Matthew 2:1–8

Wise Men Seek the King

2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King * Herod, * wise men from the east arrived unexpectedly in Jerusalem, i 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? j For we saw His star in the east k l and have come to worship Him.” m

3 When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 So he assembled all the * chief priests and * scribes n of the people and asked them where the * Messiah would be born.

5 “In Bethlehem of Judea,” they told him, “because this is what was written by the prophet:

6 And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the leaders of Judah:

because out of you will come a leader

who will shepherd My people Israel.” o p

7 Then Herod secretly summoned the wise men and asked them the exact time the star appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you find Him, report back to me so that I too can go and worship Him.” q r