Wise Men Visited Jesus

(Matthew 2)

September 6, 2026

Sunday Recap

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Sunday Recap •

Hey Fams!

The biblical story of the wise men’s visit highlights the worthiness of Jesus as Messiah. These men from the east traveled hundreds of miles to worship the young King.

We read in verse 2 that the wise men arrived in Jerusalem proclaiming a star’s rising and their mission to worship the King of the Jews. After being asked by King Herod where the Messiah would be born, the religious scholars of the time cited Micah 5:2, declaring that a leader would arise from this humble city to shepherd God’s people.

The wise men followed the star to the home where Mary, Joseph, and Jesus were staying. The travelers fell to their knees in worship, offering fine treasures to signify their awe of the one true King. Jesus was more than worthy of their worship—even in His earthly childhood years, before He had begun His ministry or taken to the cross.

The wise men’s response to learning about the Messiah couldn’t have differed more from the reaction of King Herod, who not only lied about his desire to worship the child but also sought to kill the young boy who Herod considered a rival king. It would be the first of many times that Simeon’s prophecy over Jesus would come to pass: “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed” (Luke 2:34).

Teach the kids in your care that they too face a choice of rejecting Jesus like Herod did or worshiping Him like the wise men as the promised King. Jesus gave His life for us as a sacrifice for our sins and rose again to defeat death. Only He is worthy of our worship. Pray that each child would recognize the value of knowing Jesus and of trusting in Him for salvation.

***Next Week: Jesus at the Temple (Luke 2)

Family Discipleship Plan

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Family Discipleship Plan •

• Read Scripture

  Read Matthew 2 from the Bible.

• Talk about the Scripture

  Have you ever been on a treasure hunt? Maybe you followed clues, searched behind furniture, under rocks, or in secret places—all to find something special at the end. It’s exciting, right?

  You don’t even know exactly what the treasure looks like, but you know it’s worth finding!

  That’s kind of like what the wise men did. They saw a special star in the sky—a clue from God—and they went on a real-life treasure hunt! But their treasure wasn’t gold or jewels. It was a baby—Jesus, the greatest treasure of all.

  It took a long time—maybe months—but the wise men didn’t give up. They followed the star until it led them to Jesus. When they finally saw Him, they were filled with joy! They bowed down and worshiped Him, even though He was still a little child. They gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh—expensive gifts fit for a king.

  Why did the wise men worship Jesus? Because they knew He wasn’t just any child. Jesus is the King of kings! He came to save people and bring them back to God. You may not have gold or fancy gifts to give Jesus, but you can give Him your heart. You can worship Him by praying, singing, helping others, and obeying His Word. Like the wise men, you can seek Jesus every day and show Him how much you love Him.

  The wise men worshiped Jesus as the Messiah and gave Him valuable gifts. Jesus gave
  His life for us when He died on the cross for our sins. Jesus is worthy of all worship.

  Pray: Dear Jesus, thank You for coming to be our King and Savior. Help us seek You every
  day and worship You with all our hearts. Amen.

• Practice the Key Passage

  Preschool:
  “God loved the world and gave his only Son to all who believe in him.”

  John 3:16

  
  1st-5th:
  “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life.”

  ‍ ‍ John 3:16 NiRV

• Pray

  Mornings

  Ask God to help you seek Jesus today, like the wise men did. Pray for a heart that worships Him in everything you do—your words, actions, and choices.

  Evenings

  Thank Jesus for being the greatest treasure. Ask Him to help you follow Him with all your heart and rest in His love and care tonight.

• Family Activities

  For Fun

  Reenact the journey of the wise men by going on a “treasure hunt” through your home (or backyard), following paper star cutouts that lead to a special surprise representing Jesus. Hide the stars throughout the home, each one leading closer to the treasure. At the final stop, congratulate the kids on finding the “treasure” and read Matthew 2:1–12 together.

  To Serve

  Work together as a family to make small “blessing bags” for people in need. These could include snacks, hygiene items (like toothbrushes or soap), socks, or encouraging notes. Explain that when we give to others, we’re honoring Jesus—just like the wise men did. Encourage kids to decorate gift tags with drawings of stars and write Jesus loves you! or A gift for you because Jesus is our greatest gift!