where is the king

Wise men set out in the Orient to look for the king who had been announced to them. Guided by a special revelation, they followed the star that led them to Jerusalem. No matter what their certainty was based on, they came here to ask King Herod: 'Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star and came to worship him" (Matthew 2,2).

King Herod was shocked by this news because he feared that his kingship was in danger. He was not a descendant of King David, but an Edomite, and therefore had no rightful claim to kingship over the Jewish people.

He had the leading priests and scribes come together to inquire among them where the Messiah, the Christ, was to be born. They answered him: 'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means the smallest of the cities of Judah; for out of you will come the prince who shall shepherd my people Israel” (Micah 5,1).

Now Herod secretly summoned the wise men and asked exactly when the star first appeared to them. Then he sent them to Bethlehem to search for the child and tell Herod where he was, so that he too could come and worship him. But his thoughts went in a completely different direction.

As the wise men left Jerusalem, they witnessed another miracle. The star, as the wise men called the apparition in the East, led them south to a certain house in Bethlehem, where they found the Infant Jesus. They worshiped Jesus and brought him valuable and significant gifts fit for a king, gold, frankincense and myrrh. With this deed, the wise men, on behalf of the people, paid homage to the newborn King Jesus. He deserves worship, at the same time his life is fragrant and the myrrh indicates that he will give his life through his sacrificial death for the people. In a dream, God commanded the wise men not to return to Herod. So they went back to their country by a different route.

This story challenges us to think and make decisions. The wise men found Jesus the King by a long way, maybe even with a detour. Are you also on the way to Jesus to worship him, to do homage to him and to bring him a valuable gift? Are you already on the way with him because he is your way? Where is "the star" taking you? who is your way what is your gift

Toni Püntener