We have seen his star
Today's focusWise men from the east travel far to worship the newborn King, while those close to Jerusalem's power are troubled — Jesus draws seekers from every nation.
Read
1Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 3When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
Reflection
In this passage, we see a remarkable contrast between those near to power and those who travel from afar. The "wise men from the east" arrive in Jerusalem with a singular purpose: to find the one "born King of the Jews" so they may "worship him." These seekers noticed a "star in the east" and followed its light across great distances. Their arrival reminds you that Jesus was not born for one small group alone; he draws people from every nation to himself. Even those who start far away are invited to seek and find him.
While the wise men were filled with purpose, "Herod the king" and "all Jerusalem" were "troubled" by the news. The religious leaders knew the scriptures perfectly, pointing to "Bethlehem of Judaea" as the place where a "Governor" would be born to "rule my people Israel." Yet, having the right information did not lead them to worship. This encourages you to move beyond just knowing facts about God. Like the wise men, you are invited to actively seek his presence and offer him your heart.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
What would it look like for you to seek Jesus as earnestly as the wise men did, even when the journey is long?
Pray
King of all nations, you drew seekers from far away to worship you. Draw me close too. Give me a seeking heart that will travel any distance to find you and bow before you.