LESSON 4: WISE MEN WORSHIP KING JESUS
Large Group Leader Guide
Classroom: Brigade
 M atthew 2:1-18
10/05/2016
Teachers Dig In
Dig In to the Bible
Read: Matthew 2:1-18
In This Passage: In today’s Bible passage, a group of wise men who’ve studied the
stars notice an unusual star and follow it to Jerusalem, where Israel’s king lived.
They’re looking for the newborn king who had caused the star to rise. When the
wise men find Jesus, they worship him. Hearing of this, King Herod wants to kill
Jesus, but God leads both the wise men and Jesus’ family to keep him safe.
Bible Point: Jesus is the king.
Summary Verse: “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it
rose, and we have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2).
Dig Deeper
You’ll Be Teaching: Jesus is the king. Although your kids may not live in a country
ruled by a king, they’re probably very familiar with the concept of kings, queens,
and princesses. Kids need to know that Jesus is set apart even from an earthly
king—he’s the king of the world...forever!
Think About: What would it be like to live in a country ruled by King Herod? How
would it make a difference to know that Jesus is king over Herod? What difference
does it make to know that Jesus is the king over the hard things in your life?
Dig In to Prayer
Write things that seem to rule in your kids’ lives (besides God). Cross each one out
as you pray that your kids will see how Jesus is king over everything else.
Quick Tip
Bookmark the Bible passage in a few Bibles before class each week. Kids who
aren’t as familiar with the Bible will be able to easily find the passage.
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This Lesson at a Glance
OPENING
Kids share about a topic related to the lesson.
Supplies
Bible
LOW-ENERGY GAME
Kids race to bow.
Supplies
Easy Prep
yellow paper
Cut a large star from the paper.
CORE BIBLE DISCOVERY
Kids follow star clues to bring gifts to King Jesus.
Supplies
Easy Prep
Bible
1 medium or large glow-in-the-dark
star per small group
permanent marker
index cards (1 per child, plus 3 for you)
pens (1 per child)
box with lid
gold wrapping paper
version of “We Three Kings” song
music player
Number the stars sequentially.
Hide the stars around your room with
the numbers facedown. Have the
numbers lead in progression around
the room.
Wrap a box and lid with gold wrapping
paper.
Write one each of the following on the
three index cards: “Gold,” “Myrrh,” and
“Frankincense.” Put them in the box.
CRAFT
Kids scratch colorful stars into a black night.
Supplies
Easy Prep
several bright-colored crayons and 1
black crayon per child
large paper clips (1 per child)
4x6 index cards (1 per child)
paper (optional)
Make a sample card ahead of time.
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OBJECT LESSON
Kids participate in a card trick.
Supplies
Easy Prep
index cards (1 set of 12 cards for
every 20 to 25 kids)
pens
For each set of 12 cards, write “Jesus”
on one card, “King” on one card, and
“Not king” on five cards.
Stack each set of cards facedown in
the following order: Not king (on
bottom), Not king, Not king, Not king,
Not king, King, Blank, Blank, Blank,
Blank, Blank, Jesus (on top).
Make one additional set of 12 cards for
every 20 to 25 kids.
After you prepare the supplies, read
through the activity and try the trick
once or twice to get a feel for it. Once
you try it, you’ll find it’s simple and
easy!
Help one adult volunteer for every 20 to
25 kids prepare by learning the trick
ahead of time.
HIGH-ENERGY GAME
Kids dress as kings and queens.
Supplies
Easy Prep
“Royal Clothes” handout (download
here)
full-sheet shipping labels
unsharpened pencils
Print each page of the “Royal Clothes”
handout on a full-sheet shipping label.
Cut apart the crowns on the handout.
Make a set of labels—1 robe, 1 cape,
and 1 crown—per every four kids.
LIFE APPLICATION WRAP-UP
Kids worship Jesus in a variety of ways.
Supplies
Easy Prep
music player
worship song
paper
crayons
Create stations around your room for
the different types of worship kids can
participate in. Depending on the size of
your group, you may want to make
several stations for each type of
worship.
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*Marked supplies are also used in Core Bible Discovery
Let's keep kids safe! You can help by using supplies as instructed for only ages 3+, purchasing childsafe items, and being aware of allergy concerns.
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OPENING
[5 min]
Welcome
Supplies
Bible
Welcome
Thank kids for coming.
Just for fun, have kids give a fist bump to four friends.
Make announcements.
Introduce new kids.
Celebrate birthdays by lining up people with birthdays in the upcoming week
and having everyone else run by to high-five them.
Collect the offering.
Introduce the Lesson
Say: Jesus is the king. Today we’ll learn that the wise men followed a
star to find a newborn king—Jesus—and they worshipped him when they
found him.
Share
Tell kids something about a king or queen you know of from a movie or a book.
