A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

WHERE IS THE ONE BORN KING OF THE JEWS?     

Matthew 2:1-2 “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him.”   

The Magi came inquiring of Herod where “the king of the Jews” had been born. They had traveled four hundred or more miles to worship Jesus. They were preceded in seeking out Jesus by Judean shepherds who had been told of Jesus’ birth by an angel.   

King Herod felt threatened when the Magi announced to him that a King of Israel had been born. He attempted to kill Jesus by ordering all males aged two and under were to be put to death. However, Jesus’ heavenly Father protected His Son and sent an angel in a dream to warn Joseph who fled to Egypt to protect Jesus’ life.  

  At the end of Jesus’ earthly life Pilate was still asking the question, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus answered Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” (John 18:36) 

The Greek word for worship means that the Magi came so far to express their allegiance to and their regard for His deity. The shepherds, upon hearing the angel’s message sought out Jesus. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” (Luke 2:17-18) 

The response to the news of Jesus to this very day is as mixed as it was at the time of His birth. There are still King Herods who want to do all in their power to eliminate Him from this world. There are still Magi and the shepherds who come to worship Him and even bring gifts to present to Him.   

Since you are reading today’s devotional thoughts, whether you have been worshipping Jesus for years or only for days, God wants you to know He sent Him into the world to take away your sins. He came to earth not to establish a kingdom here, but one in heaven where He will rule forever and ever. The Holy Spirit leads you today to bow down and worship Jesus who is your Savior and Lord. 

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for coming into the world to save me from the punishment my sins deserve and placing upon me Your robes of righteousness. Amen. 

Come, Thou long expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free;  
From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in Thee.  
Israel’s strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art,  
Dear desire of ev’ry nation, Joy of ev’ry longing heart. 

Born Thy people to deliver; Born a child and yet a king!  
Born to reign in us forever, Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.  
By Thine own eternal Spirit Rule in all our hearts alone;  
By Thine all-sufficient merit Raise us to Thy glorious throne.  (LSB 338)