“Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6
We’re not given all the details of the travels of the Magi. They may have come from Persia and traveled 500 miles or more. Making the trip by camel, they would have faced a journey that took several months over deserts, mountains, and wilderness. How remarkable! All for the seeking of a King they were sure existed.
Judging by Herod’s decree to have all baby boys two years old and younger killed, we can assume that Jesus must have been around that age by the time the Magi arrived and found Mary and Joseph with him now living in a house (see Matthew 2:11). Their prolonged seeking brought them to a little child, and they were overcome with joy and awe. This was the real King!
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our Friend.
He knows our need— to our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King, before Him lowly bend!
(Placide Cappeau, 1847)
Judging by Herod’s decree to have all baby boys two years old and younger killed, we can assume that Jesus must have been around that age by the time the Magi arrived and found Mary and Joseph with him now living in a house (see Matthew 2:11). Their prolonged seeking brought them to a little child, and they were overcome with joy and awe. This was the real King!
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our Friend.
He knows our need— to our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King, before Him lowly bend!
(Placide Cappeau, 1847)
Scripture Focus
Hebrews 11:1-6
Insight
The real King—the God-man as a baby—appeared before the Magi, and their immediate response was to worship. Let’s do the same!
Bible In A Year
- Zechariah 5-9
- Proverbs 29
- Revelation 15-17