Your Personal Grow-Pray-Study (GPS) Guide

Context:

Epiphany is a season of revelation, where the Savior, the light of the world, is unveiled to the nations. The story of the magi highlights their dedication and sacrifice as they sought the newborn King, Jesus. These astrologers traveled great distances, bringing costly gifts and kneeling in worship. Their actions help us to ponder what worship really is.

Icebreaker:

What’s the most effort you’ve ever gone through to give someone a gift or surprise them? How did they react?

After the icebreaker, read Matthew 2:1-12.

The Magi probably came from modern-day Iraq to worship Jesus. That’s a journey of around 500 miles. Note that the Magi were not followers of Yahweh, the God of Israel … and yet they followed the star. King Herod was also not a follower of Yahweh. How do Herod’s and the magi’s responses to Jesus differ? What can we learn from this contrast?

Verse 11 says the magi “fell down and worshipped him.” What does this teach us about the posture of worship—physically, emotionally, and spiritually?

The magi brought costly gifts (gold, frankincense, myrrh). Though there is undoubtedly a lesson regarding how we approach Jesus in worship, the greatest treasure present at the Savior’s side was the souls of the magi. Reflect on St. Paul’s words in Romans 12:1-2 – “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

Think about how you spend your time, talents, and resources. What might it look like to “worship Jesus” in the ordinary aspects of life? How can we guard against worshipping other things (e.g., careers, entertainment, possessions) instead of Jesus?

Close with prayer, thanking God for revealing Jesus to the world. Ask that we, like the magi, may continue to seek God diligently, offer our best, and worship wholeheartedly.