likely devoted to the study of astrology and other eastern mystical practices. These facts make their first recorded statement confusing and extremely profound – “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.”

Why would Gentile kings be eager to worship a child born in a barn in the middle of nowhere? Even if they did believe he was a king, they believed him to be king of a people group they did not belong to. Yet, something deep within them told them that this was a very exciting and important moment, not to be missed. Scripture says they “rejoiced exceedingly with great joy” when they saw the star guiding them to Jesus. These powerful and great men were literally overjoyed upon seeing the signs pointing them to Jesus! At the same time, the Jewish people were largely indifferent to the rumors that Jesus was the Messiah. Why would the ones to whom the Messiah had been promised not be the ones overjoyed?

The three kings had so much joy because of the birth of Jesus, even though they likely did not comprehend the fullness of who He was. Still, their hearts were open to the fact that the birth of this child was a significant event and he was worthy to be worshiped and lavished with gifts. Still today, so much in our world points to the significance of Jesus. The Bible, a story that from the beginning to end points to Him, continues to be the best-selling book of all time (and second place doesn’t even come close). Even our calendar started over upon Jesus’ birth! Yet, just like the Jews when Jesus was born, so many of us continue to miss the signs of His significance. The Jews were so busy concerning themselves with ritual and religion, that they altogether missed the one they were most hoping for. Let us, like the three kings, have hearts that are open to the Messiah and that are prepared to worship Him. Let us not miss the significance of Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, help us to always rejoice at the coming of our King. May we never miss the significance of you stepping down from your rightful throne in Heaven to come meet us in our mess and rescue us. God would you give us space especially during this Advent season to intentionally worship, honor and praise you for all that you are and all that you have done.