Advent Day 20: Matthew 2:1-12

Read & Journal

Read Matthew 2:1-12. Consider these questions:

• What does this passage help you to understand about Jesus, His character or His purpose?

• What do these passages teach you about God and His character?

• The prophecy the religious leaders point to in verse 6 refers to the Messiah as someone who will “shepherd” Israel. How have you seen Jesus shepherd (lovingly care and correct) you?

• The wise men who followed the star weren’t Jews. What does this help you to understand about God’s kingdom?

• When the wise men saw the star had stopped and they had arrived at the place where the Messiah was, they were filled with joy. How has Jesus brought joy into your life this week? Thank Him for these joys, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem.

Ponder

In the darkness, a star blazed—and the wise men recognized that something important was happening. When they reached Jerusalem, Scripture tells us they clearly connected the star’s appearance with the birth of the Messiah. While it’s unclear how they came to this understanding, the wise men clearly stated that their intentions were centered on worshipping the Messiah.

Consider verses 3-4 and compare the response of King Herod and the Jewish religious leaders to the wise men’s actions. Herod was terrified by the threat to his throne. Herod has to ask the religious leaders—who also respond to the news of the Messiah’s birth with dismay—where Scripture says the Messiah is to be born. These non-Jewish, presumably pagan wise men have come to worship the Messiah, and the people who have been told to expect Him, who have prophecy upon prophecy foretelling His coming, respond with fear and dismay. The Light has come but the world didn’t recognize Him (John 1:10). He had come to His own people, but they rejected Him (John 1:11).

At the end of this week of Scripture readings, we sit at a crossroads. Who are you in the story? Who am I? Do I recognize Jesus as the Messiah, the Savior? Like Simeon and Anna, do I know that He alone is my comfort and my hope, my Redeemer? Like the wise men and the angels, do I respond to the good news that God has made a way for me to know Him with joy and praise?

If you are not a Christ follower, today is the day to recognize Jesus for who He truly is. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus has fully paid the price for your sin. He has taken away your shame and made a way for you to live in relationship with the Father. He is your comfort and your hope, your joy and your peace. Rejoice in Him today.

If you are a believer, praise Him as your Savior today. Like the wise men, rejoice in what He has done to save you. You are beloved, and He is worthy of your praise.