Say: God protected Jesus. When we were in the east, we saw His star. Say: We will find out that he was planning something terrible! Say: Some people believe they came from the Orient, but it is more likely that they came from Arabia (Isaiah 60:6). Mat. And Pharaoh told them his dreams, but there was no one who could interpret them to Pharaoh. At that time, they gave Him the name Jesus, as the angel had instructed. Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying. At times they were asked to interpret the kings’ dreams (Genesis 4:8). And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him." The farther away you are, the harder it will be to tell who you have chosen. Later, when Herod died, and it was safe to return, God called Joseph to bring Jesus back to Israel. She has also spent many years mentoring Middle School and High School girls. Children Use Blocks to Build a Wall Around … Who but our sovereign Lord could have orchestrated such a fulfillment? They asked, “Where is the Child who has been born to be King of the Jews? He also called the teachers of the law. Let’s look at each group’s response to the news: The wise men left their homes and their families. God did NOT want Herod to find out where Jesus was, so He instructed the Wise Men not to go back to Herod. Say: More than likely, these men were experts in studying the stars. They began asking where they could find the child who was the new King of the Jews. Application: In this part of our story, we see several groups of people, each hearing that the long-awaited Messiah had been born. Stay there until I tell you to come back. God sent an angel with word of the glorious birth to simple shepherds in a nearby field. 6:36, "If thou seest a man of understanding, get thee betimes unto him, and let thy foot wear the steps of his door." But many in Jerusalem did not want to admit they were sinners and they would not accept God’s gift of forgiveness. Just the opposite, Herod became angry at the thought of giving up any of his power. It’s a good thing Joseph was listening to God because once Herod realized that the Magi had not come back, he was furious. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;Fools despise wisdom and instruction. 2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, [] wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? Say: After the Wise Men had listened to the king, they went on their way. Say: Joseph did not waste a minute. They liked things the way they were. Then the king said to the wise men who understood the times—for it was the custom of the king so to speak before all who knew law and justice and were close to him: Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media who had access to the king’s presence and sat in the first place in the kingdom—. They ran to tell everyone that the long-awaited Messiah had arrived, in a manger in Bethlehem. For we have seen () His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”. Bible Answer: The typical nativity scenes that are featured on Christmas cards, paintings, and in church displays shows Jesus, Mary, Joseph, shepherds and three wise men. She thought about them over and over.” ). Jesus came to offer forgiveness of sins for all who admit they are sinners and need a Savior. Say: God is faithful to send His people warnings when danger is near. So Herod called together all the chief priests of the people. It finally stopped over the place where the child was. He said, “Go! He sent them to Bethlehem. During the night, he left for Egypt with the Child and His mother Mary. - Luke 2:37b-38. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. We will talk more about the star in a few minutes. May be reproduced for personal, nonprofit, and non-commercial uses only. 3 When Herod the king heard this, … “Therefore, behold, I am sending you prophets and wise men and scribes; some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city, New American Standard Bible Copyright ©1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. - Matthew 2:11-12. Anna came up to Jesus’ family at that very moment. Then the king said to the wise men who understood the times—for it was the custom of the king so to speak before all who knew law and justice and were close to him: Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media who had access to the king’s presence and sat in the first place in the kingdom— They gave Him gold, incense, and myrrh. He did not come as a grown king, with trumpets blasting. Then Pharaoh also called for the wise men and the sorcerers, and they also, the magicians of Egypt, did the same with their secret arts. The leaders told Herod what was written in God’s word. We don’t know exactly which country the Wise Men came from, but we know they came from east of Jerusalem. Herod did not want a new king to come along! Do you know how crazy with anger he became? He had said, “I chose to bring my Son out of Egypt.”(Hosea 11:1) - Matthew 2:13-15, And he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. God chose two humble people, Mary and Joseph, to be a part of His amazing plan. