Matthew 2:1-2 (NASB)
1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”

The magi were wise men of the time. We don’t know exactly where they came from, we don’t know exactly when they came to see Jesus. Really all we know about them is that they saw a sign in the sky, responded to it, travelled from the east, and were looking for the one born King of the Jews. It is likely that they didn’t know anything about prophesies of the Old Testament. It was the local scribes and priests that told them to go to Bethlehem, based on writings of Micah.

What is so unusual about the story is that they didn’t come expecting anything from Jesus. They only came to bring gifts to Jesus and to worship Him. It was a completely selfless act.

Only Matthew reported this in his gospel. The magi are not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible. It was like it was a side note in the overall narrative of the life of Jesus. And yet, it provides a powerful message regarding our relationship with God.

Pure worship is beautiful to God. Worship that is uncluttered with our personal wants and desires. Even our desires that seem to be holy can be selfish at the root.

I know my prayers of supplication, with the best of intentions can be self-centered at the core. And it’s not that Jesus doesn’t want to know the desires of our hearts. The leper that came to Jesus only wanted to be healed and Jesus had compassion and healed him. His motive was probably not the highest, but acceptable. However, later he came back and fell on his face to worship. I think that pleased Jesus more.

Jesus, you deserve my worship uncluttered with personal desires. Holy Spirit, teach me to worship You purely. Help me to make Your worship my only desire. Amen.

Always praying for the glory of God,