Matthew 2:1-8

“1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.”

Approximately 2 years after the birth of Jesus, magi came seeking the new king of the Jews, the Messiah. They knew that the Messiah would come some day, and that a new star would announce His coming (Numbers 24:17). “I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel,…” As soon as they saw this new star, they began their journey. They went to Jerusalem believing the King of the Jews would certainly be born in the capital city of Israel. When they entered the city they asked to see the new King of the Jews. Herod, the king of Israel, was very upset when he learned that a new king had been born. He questioned his wise men as to where Christ would be born. They told him the OT scriptures prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Herod gave the wise men instructions to find the new king and bring word to him, so that he too could go and worship. But, all Herod wanted was to find the new king and kill him.
The wise men departed, and followed the star until they reached the house where Joseph, Mary and Jesus lived. The star stood over the place where Jesus was. They were filled with joy, entered the house, fell on their knees and worshipped Him. They then gave presents to Jesus: gold, frankincense and myrrh. God warned the magi in a dream not to return to Herod.
The wise men, by faith, sought and found the new king, the Messiah, Jesus Christ. They traveled a long distance, through the desert. They did not let anything stop them in their pursuit of finding the new king. At first they went to the wrong place, because they trusted their instincts, or maybe listened to someone’s advice. But, when God’s Word was searched, the real location of the new king was found.

The Bible tells us that Jesus is God, and our Savior. The magi were not sure how to find Him? But, the Bible foretold where He would be, and when they placed their trust in what God had revealed in the scriptures, they found Him. If they had not believed what the Bible said, they would not have found Him. Herod’s wise men knew how and where to find Jesus, but they did not want to find Him, because they were indifferent. Perhaps they were afraid of Herod. Whatever the reason, they did not go and see Jesus.

How about you? Do you care about God, about Jesus? Or are you indifferent, too. The magi wanted to find Jesus, but they did not know how? The wise men of Herod knew how to find Jesus, but they did not want too. Do you desire to seek after God, or are you content with how your life is now?

Jesus was born in Bethlehem on Christmas Day as part of God’s plan for the salvation of men. Jesus later went to the cross and was crucified. His shed blood paid for our sins. The Bible tells us in John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” This verse tells us that the only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ. Maybe you have been trusting in your own instincts. Or maybe you have been listening to what you have been told. But, the only wise thing to do is to listen to God, because He is the only one with all of the answers. Put your faith today in Jesus Christ and Him only for your salvation. A search of the scriptures will tell you that eternal life is the gift of God, given to all who put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ and Him only. As John 14:6 says, Jesus is the only way to the Father, and to the Father’s house, heaven.

Maybe you are not sure if you are going to Heaven? You want to go to Heaven but you just don’t know if you are going there. Or maybe you have other questions.

The Bible says to acknowledge that you are a sinner, and everyone, in fact is a sinner. Everyone of us. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23.

There is a payment for our sin which is Hell. “For the wages of sin is death;”…. Romans 6:23a.

But, the Bible also tells us that Jesus Christ came to this earth to die on the cross and pay for my sins. “For He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21.

Some people believe that if they do enough good deeds they may go to Heaven. But the Bible is clear that we cannot get to heaven by doing good things (works). Salvation is a free gift. The Bible says “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9.

A free gift of eternal life given by God that was paid for by Jesus Christ. The Bible says “… but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23b. This gift of eternal life is for everyone. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13.

Confess with your mouth that you are a sinner, that you believe with all your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that God raised Him from the dead, that He paid for all your sins, that He is the only way for you to go to heaven, then believe what the Bible says. Call upon the name of the Lord, and you will be saved. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13.

Dear Lord, I know that I am a sinner, and I know that sinners go to Hell. Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross for my sins. I now put my faith and trust in You and in You alone for my salvation. I receive You as my Savior and Lord. I know that you are God. You died, and were buried, and God raised you from the grave on the third day. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.