Matt.2:1-12 Lessons From The Magi

Matt.2:1-12 Lessons From The Magi

[1] Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying,
[2] "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him."
[3] When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him;
[4] and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
[5] They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it is written by the prophet:
[6] `And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will govern my people Israel.'"
[7] Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star appeared;
[8] and he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him bring me word, that I too may come and worship him."
[9] When they had heard the king they went their way; and lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was.
[10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy;
[11] and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
[12] And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.


Reflection
Lessons we can learn from these verses.

Lesson One
The Magi were considered star gazers.
We can learn from them as we need:
• to look
• to wait
• to watch
• to wonder

Lesson Two
They moved.

They saw a star and moved toward it
• They go
• They move
• They act
• They braved it (the conditions, the distance, the bandits and wild animals)

Once we know what God wants we must act.
The greatest tragedy is to know what to do but then not acting on it.

Lesson Three
The Magi were way laid by Herod

When you respond to God’s call expect opposition.
God’s call should affect our private and public life
When you go public, as you must, expect opposition

How do you face this opposition? With love!

Be a warrior but a happy one

Lesson Four
They meet the Christ child, bow low and present gifts

Our society tells us to lift ourselves up – to be proud – that pride is a tremendous virtue
Humility is the heart of the spiritual life

We give Christ gifts but they are puny and insignificant.
We give a little bit of our mind
We give a little bit of our will
We give a little bit of our time and attention

Bend down before Him and resolve to give Him the best of you.
Give Him the best you can.

Lesson Five
The angel warned them to go back a different way

No one comes to Christ goes back the same route
I refer to Fulton Sheens commentary,

Of course they go back by a different route.
No one ever comes to Christ goes back the same way he came.
The road has changed.


Source: Conversion: Following the Call of Christ
Fr. Robert Barron
- Priest – Professor of Theology – Author
www.wordonfire.org