…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 in the east and have come to worship him.”

Matthew 2:1-1

The Magi saw the star and believed a king was born. Their belief was life changing. They left behind the familiar and began a journey to find and worship this king. Belief in Jesus is always life changing! That which is familiar pales in light of seeking and worshiping Jesus Christ. The Magi teach us about worship, but first, let’s look at what they teach us about life-changing belief in Jesus.

First, they heard God’s message. Matthew 2:1-2 implies the Magi had heard prophecies of a coming king. Instead of dismissing the prophecies, they considered them. Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ (Romans 10:11).

Second, the Magi believed God’s message was true. When they saw the star, they connected it to the prophecies. The King had been born! Saving belief includes acknowledging as truth God’s complete revelation about Jesus found in the Bible. That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9).

Third, the Magi acted upon their belief. They followed the star that led to Jesus. Saving belief involves following Jesus. …If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me (Luke 9:23).  

The Magi also teach us about worship. Their belief that a King had been born birthed in them an unquenchable desire to worship Him. And so, they teach us:

Belief in Jesus births an overwhelming desire to worship Him.

How does the belief of the Magi parallel your belief in Jesus? Do you attest that God’s message in scripture is truth? Have you openly confessed, “Jesus is Lord” and demonstrated your belief by following Him? What newfound longing to worship Jesus fills your heart and mind?

Jan Burkhart