Daily Devotion for March 29, 2025

Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here.

Read Matthew 2:1-8.

Yes, it seems strange to read this during Lent instead of around Christmas. But it fits with our focus this week of searching for Jesus. These men who studied the stars had determined that a Jewish king was about to be born but did not know the exact location. A star in the heavens can give you a direction to go but does not shine on a particular spot (even though the movies try to make us think so). When they got to Jerusalem, they had to ask for directions.  

It is interesting to note that, at this point, both these men and Herod want to locate Jesus. But they had very different motivations for their search. The star gazers wanted to worship him and offer him gifts. Herod wanted to kill him and be rid of another potential threat to his throne.  

Two questions come to mind from this passage for us. First, what do you use to search for Jesus? The foreigners had a method that took them to a certain point, but then they needed help. And that help was found in the Scriptures.  That should always be our foundational guide as well. Second, what is your motivation for your search? I will just leave that one for you to answer.  

Personal Worship Option:

Offer this prayer or one in your own words: Guiding God, thank you for your Scriptures that provide foundational guidance to know you more and more fully. I also seek to worship you and offer you the gifts you have given me. Through Christ, Amen.