The Magi
Monday: Following the King of the Jews
Reflecting on the Magi's diligent search for the newborn King, guided by a miraculous star and fulfilling ancient prophecies.
Today's Verse
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 2:2 ESV
Reflection
The Magi were noble pilgrims from the east who followed a miraculous guiding star to Bethlehem where they sought to pay homage to the infant Jesus as king of the Jews. They attracted the interest of King Herod I of Judea in Jerusalem by announcing His birth and asking where this child was. Although the Magi were not Jews, God revealed to them the significance of the Saviour’s birth, as well as where and when it would take place, demonstrating that God reveals truth to both the lowly and the very wise. These wise men traveled great distances with a large caravan, seeking Him to worship Him and offer Him gifts.
Additional Scripture
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. Matthew 2:1-12 ESV
Life Application
Consider the diligence and long journey the Magi undertook to find and worship Jesus. Reflect on what effort you are putting into seeking Him and giving Him homage in your own life.
Prayer points
Pray for a spirit of diligence in seeking Him daily.
Pray for clarity and guidance in following the signs He gives you.
Pray for the dedication to worship Him wholeheartedly.
Tuesday: Recognizing the Light of the World
Understanding how the coming of Jesus Christ was prophesied centuries in advance, detailing His glory and the reverence He would receive from the nations.
Today's Verse
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Isaiah 60:1 ESV
Reflection
Incredible prophecy found in the Old Testament, recorded hundreds of years before His birth, describes the nations of the world recognizing Israel as the light of the world. This prophecy stated that the nations and kings would come to the brightness of His rising. Darkness shall cover the earth, but the Lord will rise upon His people, and His glory will be seen upon them. The wealth of the nations shall come, and camels shall come from Midian, Ephah, and Sheba, bringing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the Lord.
Additional Scripture
For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will rise upon you, and His glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult, because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. The camels of Midian and Ephah shall cover you, all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord. Isaiah 60:2-6 ESV
Life Application
Be amazed by how Scripture fulfills Scripture and how the detailed plans of God cannot be thwarted. Allow the incredible prophecy of Jesus's coming to increase your faith in His word.
Prayer points
Pray for a heart that thrills and exults when reading and recognizing His glory.
Pray that His light may shine through you in the darkness.
Pray for deep appreciation for the fulfilment of prophecy in Jesus Christ.
Wednesday: Dealing with Selfish Opposition
Reflecting on the reaction of King Herod, who took the news of the King of the Jews seriously, not out of faith, but out of selfish intent to oppose God's plan.
Today's Verse
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 2:2 ESV
Reflection
King Herod, a puppet king set up by the Roman government, took the news of the birth of the King of the Jews very seriously. After learning the place of Jesus's birth from the priests and scribes, Herod gleaned from the Magi the precise date the star appeared as confirmation of biblical prophecy. Herod had subversive, malevolent plans to use this information to secure his own power. He rejected the prophecy and God's plan because he was too selfish. He intended to circumvent the birth of Jesus as the true King of the Jews, eventually committing infanticide against young male children in Bethlehem under the age of two in a vain attempt to kill the infant Jesus.
Additional Scripture
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 2:2 ESV
Life Application
Recognize that taking the truth of the Scripture seriously does not equate to accepting it. Guard your heart against selfishness that would lead you to reject the truths of God's word and oppose His sovereign plan for your life and the world.
Prayer points
Pray for the humility to accept and submit to God's will, even when it challenges your power or comfort.
Pray to cast aside selfish motives that lead to deliberate rejection of Him.
Pray for the wisdom to discern between believing and merely taking His word seriously.
Thursday: The Call to All Kings and Peoples
Considering that God revealed the significance of His Son's birth to people of high status and wealth, indicating that His kingdom is for all people, great and small.
Today's Verse
May all kings fall down before Him, all nations serve Him! Psalms 72:11 ESV
Reflection
The revelation of the Saviour’s birth was given not only to the lowly shepherds but also to the Magi, who were wise men from the east and possibly kings in their own homes. These individuals were people of great wealth and power, suggesting they were esteemed astronomers. They came great distances with large retinues, bearing luxurious gifts. It is often believed that these Magi were a fulfillment of the prophecy that all kings would fall down before Him. This demonstrates that God's plan encompasses all people, from those engaged in menial tasks to those holding positions of great authority.
