1. WE THREE KINGS
It is not known when the WISE MEN (MAGI) came to see JESUS, but we do know he had grown up. We do know that Matthew was the only one to tell this story in His gospel.
"They entered the house and saw the child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped Him. They opened their treasure chests and gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh." Matthew 2:11 ( NLT)
There are three parts to this passage in Matthew 2. We not only meet the "Three Kings", but also two others: King Herod and King Jesus.
A). These three Kings (Magi), were from the ORIENT, and the STAR they saw in the EAST led them to the Jesus, the King of Kings, a little boy in Bethlehem.
"Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herood. About that time, some wise men from Eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem." Matthew 2:1 (NLT)
But, firshey went to King Herod, believing that he would know about the newborn King of the Jews? They had seen a star in the sky, and they wanted to come and WORSHIP HIM.
B) After their meeting with Herod, who asked them to go and find this child, who had been born in Bethlehem. He wanted them to come back to see him, so he could go and worship too.
They gave GIFTS to Jesus, not just because he was a special little boy, but because they knew he was a KING. When they saw the STAR again, over the "place where the child lay", they were "filled with joy".
"When it was time to leave, they returned to their own countryside, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to retutn to Herod." Matthew 2:12 (NLT)
C). Joseph was also told in a dream to go to Egypt with his wife and child. Like we read earlier, Matthew was a faithful husband and a loving father.
Herod had been furious and sent out his soldiers to kill all the baby boys in Bethlehem. This fulfilled what Jeremiah had prophesied: "A cry was heard in Ramah - weeping and groaning, and great mourning."
After Herod had died, Joseph had another dream, and a message from God to take his family back to Nazareth, to fulfill another prophecy: "He was called a Nazarene."
"This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken to the prophet: "I called my Son out of Egypt." Matthew 2:15b (NLT)
Mary and Joseph were full of joy, watching their son grow up. He was filled with "wisdom and strength. " We know little of his childhood, but he did grow "in grace and truth". We too can see the character of Jesus, our Saviour, and we can endeavour to follow Him and live as He lived.
2. JESUS TEACHES IN THE TEMPLE
Luke tells us of Jesus' "bar mitzah" , as he came with his parents to the Passover. As there were other family members. They started on their way home from Jerusalem, when they realized Jesus wasn't with them, and they started to worry.
"When he didn't show up that evening, they started looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they couldn't find him, they went back to Jerusalem, to search for him there." Luke 2:44&45 (NLT)
We know that Jesus had been with his family to the Temple in Jerusalem, during the Passover. He had probably listened to the Phariees, Saducees and Zealots. The Pharisees and Saducees were the leaders in the Temple, and the Zealots were "inspirational, freedom fighters". Jesus knew, from his Father that they were not great leaders, but he wanted to meet them for Himself.
"Three days later Mary and Joseph finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting around the religious teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his questions." Luke 2:46&47 (NLT)
Jesus had been growing in wisdom, and even as a child he wanted to have "intimacy" with his Father God. He also wanted to "listen and learn from others". When Mary and Joseph found him in the temple, they were a little angry, but also relieved.
"Mary: "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, looking for you everywhere?"
Jesus: "Why did you need to search? Didn't you know that I must be in My Father's house?" " Luke 2:48&49 (NLT)
They didn't really understand what he meant. He wasn't trying to disrespect his parents, but he knew that he had a relationship with His Father. He knew He needed to learn and grow, closer to Him, so He could do the work His Father wanted Him to do.
"Then he returned to Nazareth with his parents, and was obedient to them..... Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and people".
Luke 2:52&52 (NIV)
This is a prayer that we can pray for our children, as they grow with in an "imtimate relatioship" with Jesus, and His Father. For they are the "foundation for spiritual wisdom".
"Thank you Lord that we can have a spiritual adoption into Your family. Help us to grow in intimacy and obedience as CHILDREN OF GOD. Through your Spirit we can grow to be more like you, Jesus, in wisdom and favour with your Father God." Nicky Gumble
"The Holy Bible - New International Version", 2011, Biblica
"The Holy Bible - New Living Translation", 2015, Tyndale House Publishers
"We Three Kings" (1857) John Henry Hopkings (Composer), Christmas Songs & Carols, The Wiggles (Performers) (2011), Love Song/You Tube'
"Gumble, Nicky, "The Bible - Classic Version: How to Develop an Intimacy with God.", 2025, Alpha International/You Version
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