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.” - Matthew 2:23. Then Daniel replied with discretion and discernment to Arioch, the captain of the king’s bodyguard, who had gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon; A fool always loses his temper,But a wise man holds it back. They wanted to run their own lives, and not bow down to worship the Messiah. The Bible says no one can keep God’s plans from happening (Isaiah 14:27, Psalm 33:11). They set out on a very long and possibly dangerous journey, hoping that they would have the opportunity to bow down and worship Him. Anna was an elderly woman who devoted her life to worship and prayer. Wise men from the east are led to Jesus. For he was wiser than all men, than Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Calcol and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and his fame was known in all the surrounding nations. Midian was the progenitor of the tribe of Midianites or Arabians. A wise man will hear and increase in learning,And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel. The Jews already had an earthly king at that time. ), Say: Jesus came to be the Savior of the world. And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel. For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”. Herod asked them where the Messiah would be born. Ask: Do you think Herod planned on going to worship the new King? The star they had seen when they were in the east went ahead of them. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. We should watch and pray, then we will always recognize when God is at work. Depending on where they came from, their trip may have taken months, or even up to a year! Turn on the flashlight. As for every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and conjurers who were in all his realm. (Many kids may say that there were 3.) All rights reserved worldwide, Jodi is part of the Children’s Ministry team at Grace Fellowship Church, outside of Atlanta. Simeon and Anna spent their lives listening to God and watching to see where He was at work. Because Herod was pro-Roman, and was not even a true Jew, most Jews resented his appointment. - Micah 5:2, Joseph got up. How many “wise men” were there? Then all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the inscription or make known its interpretation to the king. This helped Herod to know exactly how old the Child was at that time. Douay-Rheims Bible Then Herod, privately calling the wise men, learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them; English Revised Version Then Herod privily called the wise men, and learned of them carefully what time the star appeared. All believers should learn from their example. He said even though God sent Him, many people would be against Him (Luke 2:28-35). There they saw the Child with His mother Mary. Shine the light on one student, and ask the kids who the light is shining on. Wise Men from the East travel to Bethlehem to bring gifts for the new born king. Say: Not only did God warn the Magi, but He also sent His angel to warn Joseph to leave Bethlehem and go to Egypt. While they were at the temple, they met two special people: The first person they met was Simeon. Ask: What did the Wise Men bring to Jesus? (Teacher: Refer to map to show countries east of Israel.) He also spoke 3,000 proverbs, and his songs were 1,005. Jodi has a passion for Biblical ac... More, Q. Key Verse: “But what about you?” (Jesus) asked. Note to Teacher: Bethlehem was a small town. 2:1-6 Some months after Jesus is born, in 5 or 4BC, a group of foreign merchants selling exotic goods arrives in Jerusalem from the east (see 2 on Map 4 ) . He wanted to remain the king. Simeon and Anna proclaimed Him. In fact, he was famous for being a terribly cruel man, who did not trust anyone. Matthew 2 New King James Version (NKJV) Wise Men from the East. Now in the morning his spirit was troubled, so he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all its wise men. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. During the night, he left for Egypt with the Child and His mother Mary. Soon, heaven burst open with a host of angels singing praises to the Lord. They head to King Herod's palace to sell their exclusive merchandise to … There may have been 3, or there may have been dozens. and the thin ears swallowed the seven good ears. So, he deceived the Magi, and he began to work out an evil plan. Contributed by Good News Productions Int. Herod pretended that he was happy about the Messiah’s birth. Wise Men from the East. His name was Herod. They bowed down and worshiped Him. Say: The Wise Men brought expensive gifts which Joseph could use to pay for their traveling expenses. They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: 'AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH, ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.'" They stayed there until King Herod died. ... We are a team of Christians creating a visual journey through the Bible as a resource for teaching all ages – available for free download by anyone, anywhere at any time. For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." Then, Herod told them to go to Bethlehem to look for the Child. The Jewish people in Jerusalem were troubled to hear that the Messiah had come! So they returned to their country on a different road. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. Notice the amazing way God provided for Jesus and His parents. