Verses 1-12
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These wise men, although they likely did not know the Scriptures, sought God and were able to discover through the stars that the Christ had been born.
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Understand that God is able to bring people to the knowledge of the truth in many different ways. People who seek will find.
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Verse 11. The wise men gave valuable gifts to Jesus. You have value to give to God. Whatever you have in your life, think about how you can use it to honor Jesus!
Verses 13-15
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To fulfill prophecy, Jesus was born in Bethlehem and spent a portion of His childhood in Egypt.
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A census decreed by Caesar Augustus forced Mary and Joseph to go the Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-4), where Jesus was born, and a warning about the murderous intent of Herod put them in Egypt. However, God used these circumstances, both caused by the decisions of government leaders, to fulfill prophecy.
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God uses every decision and event in the world to bring about His plans. Nothing is out of His control!
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Verses 16-18
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If the wise men had told Herod of Jesus' whereabouts, he would have killed Jesus. So, to protect Jesus from death, it cost the physical lives of many other children.
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Herod was a malicious man who was envious of this new king, Jesus, and the gifts that the wise men brought to Him (verses 1-8). In any case, Herod intended to kill, and this shows how evil jealousy can become.
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Be warned. Envying others can cuase great harm, so stop envious thoughts early!
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But in Jesus' death, an innumerable company was saved from spiritual death, among whom we are the saved.
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The cost was well worth the reward. A temporary loss of a few physical lives is nothing compared to the great reward of eternal life granted to billions.
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Understand that there are reasons for everything. Do not be discouraged by the loss of physical life. If eternal life in Christ is granted instead, the loss of physical life is nothing.
Verses 19-23
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Verse 19. Angels can appear in dreams.
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Verses 20-23. Joseph's fear of Herod's son was useful. Combined with a dream, he was moved to dwell in Galilee rather than Judea.
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Although fear is harmful, there are cases when discernment of danger appears with a feeling of fear, and this can be helpful.
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Consider these discernments as a warning, but do not stay in fear.
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