Seeking the Messiah: 5 Lessons from the Wise Men

This is a guest post from my friend, Dalene.

If you’re like me, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. Decorations, parties, presents – they’re fun, festive traditions. But do we put the same amount of time, focus, and energy into seeking the Messiah?

As I was reading the story of the wise men in Matthew 2:1-12, the Lord revealed five things about their actions that we can model to deepen our relationship with Christ this Christmas season … and beyond. Let’s learn 5 lessons from the wise men.

1. Acknowledge the Lord

When the wise men arrived in Jerusalem, they began asking people where they could find the king of the Jews so they could worship Him.

It is unknown whether the wise men knew about Christ’s birth because of their knowledge of Scripture or due to divine revelation, but one thing is clear: they not only knew the truth, they publicly declared it.

Let’s do the same. Let’s engage in gospel-centered conversations with those around us.

2. Look Up

The wise men literally looked up to the heavens to see the star in the east. And when they did, they were overjoyed (v. 10, NIV).

Between our busyness and the worries of the world, it’s easy for us to keep our heads down and overlook what Christ has already freely given us.

Let’s look up to find true Joy.

3. Follow God’s Leading

God led the wise men in two ways: a star and a dream. But they had to choose for themselves whether they would follow His lead or heed the demands of King Herod.

We also have a choice in who (and what) we follow. It’s important to remember that we are a new creation in Christ. Like the wise men, we aren’t to go back the way we came.

Let’s attune our hearts and minds to Christ and choose to follow Him, wherever He leads.

4. Rejoice in the Lord

When the wise men entered the house and “saw the young Child with Mary His mother, [they] fell down and worshipped him” (v. 11, NKJV).

This was both an individual and collective action. Each wise man bowed to the One True King and together, their corporate praise undoubtedly filled the house. It’s a picture of what we’re called to do as members of our local church.

Let’s place a priority on worshipping the Lord – both individually and corporately.

5. Bring Him Your Gifts

The wise men didn’t come to Jesus emptyhanded; they came bearing valuable gifts.

Valuable doesn’t have to mean expensive. Each of us has valuable gifts we can lay at the feet of Jesus, regardless of our income bracket.

Gifts such as sacrifices of praise in the midst of suffering, spending time in His word, and choosing to turn from a particular sin (no matter how large or small) are pleasing to the Lord.

Transformed

The last we hear about the wise men is that they returned to their own country. I’m guessing their lives were forever transformed by their personal encounter with Christ. May we, too, be eternally transformed through our relationship with Christ.