First, a ruler, shepherd (1-8). Jesus, the Savior King was born in Bethlehem in Judea as God had promised. No one realized except the truth seekers, the Magi of the east. They searched day and night, saw his star (Num 24:17), left everything behind and came to Jerusalem to worship him. But King Herod was greatly disturbed. He summoned Bible scholars to find the place (Micah 5:2) and the time pretending to go and worship him but actually to kill him secretly. But the newborn King of the Jews came not to kill but to die as a good shepherd for his people. He is the true king to be searched to worship. Second, Magi worshiped the baby Jesus (9-12). The Magi overjoyed to see the star again! They followed the starlight as GPS and found the little baby in a manger. They worshipped him offering the gifts of gold to eternal King, the frankincense for his high priesthood, and the myrrh for the dying Messiah who will be raised to live eternally. They returned experiencing great joy after offering everything to the Lord. They outwitted Herod's evil scheme by taking another route.
Application: Lord, thank you for sending the shepherd King Jesus. Let me purely worship Jesus as one of today's wise men.
One Word: Jesus, my good shepherd king, I worship you!