The Visit of the Wise Men (Matthew 2:1-12); The Shepherds Visit (Luke 2:8-26)

The Visit of the Wise Men (Matthew 2:1-12)

Immediately Jesus was born, His star was seen all over the earth and in the East. A group of wise men who were called the magi, educated men who studied stars, revealed that the saviour of the world had been born, and they began in search of the star.

The wise men came to Jerusalem and asked Herod;

“where is he who was been born

of the Jews? For we have seen his

star in the East, and have come to

worship him” (Matthew 2:1-2)

This message left Herod in worry because he was afraid of losing his throne. He called a meeting of the Jewish council, to find out where exactly the New King would be born. Herod told the wise men, “Go and search diligently for the child and when you have found him bring me word, that I may come and worship him.”

When the wise men found the place where Jesus was born, they bowed down and worshipped him and presented him with gifts.

The gifts they presented were Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh.

• Gold: Signified his royal background.

• Frankincense: His spiritual work.

• Myrrh: Death and Resurrection/His divinity.

The Shepherds Visit (Luke 2:8-26)

On the night of the birth of Jesus, the shepherds visited. This implies that they were the first to hear the announcement of the birth of Jesus.

The angel of the Lord brought the news of good tidings to them which made them become afraid, but the angel said,

“Be not afraid, for behold, I bring you good news

of great joy which  will come to all the people, for

to you is born this day in the city of David,

a savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will

be the sign for you, you will find a baby

wrapped in swaddling cloths and in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12)

Thereafter, the shepherds were joyful in praises. They left for Bethlehem to see Jesus.

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. On the eighth day, when it was time to circumciseCircumcision is the surgical removal of the skin covering the tip of the penis. The procedure is fairly common for newborn boys in many parts of the world. Penis before and after circumcision. the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

The visit of the shepherds to baby Jesus means that salvation is for all mankind, whether rich or poor, educated or uneducated.