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A royal birth announced in the skies, a ruthless king grasping at control, and travelers who carried their learning and their treasure to kneel before a child. We follow the Magi through Matthew 2:1–11 and beyond, weaving Scripture, history, and astronomy to see why the triple conjunction in 7 BC, the rare planetary massing in 6 BC, and the 5 BC comet recorded by the Han Dynasty still intrigue scholars and seekers alike. The thread that runs through every scene is simple and searching: when truth appears, how will we respond?

We start by grounding who the Magi likely were—wisdom figures from Babylon and Persia shaped by Daniel’s legacy and the Jewish hope for a Messiah. Their journey wasn’t a whim; it was a wager that prophecy and the heavens converged on Bethlehem. Then we set Herod next to them. He knew the right verses, summoned the right scholars, and said the right words, but his heart bent toward fear, not worship. That contrast forces a present-tense question for us: do we move closer to Jesus with open hands, or do we cling tighter to our own thrones?

From there, we linger with the gifts. Gold honors a true king. Frankincense signals a priest who draws us near to God and hears our prayers. Myrrh hints at a life given and a victory won through suffering. True worship is not a mood; it is an offering. We highlight stories of modern costly devotion, including Jonathan Goforth’s choices in China, as reminders that seeking Jesus still reshapes priorities, finances, and courage. By the time we arrive at the closing invitation, prayer, and blessing, the path is clear: seek with humility, respond with faith, and give your best because the King is worthy.

If this message stirred you, share it with a friend, subscribe for more thoughtful, faith-centered episodes, and leave a review to help others find the show. What gift will you bring to the King today?

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Catch On Fire Podcasts aims to lead us all into a closer walk with God as we strive to become more like Jesus.