For You From The Word
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. (Matthew 2:11)
For You To Think About
While the Bible does not specify the number of Wise Men who made the trip to Bethlehem from Persia, nor how old Jesus was when they visited Him, it reveals a few other important details.
These widely-respected, enormously wealthy dignitaries went to considerable effort to acknowledge a baby born into poverty and anonymity. Their jaunt to Palestine was 1,000 – 1,200 arduous miles and likely took 3 – 12 months by camel, not including weeks of preparation. They gave Jesus three gifts – gold, frankincense, and myrrh – estimated to be valued at $1-2 million in today’s dollars.
While the Wise Men’s stature warranted a personal audience with King Herod, often overlooked in this royal effort is how they fell prostrate in front of the Christ child. Which required more sacrifice … making the trip or showing respect?
In both, their response to Jesus models humility for us.
Humility does not diminish your worth, but acknowledges the value of those around you.
Even those who are born into or live in obscurity.
For You To Pray
Heavenly Father,
Give me the humility to honor lives around me, regardless of race, nationality, faith, or economic circumstances. Help me show respect to all persons, born and unborn.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.