Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “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.” Matthew 2:1-2 ESV

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas with family and friends! Jesus has been born in Bethlehem, but the story is not over. Wise men from the east have followed a guiding star to Jerusalem, they seek the baby who was born to be “king of the Jews.” After speaking with Herod, the king in Jerusalem, the wise men continue their search, following the star.

The wise men found Jesus in his home with his mother Mary. They “fell down and worshipped him.” They opened their treasures and offered gifts to the baby. They gave him gold that symbolized His kingship. They gave him frankincense, which was burned in the temple as an offering to God, and symbolized his divinity as the Son of God. And lastly, they gave Him myrrh which was a spiced oil used in anointings and in the burial of dead bodies. Myrrh symbolized Jesus’ Messiah status and His death on the cross and ultimate resurrection.

The Bible does not give a great deal of detail about the wise men. Three wise men are usually depicted because of the three gifts, but there could have been more. What we do know is they were wise, that they traveled a great distance to find Jesus, the baby born to be the “king of the Jews,” and that they believed in the prophecies given by God.

As we look at the story of the “wise men,” let us follow in their sandals. Let each one of us choose to seek Jesus. I challenge all of us in this new year to spend time seeking Jesus. Seeking to know our Savior better, spending time in the Word and seeking to learn more about Him and seeking His direction in our life paths!

Jesus even assures us in Matthew that if we seek Him, we will find Him!

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 ESV

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me this week as we, like the wise men, seek after Jesus.

Blessings and joy as you seek and find Jesus!