Matthew 2:12 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Matthew 2:12 |
|
|---|---|
|
← 2:11
2:13 →
|
|
The Magi as imagined by Sassetta in the 1430s.
|
|
| Book | Gospel of Matthew |
| Christian Bible part | New Testament |
Matthew 2:12 is a verse from the Gospel of Matthew, found in the New Testament part of the Bible. This verse tells us what happened after the magi (also known as the Wise Men) visited baby Jesus. They had been sent by King Herod to find the new king. After they found and honored Jesus, they were warned in a dream not to go back to Herod. So, they returned to their own country by a different path.
The Wise Men's Journey
The Magi were wise men, possibly from the East, who studied the stars. They followed a special star that led them to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. They believed this star showed them where the new "King of the Jews" was.
Before finding Jesus, the Magi visited King Herod in Jerusalem. Herod was the ruler of Judea at that time. He was worried about a new king taking his place. He asked the Magi to find the child and report back to him. Herod pretended he wanted to worship the child too, but he secretly planned to harm him.
Meeting Baby Jesus
The Magi continued their journey, guided by the star. They found Jesus in a house in Bethlehem. They were very happy to see him. They knelt down and worshipped him. They also gave him special gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These were very valuable gifts for a king.
A Special Dream
After visiting Jesus, the Magi were ready to go back home. But something important happened. They received a message from God in a dream. This dream told them not to return to King Herod.
Dreams were sometimes used in the Bible as a way for God to communicate with people. This dream was a clear warning. It showed that God was protecting Jesus from Herod's bad plans.
Why a Different Way?
The dream was very important because King Herod was not honest. He wanted to find Jesus to hurt him, not to worship him. If the Magi had gone back to Herod, they would have told him where Jesus was. This would have put Jesus in danger.
Because of the dream, the Magi chose a different route to go home. They did not go back through Jerusalem to see Herod. This protected Jesus and his family from Herod's anger and plans. It shows how God watched over Jesus even when he was a baby.
