Key Verse – Matthew 2:1-2 “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him.”

Did you know that the Bible doesn’t actually say there were three wise men? The number is assumed from the three gifts offered and tradition that has been established over time. Just like the tradition that says these men visited baby Jesus in the stable, which we know to be untrue from scripture. Their visit likely came months if not years after his birth. The point is that these men, regardless of their number, were from the East and had studied enough ancient writings to recognize the significance of the star when it appeared. So they set out on a journey of hundreds of miles to visit a baby.

We know little more about these men, other than they returned home avoiding King Herod. Yet another one of God’s fascinating mysteries to have wise, well educated men take a journey likely lasting months to visit a baby. 

Think and journal about:

• What do you think prompted these men to take this journey?
• Has God ever called you to an unexpected and difficult journey? How did you respond? 
• What did God teach you along your journey?

Deep dive scripture: Matthew 2: 1-12