Wise Men and a Star

King Herod was the king of the Jews at the time of Jesus' birth.  Herod felt his kingship threatened when Magi came from the East searching for the new king.  Despite Herod's attempts to interfere, the magi found the child king, Jesus, in Bethlehem and paid honour to him with expensive gifts fit for a king. 

To ensure no child would take his place, King Herod decreed the death of all boys in the area under the age of two.  But little Jesus was kept safe when his family was directed (through dreams) to go to Egypt until the time of danger had passed.  After this time, Joseph, Mary and Joseph settled in Nazareth.  It was in Nazareth that Jesus spent his childhood.

Jesus is king, and we, too, should give him honour.

Bible verses used in this episode:
Matthew 2:1-23

Outline:

1. Wise men seek a king (Matthew 2:1-12)
   -In Jerusalem
   -In Bethlehem
2. Escape to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)
3. Herod's decree to kill baby boys (Matthew 2:16-18)
4. Joseph, Mary and Jesus move to Nazareth (Matthew 2:19-23)

Tips for Teaching:

• Guide young children in learning to draw a star.
• Children can use glitter and glue (or any medium) to make a star craft.
• Adults can consider what "valuable gifts" they have offered to their king, Jesus. What gifts have been held back for self?

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Wise Men and a Star

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org