This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Matthew 2:1-12, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, some very wise men from the East saw a special star in the sky. They knew that it meant a new king of the Jews was born. They wanted to go and worship him, so they traveled a long way to Jerusalem.
When the king, Herod, heard about this new king, he was worried that he would lose his power. So, he asked his advisors where this new king would be born. They told him that the baby would be born in Bethlehem, as the prophet had written.
Then, Herod asked the wise men when they had seen the star. He secretly wanted to know when the baby was born so that he could find him and get rid of him. The wise men did not know about this, so they went to Bethlehem to find the new king.
When the wise men saw the star again, they knew they were close. It led them to a house where they found the baby, Jesus, and his mother, Mary. They were so happy that they fell down and worshiped him. They gave him some special gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
But God warned the wise men in a dream not to go back to Herod. So, they went home by a different way so that Herod could not find Jesus.
Biblical Lessons
- God can use anyone, even wise men from a distant land, to worship and honor Jesus.
- The wise men were filled with joy when they found Jesus, showing us that true joy comes from being in the presence of God.
- The wise men were obedient to God’s warning in their dream and did not return to Herod, teaching us the importance of listening to God’s guidance and following His will.
- Herod’s reaction to the news of Jesus’ birth reminds us that not everyone will accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, and that there will be those who oppose and try to harm His followers.
- The gifts that the wise men gave to Jesus represent their recognition of His royalty and divinity. We can also give our best to Jesus as an act of worship and honor to Him.
Related Stories
Must-Read Christian Books
The Pursuit of God
A heartfelt call to pursue God Himself above all else, with a strong emphasis on holiness and devotion.
View on Amazon
The Knowledge of the Holy
Short, powerful meditations on the attributes of God that lift the reader into a bigger, more biblical view of who He is.
View on Amazon
Pilgrim Theology
An accessible summary of Reformed theology that connects doctrine to the Christian life.
View on Amazon
Scripture Alone
Explains and defends the authority and sufficiency of Scripture over all human traditions.
View on Amazon
The Discipline of Grace
Shows how God's grace and our disciplined effort work together in sanctification.
View on Amazon
The Enemy Within
A modern, accessible summary of John Owen's teaching on indwelling sin and the believer's battle.
View on Amazon
Overcoming Sin and Temptation
A classic Puritan work on mortifying sin and living in the power of the Spirit.
View on Amazon
Let the Nations Be Glad!
Missions-focused theology showing that worship is the goal of evangelism to the nations.
View on Amazon
Nine Marks of a Healthy Church
Outlines nine biblical priorities for congregations that want to be faithful and healthy.
View on Amazon
The Mortification of Sin
A Puritan classic urging believers to put sin to death by the power of the Spirit.
View on Amazon
Communion with God
Explores how believers enjoy distinct fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
View on Amazon
The Bruised Reed
A tender Puritan work on Christ's gentleness toward weak and struggling believers.
View on Amazon
Biblical Preaching
Introduces the "big idea" approach to expository sermons, rooted in the biblical text.
View on Amazon
The Hospitality Commands
Shows from Scripture how vital hospitality is to Christian obedience and fellowship.
View on Amazon
Delighting in the Trinity
A joyful, readable introduction to the triune God and why His tri-unity is good news.
View on Amazon
The Gospel and Personal Evangelism
Encourages and equips Christians to share the gospel faithfully and simply.
View on Amazon
Operation World
A prayer handbook with up-to-date information on nations and their gospel needs.
View on Amazon