Jesus as a child

Joseph and Mary took the baby Jesus and returned to their ancestral home in the Judean hills of Bethlehem. This was the land of their forebears, which is why they had come for the census ordered by Caesar Augustus. The family planned to stay in Bethlehem for some time. We know this because, when the wise men arrived, they found the child Jesus—not a newborn—and they found him in a house, not a stable (Matt. 2:11). These small but important details help shape today’s reading.

Questions from your reading

• How might Mary and Joseph have felt when the wise men arrived?
• How many wise men were there, and what gifts did they bring?
• Why would these particular gifts be fitting for a king?
• In what ways do you see the Father’s provision and protection for his Son?
• What other questions does this passage raise?

Reflecting on your reading

On the night Jesus was born, God placed a new star in the sky—a sign that would eventually guide wise men from the East to the place where the young Jesus was living. Imagine the preparation involved in setting off on a long journey to find a newborn king. It must have taken months! In those times, travellers of their status likely brought servants and guards, especially when carrying valuable gifts.

It’s likely that their journey and arrival in Bethlehem came months after Jesus’ birth. By the time they reached him, Jesus was living in a house, and he was no longer a newborn. Some suggest a child becomes such once weaned; others say around the age of two. Either way, it’s unlikely the wise men found Jesus in a stable, as often portrayed in Christmas imagery.

"Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and myrrh." —Matthew 2:11

Why would God send magi from a distant land with such gifts? What were these gifts meant for? How valuable were they? What might they have purchased in Jesus' day?

Did Joseph and Mary spend them immediately? Or save them for the future? Were the gifts symbolic? Practical? Both?

Could they still exist somewhere today, hidden away? Or were they long since used?

Some suggest the gifts funded the family’s escape to Egypt—a costly and distant journey. Others think Mary may have kept the gifts and used them over time as needed during Jesus' upbringing.

Whatever the case, don’t miss this truth: God provided for his Son. And he continues to provide for his children. Sometimes that provision comes the day before it’s needed, sometimes weeks in advance, and sometimes right in the moment as we walk in faith.

One of God's names in Scripture is Jehovah-Jireh — “The Lord will provide.”

Applying what you’ve read

Take a moment to reflect on how God has provided for you—whether through education, relationships, shelter, work, or daily needs. What is he providing for you today?

Make a short list of ways you’ve seen his provision in your life.

Then spend a few quiet moments praising him for his constant care — and look for an opportunity to share what you’ve noticed with at least two other people.