The Wise Men from the East
Student’s Guide
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Discussion Questions: “The Wise Men from The East”
This Wise Men Student Guide is designed to help students understand Matthew 2:1–12 and the visit of the Magi. This worksheet includes comprehension questions, discussion prompts, and reflection topics to deepen understanding of the Star of Bethlehem, King Herod, and the gifts brought to Jesus.
The Magi’s visit from the East: (Have someone read the verses outlined in black: Matthew 2:1-2).
1. Where was Jesus born? _____________________________________________
2. The wise men came from the East, what city did they stop at along the way? __________________________________________________________________
3. Why does Matthew call out Bethlehem of Judea? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. When were the “days of Herod the king”? ________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. In Matthew 2:1-2, why did the wise men come from the East? __________________________________________________________________
6. Why did the Magi come to see the King of the Jews? __________________________________________________________________
7. Where did the wise men originate? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
King Herod was troubled. (Have someone read the verses outlined in red: Matthew 2:3-4).
8. Why was Herod the king troubled? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________
9. Who were the chief priests and scribes? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________
10. Why was King Herod only interested in where the King of the Jews was born and not when? _________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________
Prophecy fulfilled. (Have someone read the verses outlined in green: Matthew 2:5-6).
11. In Matthew 2:3-6, Herod gathered all the chief priests and scribes to help him find out where the Christ was to be born. Who was the prophet? ___________
12. Where is it written in the Old Testament that the Messiah would be born? __________________________________________________________________
Herod’s plan of deception. (Have someone read the verse outlined in blue Matthew 2:7-8)
13. What information did Herod get out of the wise men? _______________________________________________________________________________________
14. In Matthew 2:7-8, what was Herod’s plan of deception? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Wise men search for the King of the Jews (Have someone read the verses outlined in purple: Matthew 2:9-11)
15. How did the wise men find Jesus? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
16. In Matthew 2:11, what gifts did the wise men present to Jesus? _______________________________________________________________________________
17. What is myrrh? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
18. What is the spiritual symbolism of each of these gifts?
a. Gold: ________________________________________________________
b. Frankincense: _________________________________________________
c. Myrrh: ______________________________________________________
19. How many wise men were there? __________________________________________________________________
The Magi return to their own country. (Have someone read the verses outlined in gray: Matthew 2:12)
20. In Matthew 2:12, why did the Magi return to their homeland by a different route? ____________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________