The Magi from the East
Matthew 2:1-12
Some Magi from the East saw the star of the newborn king and came to do him homage. The star led them to Bethlehem, where they offered him gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:1-12
The story, in plain words
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, Magi from the East arrived in Jerusalem. Matthew 2:1
They asked where the newborn king of the Jews was. They had seen his star rising and had come to do him homage. Matthew 2:2
When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Matthew 2:3
Herod gathered the chief priests and the scribes. He asked them where the Messiah was to be born. Matthew 2:4 They answered: in Bethlehem of Judea, because a prophet had…
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See the mapWhat the Bible says
Matthew 2:1-12
1When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. 2Saying, Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to adore him. 3And king Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born. 5But they said to him: In Bethlehem of Juda. For so it is written by the prophet: 6And thou Bethlehem the land of Juda art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come forth the captain that shall rule my people Israel. 7Then Herod, privately calling the wise men, learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them; 8And sending them into Bethlehem, said: Go and diligently inquire after the child, and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may come to adore him. 9Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was. 10And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they adored him; and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country.
Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.
To talk about together
- The Magi set out to find Jesus. What do you do to seek him?
- Why do you think Herod was so troubled by the news?
- For the child: if you could give Jesus a gift, what would you give him?