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Bible story · Matthew 2:1–12
Another Way
Read it yourself in the King James Bible: Matthew 2:1–12 ↗
“And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.”
Matthew 2:12 (KJV)The Story
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem, wise men came from the east to Jerusalem. “Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”
King Herod was troubled. He didn’t want any rival king. He called the chief priests and scribes, who told him the prophets said the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
Herod secretly met with the wise men. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “When ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.” But Herod had no intention of worshiping. He wanted to kill the child.
The wise men followed the star until it stopped over the place where the young child was. They rejoiced with exceeding great joy. They went in, saw Jesus with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. They opened their treasures and gave Him gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Then God warned them in a dream not to go back to Herod. So they returned to their own country another way.
Reflection
The wise men had good intentions. Herod seemed friendly. If they had followed the original plan, they would have led a murderer straight to Jesus.
More Bible stories from Matthew. More about: Hearing God’s Voice · Christmas
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