Additional Scripture
May all kings fall down before Him, all nations serve Him! Psalms 72:11 ESV
Life Application
Acknowledge that Jesus Christ is King over all the earth and that His message of redemption is directed toward all nations and all classes of people. Commit to honoring Him with your status, wealth, and wisdom, just as the Magi did.
Prayer points
Pray for the understanding that His salvation is available to all, regardless of status or wealth.
Pray for the grace to serve Him alongside people from all walks of life.
Pray that all nations will indeed fall down before Him.
Friday: The Gift of Gold (His Kingship)
Focusing on the significance of gold as a gift that symbolized Christ's earthly kingship and provided practical aid to the Holy Family.
Today's Verse
They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord. Isaiah 60:6 ESV
Reflection
Gold was one of the three gifts brought by the wise men, and it was particularly significant because it symbolizes kingship on earth. Gold has always maintained its value, representing wealth and prosperity. This gift would have been incredibly useful to Mary and Joseph when they had to flee with Jesus to Egypt, providing necessary wealth for their journey and sustainment during that difficult time. The gold brought to the manger was an acknowledgment of Him as the newborn King, the wealth provided to Him by the nations.
Additional Scripture
The wealth of the nations shall come to you. Isaiah 60:5 ESV
Life Application
Remember that everything you possess is ultimately for His service. Consider how you can use the wealth and resources God has given you to honor His kingship and further His divine plan.
Prayer points
Pray for a commitment to recognizing Jesus Christ as the supreme King of your life.
Pray for wisdom in using your resources to support His kingdom.
Pray for generosity in sharing your wealth and possessions.
Saturday: The Gift of Frankincense (His Deity)
Examining the significance of frankincense, an expensive item used for religious purposes, signifying the divine nature of Jesus Christ.
Today's Verse
They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord. Isaiah 60:6 ESV
Reflection
Frankincense was an expensive perfume or incense, similar to the nard used to wash His feet later in His life. This luxurious gift served as a clear symbol of deity. This gift illustrates that He is not merely a king, but He is God, the Son of God. The gifts offered by the Magi illuminate the different aspects of Christ’s identity, confirming that He is Christ the King and Christ the God, revealing His magnificent grace.
Additional Scripture
They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord. Isaiah 60:6 ESV
Life Application
Since He is God, He is worthy of your absolute adoration and worship. Do not let familiarity or distraction cause you to forget that the infant in the manger was fully God, deserving of the most expensive and symbolic offerings.
Prayer points
Pray that you may worship Him daily, acknowledging His deity.
Pray for a spirit of adoration and praise for His magnificence and grace.
Pray that you may offer Him the best of your life as a spiritual sacrifice.
Sunday: The Gift of Myrrh (His Sacrifice)
Contemplating the meaning of myrrh, a gift that grimly foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice Jesus Christ would make for humanity.
Today's Verse
And they offered Him wine mixed with myrrh, but He did not take it. Mark 15:23 ESV
Reflection
The final gift brought by the wise men, myrrh, was used in ancient Egypt in the embalming process. This gift marked a pivotal and important foreshadowing of Jesus' death. Years later, He was offered wine mixed with myrrh before His crucifixion to help numb the excruciating pain He was enduring. Myrrh was also used in oil for anointing kings, signifying that the Magi came looking for the King of the Jews. The presence of this gift makes clear that Christ died so that we may live with Him in eternity, recognizing His incredible sacrifice.
Additional Scripture
May all kings fall down before Him, all nations serve Him! Psalms 72:11 ESV
Life Application
Ponder the profound significance of this gift, which pointed beyond the cradle to the cross. Live your life in gratitude for the supreme sacrifice He made to redeem you from your sins.
Prayer points
Pray that you may never forget the incredible sacrifice He made on the cross.
Pray for the strength to live a life worthy of the grace He has given you through His death and resurrection.
Pray for thankfulness for the redemption He brought you.