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. The wise men arrived long after Jesus’ birth. Now you, Belteshazzar, tell me its interpretation, inasmuch as none of the, Then all the king’s wise men came in, but. Now God gave Solomon wisdom and very great discernment and breadth of mind, like the sand that is on the seashore. Then I can go and worship Him too.” - Matthew 2:3-8. Is it medically safe to engage in ten days of total fasting monthly taking only water. 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And it must have been positioned close enough to earth so that they could follow it for many, many miles, right to the home of to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The other person they met was Anna. But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for Me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. Say: Even though most movies and plays show 3 Wise Men, we really have no way of knowing how many there were. She was a very old Jewish widow. Say: The Magi followed the unusual star to the place where Jesus was. - Matthew 2:9-10. This term was used for men who were advisors to kings in some countries. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. He asked the Wise Men exactly when the star appeared. There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise,But a foolish man swallows it up. He wants to kill Him.”, Joseph got up. The Wise Men left everything to worship Him. Read terms of download. No. Keep moving closer until the light is right above the student.) Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. God always provides what we need in order to obey Him! He ordered ALL the baby boys living in Bethlehem, age 2 and younger, to be killed! They abided with the Lord; they remained with Him. This news was too wonderful to keep silent. So he went to the Jewish religious leaders who knew God’s promises about the Messiah. Say: Some time later, some men came looking for Jesus. This must have been a very unusual star in order for the men to want to follow it. They knew He was the Messiah that God had sent to set His people free, and they openly proclaimed His Lordship. Wisdom Concerning The Secret And Revealed Things, The Net Pastor's Journal, Eng Ed, Issue 38 Winter 2021. The Magi LISTENED to God, and they went home a different way. The Wise Men Seek Jesus Matthew 2:1-2,11-15 1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, A wise man will hear and increase in learning. He said Jesus would bring some people great joy, but would cause other people to fall. So the Greek maxim - Well then, where are your wise men?Please let them tell you,And let them understand what the Lord of hostsHas purposed against Egypt. The Shepherds ran to meet Him. Make a careful search for the Child. For with You is the fountain of life;In Your light we see light. The Bible says that Jesus is the Light of the world. After they found Him, they were unable to keep it to themselves. They stayed there until King Herod died. 11:25, “At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children…” e. The Wise Men worshipped Jesus with gifts (2:10-11) i. Application: Simeon and Anna both knew who Jesus was. The Bible does not say “three,” so the number of wise men could have been any greater than one. (Call on your volunteer reader to stand and read Luke 2:19: “But Mary kept all these things like a secret treasure in her heart. Everyone who has ever lived has had to make a decision about Jesus. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The Bible calls her a prophetess. Main Point: Each person must decide for himself who he believes Jesus is. Men came from all peoples to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom. In 20BC, Herod began to rebuild the Temple to appease his subjects. The Bible says no one can keep God’s plans from happening (Isaiah 14:27, Psalm 33:11). He found out from them exactly when the star had appeared. Mary and Joseph offered a sacrifice to the Lord, in keeping with God’s Law (Leviticus 12:1-8). Simeon predicted things that would happen to Jesus, because he was led by the Holy Spirit. After Jesus’ birth, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. He even killed three of his own sons, accusing them of treason. Gold, incense, and myrrh. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. © 2007 BibleLessons4Kidz.com All rights reserved worldwide. He said that the Child came to bring salvation to all people. Joseph and Mary raised Jesus in the town of Nazareth. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. This horrible act was not out of character for Herod. She worshipped night and day, praying and going without eating. It is the people living in Jerusalem. He told them to return and tell him where the child was, so he could worship Him too. Herod knew this was no ordinary child. Whoever follows Him will never walk in darkness (John 8:12). Sheba also refers to the nation of Arabia, a land rich in frankincense, spices, gold and gems (Thayer’s Lexicon). And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him." As soon as you find Him, bring me a report. Then they opened their treasures. And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way. Their eyes were always watching for God’s hand. No! Q. Now you, Belteshazzar, tell me its interpretation, inasmuch as none of the wise men of my kingdom is able to make known to me the interpretation; but you are able, for a spirit of the holy gods is in you.’