#1421. Matthew 2:1–12 - The Magi followed the star to Jesus (1/1/26)
- Matt Beaney
- 2 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional as we continue our Christmas series.
From Matthew 2:1–12, we reflect on what the Magi teach us about true worship - and the powerful effects worship produces in our lives.
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Worship is about worth - whatever we value most, whatever receives our time, affection, and devotion. Many things can quietly become objects of worship: family, work, success, reputation, strength, or even false gods. But God calls us to worship Him above all else. The Magi provide a vivid picture of what genuine, God-centred worship looks like.
1. They saw his star and came to worship Him
‘After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”’ (Matthew 2:1-2)
The visit of the Magi probably takes place 6-12 months after Jesus’ birth. Matthew does not tell us how many Magi came - only that they brought three gifts. They were likely eastern scholars or astrologer-priests, probably travelling in a large caravan. Coming perhaps from Babylon, the journey could have taken around 40 days and covered nearly 800 miles.
Most scholars believe the Magi were familiar with portions of the Hebrew Scriptures. Their mention of a star rising may allude to Numbers 24:17:
“A star will come out of Jacob; a sceptre will rise out of Israel.”
Whatever the means, God used revelation - whether Scripture, sign, or both - to draw them to Jesus. Their example teaches us to be people who are listening for God’s direction and ready to follow Him wherever He leads.
2. Herod was disturbed by God’s promise
‘When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” (Matthew 2:3-6)
Herod outwardly honoured Jewish religion - he had even rebuilt the temple - but his heart was far from worship. The arrival of the true King threatened his pride, power, and control. While the Magi listen to God’s promise and come to worship, Herod responds with fear and hostility.
This contrast warns us:
Worship can be corrupted by self-interest.
We can outwardly appear religious, yet inwardly resist God’s rule.
True worship rejoices in the coming of God’s ‘ruler’ and ‘shepherd’ - it gladly yields control, gladly gives Him glory.
3. The Magi worship with great generosity
‘Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 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, frankincense and myrrh.’ (Matthew 2:7-11)
Herod’s worship is a lie. His building of the temple, and his expression, “As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” are all false.
In contrast, the Magi reveal the marks of genuine worship:
They make a costly journey.
They rejoice greatly when God guides them.
They bow before Jesus, recognising Him as King.
They offer precious gifts, each rich with symbolism:
Gold – Pointing to Jesus as King.
Frankincense – Pointing to His deity and the worship He deserves.
Myrrh – Foreshadowing His sacrificial death for our sins.
True worship always involves joyful sacrifice - giving God our best, our obedience, and our lives.
4. They return to their country
‘And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.’ (Matthew 2:1-12)
After meeting Jesus, the Magi return home - but they do not return unchanged. Their obedience to God’s warning shows hearts transformed by worship.
Their ‘returning to their country’ also hints at mission: they carry knowledge of Israel’s Messiah back to the nations. Just as the shepherds both came to Jesus and then went, so the Magi encounter Jesus and then go out again - taking the good news with them.
Worship always overflows into witness.
Response
The account of the Magi inspires us to ask:
Are we recognising that God is calling people from every nation to Jesus - including us?
Are we guarding our hearts from self-serving worship, keeping Jesus at the centre of all we do?
Are we offering God our best - our time, gifts, and obedience - as the Magi offered theirs?
Are we going out, like the Magi, to help others worship Jesus? Worship is both the motive and fuel for mission.
May the Lord make us true worshippers: seeking Christ, rejoicing in Him, surrendering to Him, and carrying His good news wherever He sends us.
Community Group Notes
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