Lesson 53. Wise Men Worship Jesus
Bible Story
This Week's Scripture
Story Summary Below is an overview of the Bible story from this week
The wise men were also known as Magi or kings from the East.
It is not clear where they came from exactly - the Bible just says from the east. Some believe they came from Persia (modern day Iran), others from Arabia and others Babylon, since they were noted astronomers.
The Bible is clear that three different gifts were brought to Jesus, but it never says there were only three wise men. It is possible that there were many more.
Again, angels are key to this story, as they appeared to Joseph to warn him that they were not safe in Israel because of King Herod. Because of this dream, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus fled to Egypt.
Herod became enraged that he had been tricked by the wise men, and ordered that all baby boys under 2 years old be killed (this is why it is commonly accepted that Jesus was between 1 and 2 years old when the wise men visited, not in the manger scene).
After some time, an angel appeared to Joseph to tell him that it was safe to return to Nazareth from Egypt.
Notice the parallels and contrasts in this story and the story of the Israelite exodus from Egypt:
- In the Old Testament, Jacob's family went to Egypt to escape a famine. In the New Testament, Joseph led his family to Egypt to escape King Herod.
- In the Old Testament, all the baby boys in Egypt were killed in the last plague. Only the Israelite boys were spared. In the New Testament, all the baby boys in Israel were killed due to King Herod's jealousy. Jesus was spared.
- In the Old Testament, the Isrealites stayed in Egypt for hundreds of years. In the New Testament, Joseph's family only stayed in Egypt for a couple years (it is not specified, but it is not long)
- In the Old Testament, Moses led his people to the promised land back into Israel - a journey that took over 40 years. In the New Testament, Joseph led his family back into Israel - a journey that did not take very long.
Videos
Resource Sheets
During the Week
Comprehension Questions you can ask your child these questions to see how much of the story they remember
- Who came and brought gifts for Jesus?
- The wise men
- How did the Wise Men find Jesus?
- They followed a very bright star.
- Why was King Herod jealous and upset?
- The wise men said that a new king of the Jews had been born
- After they found Jesus, what did the wise men do?
- They went home a different way, and did not return to Herod
- Who told Joseph to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt?
- An angel
- Why did they need to go to Egypt?
- King Herod was jealous and was ordering all Jewish boys to be killed to try and kill Jesus
- Who told Joseph to return with his family to Isreal?
- An angel
- When King Herod died where did Joseph take Mary and Jesus?
- To live in Nazereth
Faith Questions help them apply the story to their lives and open up a conversation about faith and the gospel
- In this story, the wise men brought gifts to Jesus because they recognized that he was a very special baby.
- What gifts can you give Jesus this Christmas season?