Matthew 2
The Story of the Visit of the Magi
Wise men from the east follow a star to worship the newborn King and offer gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Setting and Context
Matthew 2 shows Gentiles honoring Jesus while Jerusalem's king schemes. The gifts and worship announce Jesus as King, and the episode leads into the flight into Egypt.
The Story
Wise men from the east arrive in Jerusalem asking where the King of the Jews has been born, for they have seen His star. Herod is troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Chief priests and scribes cite Micah: the Christ is to be born in Bethlehem.
Herod sends the Magi to Bethlehem with deceitful interest. The star goes before them and stands over where the young child is. They rejoice with exceeding great joy, enter the house, and worship Him.
They open treasures—gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Warned of God in a dream not to return to Herod, they depart into their own country another way. Gentile seekers become the first Matthew records as worshiping the child.
Meaning and Importance
Magi come to Jerusalem seeking Him that is born King of the Jews. Herod is troubled, Scripture points to Bethlehem, and the star leads them to the child. They worship, give gifts, and depart another way after a divine warning.
The visit of the Magi proclaims that Jesus is King for the nations. Worship, costly gifts, and obedience to God's warning contrast with Herod's fear and violence. Epiphany light reaches unexpected people.
Biblical Art Connected to This Story
Key KJV Verses
Matthew 2:1
“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,”
Read Matthew 2Matthew 2:2
“Saying, 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.”
Read Matthew 2Matthew 2:11
“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”
Read Matthew 2Matthew 2:12
“And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.”
Read Matthew 2What This Story Teaches
- Jesus is worthy of worship from the nations.
- Scripture and providence guide true seekers.
- Gifts and joy mark genuine homage to the King.
Questions about Visit of the Magi
Where is the visit of the Magi in the Bible?
The wise men's visit is found in Matthew 2.
What gifts did the Magi bring?
They presented gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the young child Jesus.
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