Matthew 2:1-6 NIVUK
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’ 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 ‘In Bethlehem in Judea,’ they replied, ‘for this is what the prophet has written:
6 ‘“But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.”’
Matthew is keen to show at the start of his Gospel that Jesus has come not just to be King of the Jews, but the leader of all people, indeed the cosmos! Magi come from the east to worship him and the stars declare his birth, an event prepared for and long awaited throughout history.
Lord of Lords,
King of Kings,
Maker of Heaven and Earth and all good things,
We give you glory!
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