Christmas brings excitement and wonder, but the very first Christmas was magical in ways we can barely imagine. While we celebrate with gifts and traditions today, the original Christmas story reveals profound truths about worship, seeking God, and recognizing Jesus as King.
What Can We Learn from the Wise Men’s Journey?
The wise men traveled 1,500 miles over four months from Persia to find the newborn King of the Jews. These weren’t just casual travelers – they were prominent, wealthy, and influential men who held significant political power in their region. Yet they were willing to sacrifice time, resources, and reputation to worship Jesus. Their journey teaches us that true worship requires sacrifice. It demands our time, our resources, and sometimes even our reputation as we step out in faith.
Why Did the Wise Men Seek Jesus While Others Didn’t?
The wise men’s arrival in Jerusalem created such a stir that it “turned the city upside down.” Everyone was talking about these foreigners seeking the Messiah. Yet three distinct responses emerged:
The Hostile Response: King Herod
Herod saw Jesus as the ultimate threat to his kingdom. He was so consumed with maintaining his power that he couldn’t see beyond himself. When people resist the Gospel today, it’s often because Jesus threatens their self-centered worldview. They can’t take their eyes off themselves long enough to see their need for a Savior.
The Indifferent Response: Chief Priests and Scribes
These religious leaders knew all the right answers. When Herod asked where the Messiah would be born, they immediately quoted Micah 5:2 about Bethlehem. They had all the biblical knowledge but lacked the heart to seek Jesus. Bethlehem was only six miles from Jerusalem. These religious experts had likely heard rumors about the angelic announcement to shepherds months earlier, but they chose to ignore the signs. They were so caught up in their religious routines that they missed God moving right in front of them.
The Worshipful Response: The Wise Men
These men from the east demonstrate what it means to truly seek and worship the King. They show us four essential aspects of genuine worship:
How Do We Become True Worshipers Like the Wise Men?
1. Wise Men Seek Him
The wise men actively pursued Jesus. They didn’t wait for Him to come to them – they made the journey. True worshipers are seekers who prioritize finding and following Jesus above their comfort and convenience.
2. Wise Men Rejoice in His Presence
Before they even saw Jesus, when the star stopped over the house, they “rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” They came with expectation and prepared hearts. Sunday morning worship should be a Saturday night decision – we should prepare our hearts to encounter God.
3. Wise Men Give Him Worth
When they entered the house and saw Jesus with Mary, they immediately “fell down and worshiped him.” These wealthy, prominent men didn’t care about appearances. They prostrated themselves before an infant because they recognized His true identity as King.
4. Wise Men Offer Their Treasures
They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Giving our financial resources is an act of worship that demonstrates we fully trust God with our lives. It’s not about the amount – it’s about the heart behind the gift.
What Does It Mean to Follow the Holy Spirit’s Leading?
The wise men were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, so they went home by another route. Following the Holy Spirit’s leading is worship in practice. Sometimes He calls us to step out for prayer, take a different path, or make difficult decisions that require faith. When we follow the Spirit’s guidance, we demonstrate that Jesus truly is our King and that we trust His direction for our lives.
Life Application
This Christmas season, honestly examine your heart and ask: “Where is your king?” Are you actively seeking Jesus like the wise men, or have you become hostile like Herod or indifferent like the religious leaders? True worship requires sacrifice – of time, resources, and sometimes reputation. It means coming with expectation, giving Jesus the honor He deserves, offering our treasures, and following the Holy Spirit’s leading even when it’s inconvenient. This week, prepare your heart for worship. Make Sunday morning a Saturday night decision by spending time in prayer and anticipation. Consider how you can sacrificially give of your time, resources, or talents as an act of worship. Ask yourself these questions: – Am I actively seeking Jesus in my daily life, or just going through religious motions? – Do I come to worship with expectation and joy, or merely out of obligation? – Am I willing to sacrifice my comfort, resources, and reputation to follow Jesus? – How am I responding to the Holy Spirit’s leading in my life? The wise men’s journey reminds us that Jesus is worthy of our best efforts, our greatest sacrifices, and our wholehearted devotion. This Christmas, let their example inspire you to seek, worship, and follow the true King with renewed passion and commitment.
