Matthew 2:10-11 - When they saw the star, they were overjoyed

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

As we said yesterday, the magi were not Jews. They were astrologers who appear "out of nowhere" and were aware of the birth of a new king. Think about it: God led these men to Jesus using skills that were foreign to the Jewish mindset of the time. As the Jewish high priest was oblivious to God in his midst, three pagans were worshipping the Christ. From his birth to his death on the cross, Jesus came to bring the earth to himself. He is doing the same today. How would we respond to the wise men? Are we willing to serve and accept those who are looking for the Christ from different backgrounds?

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC

What do you think? Discussion at: http://facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse

Matthew 2:1-2 - We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

The Magi add a fascinating twist to the Christmas story. They were ancient astrologers who were regarded as the wise men of their time. They were not Jewish and this is the only time that they are mentioned in the Scripture. Their appearance and departure is mysterious and full of imagination. Notice the two groups who knew of the Christ: poor shepherds and respected wise men. Jews and Gentiles. God wanted to make it clear that the gospel was meant for rich and poor alike. It was meant for the smart and the uneducated. In other words, the gospel has been sent to the entire world.

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC

What do you think? Discussion at: http://facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse