The Magi Worship Jesus

Matthew 2:1-12

The Big Idea

The Magi teach us to seek Jesus, honor him, and respond faithfully to God’s guidance.

The Bible Story

The Wise Men Visit Jesus

Matthew 2:1–12 tells how Magi from the east came to Jerusalem during Herod the king’s reign. They were seeking the child born king of the Jews. After learning that the Christ would be born in Bethlehem, they continued their journey. The star they had seen guided them to the place where Jesus was, and they rejoiced greatly. The Magi entered a house and found Jesus with Mary, his mother. They fell down and worshiped him, then opened their treasures and presented gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew does not say how many Magi came, give their names, or call them kings. This visit is in a house, not a stable, and shepherds are not part of this account.

Themes

God’s guidance Jesus as king Obedience to warning Seeking Jesus Worship

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Look closely

What children can notice

Inside a house, the Magi respectfully bow before the child Jesus, who is with Mary his mother. Their open treasures display gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Talk together

Talk about it

What did the Magi do when they found Jesus?
How can you honor Jesus today?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page for a lesson on worship, seeking Jesus, or God’s guidance. Invite children to notice the house, Mary, Jesus, the Magi, and the three named gifts. Remind them that Matthew does not give the Magi’s number or names, and that this visit is separate from the shepherds’ visit.

Source note

From this passage

Matthew 2:11 · The Magi

Inside a house, the Magi respectfully bow before the child Jesus, who is with Mary his mother. Their open treasures display gold, frankincense, and myrrh.