At what moments has your response to Jesus been more that of Herod, the chief priests or the Magi?

Matthew 2:1–12 shows three very different responses to Jesus. You can see parts of each in your own life.

1. Like King Herod — resisting

• You feel threatened by losing control
• You ignore truth because it disrupts your plans
• You keep Jesus at a distance

Ask yourself:

• Where do you hold tight control instead of trusting Him?
• What are you afraid He might change?

2. Like the chief priests and teachers — knowing but not acting

• You understand truth but stay passive
• You know what Scripture says but don’t move
• You stay comfortable

They knew where Jesus would be born, but didn’t go

Ask yourself:

• Where do you already know what is right but delay?
• What step have you been avoiding?

3. Like the Magi — seeking and worshipping

• You pursue Jesus with effort
• You respond with humility
• You give what you have

They traveled far and responded with worship

Ask yourself:

• What would it look like to actively seek Him right now?
• What can you give or surrender?

Be honest with yourself

• You might shift between all three
• One may stand out more in this season

Try this

• Pick one area of your life
• Identify your current response
• Choose one small step toward the Magi’s response

What’s one action you can take today to move closer to that?

How does your knowledge of Christ lead you to act?

Your knowledge of Jesus is not just information. It should shape what you do.
Start with this:

What you believe about Jesus drives your response

1. If you know Him as King

• You submit your choices
• You stop trying to control everything
• You ask, “What does He want here?”

Daily example:

• You choose honesty even when it costs you

2. If you know Him as Savior

• You stop trying to earn acceptance
• You turn back quickly when you fail
• You extend grace to others

Daily example:

• You forgive instead of holding grudges

3. If you know Him as Lord of your life

• You obey even when it’s uncomfortable
• You take action, not just agree mentally

Daily example:

• You act on something you know is right instead of delaying

4. If you truly know Him

• You seek Him, not just facts about Him
• You spend time in Scripture and prayer
• You align your life step by step

Check yourself

• Where is there a gap between what you know and what you do?
• What truth are you currently ignoring?

Try this today

• Pick one thing you know Jesus teaches
• Act on it within the next 24 hours

Knowledge that stays in your head changes nothing

Knowledge that moves into action changes your life

What’s one thing you already know you should act on today?