The Wise Men from the East

Discussion Questions: “The Wise Men from The East”

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? ____________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________