How Will You Respond to the King?

The arrival of the Wise Men in Jerusalem sets up one of the Bible’s most striking contrasts – two radically different responses to the news of Jesus’ birth. Their journey highlighted in Luke 2:8-20 illuminates not just a historical moment, but a choice every person must face when encountering Christ.

The Wise Men, or Magi, traveled hundreds of miles following a star, eagerly seeking the newborn King of the Jews. Their response was one of worship, celebration, and sacrifice – bringing precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These Gentile scholars had no religious obligation to seek Jesus, yet they came with open hearts and humble spirits, ready to bow before a king from a foreign land.

In stark contrast, King Herod’s reaction was driven by fear and deception. Though he claimed to want to worship the child, Matthew reveals his true intentions were murderous. Herod, who had spent his life grasping for power, saw Jesus as a threat to his throne. Rather than celebrate this divine arrival, he plotted to eliminate any challenge to his authority.

The geographical proximity makes this contrast even more striking. While Herod was just a few miles from Bethlehem, he refused to make the short journey to see Jesus. The Wise Men, despite their distant starting point, were willing to travel any distance necessary to worship the newborn King.

Their gifts also reveal their hearts. The Wise Men offered their finest treasures in worship, while Herod offered only deceit and violence. One group recognized divine royalty and responded with joy; the other recognized a threat and responded with hostility.

This Biblical account mirrors reactions to Jesus all throughout history. Some, like the Wise Men, seek Him earnestly and worship Him freely, regardless of the cost or distance. Others, like Herod, see Jesus as a threat to their own authority and autonomy, responding with resistance or hostility.

Challenge

The question Luke 2:8-20 poses to us is simple yet profound: Which response mirrors your heart? Are you willing to seek Jesus humbly and worship Him freely, or do you resist His lordship over our lives? The story of the Wise Men and Herod challenges us to examine our own response to the King of Kings. How will you respond to the King? Choose to be like the Wise Men.