Reading 1: Matthew 2:11

NEW TESTAMENT READING OF THE DAY

Read Matthew 1-4 today. Then, read the rest of this study today.

Matthew 2:11 / Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

11 Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary His mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

There is a lot of context here and there is far more than I want to cover in the study and reflection (pondering, meditation, thinking on, contemplation) of this verse. I don’t want to go into the story of the birth of Jesus right now. Rather, I want to look at the reaction of the wise men.

Re-read the verse and pay attention to that portion.

**~** PRAYER JOURNALING QUESTIONS:

1 What did the wise men do?

2 Notice what they did at the same time at the beginning of the portion which described the action and response of the wise men when they saw the child and then Mary.

The moment they saw Him, they knew it was Him, the Messiah, the Savior and Redeemer of the world. I cannot help but how they knew for sure it was Him. Sure, the star led them there. But, how did they know in addition to that? Did they feel it? Did God tell them? Or, did God allow Himself to be seen through the babe in His mother’s arms at the time? Did they sense His holiness and power, His majesty and glory?

They went to their knees as they worshiped Him (and not Mary, please note).

They showed Him respect and bowed to Him. They bowed in the lowest and most extreme form the could, without lying flat on their faces. They didn’t just cock their heads downward. They went to their knees. I bet their heads bowed and they probably put a hand to their heart.

3 **~** What did they do next?

They gave Him the best.

They gave Him their best.

What they gave probably lasted Him for several years.

So, they looked for Him. Followed the star. Fell to their knees as they began to worship Him. They gave Him their best gifts.

4 **~** Do you give Him your best each day?

5 Do You give Him your best each moment?

6 You have the gift of time, your most precious resource and gift. Do you give Him what He deserves?

7 How can you give Him your best in each moment, starting in this moment?

8 How can you give Him your best, each moment, even as you are busy and are doing life?

Matthew 2:11 / Expanded Bible (EXB)

11 They ·came to [entered] the house where the child was and saw him with his mother, Mary, and they ·bowed down [knelt; L fell] and ·worshiped [paid homage to] him. They opened their ·gifts [treasure chests; treasures] and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

**~** 9 How do you treasure Jesus Christ?

10 How are you going to apply this verse to your life, moment by moment, starting now, not just giving Him your best, but showing Him your reverence, worshiping Him, and giving Him your best?


{KEY: Anytime you see this symbol:  **~** it means that you need to prayer journal your responses to the following. }