Visit of the Wise Men
11
had come? They determined to follow it, and see where it would lead
them. It led them into Judea. But when they came near to Jerusalem,
the star grew so dim that they could not follow it.
Supposing that the Jews could at once guide them to the Saviour,
the wise men went into Jerusalem, and said, “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.
“When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief
priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where
Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea:
for thus it is written by the prophet.”
Matthew 2:2-5
.
Herod did not like to hear of a king who might some day take his
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throne. So he took the wise men by themselves, and asked when they
first saw the star. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying: “Go and
search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found Him,
bring me word again, that I may come and worship Him also.”
When the wise men heard this, they started again on their journey.
“And, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it
came and stood over where the young child was.
“When they were come into the house, they saw the young child
with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshiped Him: and when
they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold,
and frankincense, and myrrh.”
Matthew 2:6-11
.
The most precious things they had, the wise men brought to the
Saviour. In this they set an example for us. Many give presents to their
earthly friends, but have none for the heavenly Friend who has given
them every blessing. We should not do this. To Christ we should bring
the best of all we have—of our time, money, and our love.
We may give to Him by giving to comfort the poor, and to teach
people about the Saviour. So we can help to save those for whom He
died. Such gifts Jesus blesses.
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