1. Read verse 1. Who were the Magi? Where did they come from? How is the time of their coming indicated?
2. Read verse 2. What did they believe about the baby Jesus? Why? (Numbers 24:17, Revelation 22:16b) Why did they want to worship him (2 Peter 1:19) Imagine what their long journey had been like. In what respect do they have the image of truth-seekers?
3. Why did they make inquires in Jerusalem? What effect did their inquires have on King Herod and the people of Jerusalem (3)? Why?
4. What were the immediate measures Herod took to locate the one born king of the Jews (4,5)? What did he learn (6)? What does this prophecy teach us about Jesus?
5. How did Herod lie to the Magi and what did he order them to do (7-8)? How is King Jesus different from King Herod?
6. How did they find Jesus (9-11a)? Describe their reaction when they saw the star again. Why were they so joyful? What is the joy of truth-seekers?
7. Upon finding Mary and Jesus, what did they do (11b)? What gifts had they brought? What was the significance of their gifts and worship? What shows the purity of their motives? What can we learn from them (Deuteronomy 4:29, John 4:23)?