. She gave thanks to God. And she spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the time when Jerusalem would be set free. Say: Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem when He was 8 days old. But didn’t the wise men present three “gifts” (Matthew 2:11)? When we tell others about Jesus, we shine like stars in a dark night sky (Philippians 2:15-16). Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? Mary and Joseph loved Him and risked everything to protect Him. Then, This is the dream which I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen. Solomon's wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the sons of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt. “Get up!” the angel said. He spoke of trees, from the cedar that is in Lebanon even to the hyssop that grows on the wall; he spoke also of animals and birds and creeping things and fish. Some estimate the number of boys killed to be between 20 and 60. read more. In the dream, an angel of the Lord appeared to him. However, Matthew 2:3 says, “Everyone in Jerusalem was troubled.”. He was no longer a newborn in a manger, but He lived with Joseph and Mary in a house. After the kids guess, or say they can’t tell, move the light closer to the chosen student. Ask: Did Herod’s plan work? “Who do you say I am?” - Matthew 16:15, (Teacher: Prearrange for a student to read Luke 2:19NIrV when you call on him or her. There was something about this boy that struck fear in his heart. And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way. And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way. FreeBibleimages is a UK registered charity (1150890). Main Point: Each person must decide how he or she will respond to Jesus. Herod is going to search for the Child. This was his way of making sure that Jesus, the King of the Jews, would be dead. After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. Instead, He came quietly as a baby. The shepherds believed God’s message and ran to find the child. There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, Then the king said to the wise men who understood the times—for it was the custom of the king so to speak before all who knew law and justice, and were close to him: Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media who had access to the king’s presence and sat in the first place in the kingdom—, and the thin ears swallowed the seven good ears. After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. He was not a good man. There is one other group of people that the Bible mentions. Dreams » Mentioned in scripture, of » Wise men, Obedience to God » Exemplified » Wise men. The Bible does not say, and traditions about their number vary. Jodi has over 20 years experience teaching children in large and small group settings. Jewish historian, Josephus, tells that Herod murdered his wife, her brother and father, along with his own friends, and hundreds of military leaders. Ask if they can guess. Notice the amazing way God provided for Jesus and His parents. Wise men visit Jerusalem Matt. Ask: What did the Wise Men bring to Jesus? The Wise Men were also called Magi. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. So the words the Lord had spoken through the prophet came true. When Simeon saw Jesus, he took Him in his arms and praised God. Note to Teacher: Several Biblical prophecies, specifically concerning the location of the birth of Jesus, are displayed in today’s lesson. Herod secretly called in the wise men and asked them when they had first seen the star. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the Lord.” The peoples mentioned are the descendants of Abraham by his wife Keturah, whom he married after Sarah died. Scripture References: 1 Kings 6-8, 2 Chronicles 4 - Hiram Builds the Temple Furnishings Teaching Concept: Children learn from Hiram's example that it is wise to do everything as though they are doing it for the Lord. When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. When King Herod heard that these men were asking about a new king, he became very upset. She never left the temple. Contributed by Lambsongs. Then I told it to the magicians, but there was no one who could explain it to me.”, This is the dream which I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen. read more. These were the sons and daughters of Abraham. Three cities were prophesied, and all three were correct. Unless otherwise noted the Scriptures taken from: Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version, (NIrV®) Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998 by International Bible Society / Used by permission of IBS-STL. The Jews in Jerusalem were troubled by Him, and Herod plotted to kill Him. Will you despise Him, will you ignore Him, or will you believe in Him and make Him the Lord of your life? One of God’s prophets had said that the Messiah would be born in the town of Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). Application: Each person in the Christmas story had to decide what to do about the Messiah who had come. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Note to Teacher: Herod Augustus or Herod the Great (73BC - 4BC) was appointed by Rome as the king of Judea. Should an Unbeliever Partake of Communion? “Take the Child and his mother and escape to Egypt.