Have kids form pairs and share with their partner something about a king or
queen they know of from a movie or a book.
Summarize
Open a Bible, and say: The Bible isn’t an ordinary book; it’s God’s special
book. The Bible is one way God talks to us. God is here right now, ready to talk
to you.
Pray, thanking Jesus that he’s the king.
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LOW-ENERGY GAME
[10 min]
Race to Be Humble
Supplies
yellow paper
Easy Prep
Cut a large star from the paper.
Race to Bow Down
Say: The wise men went looking for Jesus, the newborn king. When they
found him, they showed he was king by bowing and worshipping him. People
bow out of respect or to make an important person physically higher than they
are. In Bible times, bowing sometimes meant lying facedown on the floor.
Read Psalm 95:6-7.
In their small groups, have kids discuss the following questions.
Ask: • What do you think worship means?
• What are some ways you can worship God?
Say: Let’s play a game to help us think about worshipping Jesus the
king.
Have every one to two small groups stand in circle with as much space between
kids as possible (about two arm-lengths is ideal).
Have small-group leaders stand to the sides of their groups.
Say: Walk around the circle, and watch for me to put the star in the air.
When I hold up the star, lie on your stomach as quickly as possible and stretch
your hands out in front of you.
Have kids start walking.
Raise the star above your head, and have small-group leaders pay attention to
see who in their group is last to lie down. Have those children leave their circles. If
there’s not much space between kids in the circle, have them face the inside of the
circle when they lie down to avoid hitting or kicking each other.
Continue the game until one child is left in each group.
Have all the kids get back in their circles, and repeat the game.
Talk About It
Ask: • Explain whether you think what we did in this game was worship.
Say: Worship is putting someone else above us. But just because we
were bowing in the game doesn’t mean we were worshipping. When we
worship, what’s in our hearts is more important than what we do. Jesus is the
king, and we worship to show him that we love him.
Have kids wrap their arms around themselves and pray, thanking Jesus that
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he’s king and telling him how much they love him.
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CORE BIBLE DISCOVERY
[20 min]
Wise Men Worship King Jesus (Matthew 2:1-18)
Supplies
Bible
1 medium or large glow-in-the-dark star per small group
permanent marker
index cards (1 per child, plus 3 for you)
pens (1 per child)
box with lid
gold wrapping paper
version of “We Three Kings” song
music player
Easy Prep
Number the stars sequentially.
Hide the stars around your room with the numbers facedown. Have the numbers lead in
progression around the room.
Wrap a box and lid with gold wrapping paper.
Write one each of the following on the three index cards: “Gold,” “Myrrh,” and
“Frankincense.” Put them in the box.
Think About Being King
Say: Before we dig in to today’s Bible story, let me ask you something.
Ask: • If you were named king of our country—right now, this very day—
what new law would you pass first? Maybe you’d say it’s now the law to have
ice cream with every meal! Or you might outlaw homework.
Give kids a few minutes to talk in their small groups, and then ask for several
ideas.
Say: Wow! Those are some incredible new laws! But you might have to
wait a while until you’re old enough to be a king. Or not. The king in today’s
Bible story was a lot younger than you!
Search for Stars
Open your Bible to Matthew 2:1-18, and show kids the passage.
Say: Today we’re discovering that Jesus is the king. The Bible tells us that
Jesus was born during the reign of a guy named King Herod. We’ll hear more
about him in a minute. Around that same time, some wise men from eastern
lands began a journey to Jerusalem.
Ask: • What do you usually take when you go on a long trip?
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Say: I always try to remember a map so I know where I’m going. But the
wise men didn’t use a map. They used something even better!
Let’s take our own journey. Everyone hop up! Dim the lights as kids stand.
There are several stars hidden in this room. With your group, try to find a star.
When you do, turn it over to show the number on the back. Then lay it back
down with the number facing up. As kids search, play “We Three Kings.” Make
sure each group finds at least one star. When kids have found all the stars, have
everyone sit down near you, and stop the song.
Huddle With Herod
Say: Good job finding the stars! Did you recognize that song? It talks
about three kings following a star to find baby Jesus. But, you know, the Bible
doesn’t actually tell us how many men there were—and it doesn’t say they
were kings!
We do know that the wise men followed a star all the way to Jerusalem.
When they got there, they went to see King Herod. Listen to what they said to
him. Read aloud Matthew 2:2.
Herod probably thought, “Wait a minute! I’m the king! And they’re looking
for a new king? No way!”
Huddle kids together in a tight circle and lower your voice. Herod called in his
priests and religious leaders. He asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be
born?” They said the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
Then Herod called in the wise men and said, “Go to Bethlehem and
carefully search for the child. When you find him, come back and tell me where
he is so I can worship him, too.” But that was a lie! Herod wanted to find Jesus
to get rid of him!
Bring Gifts to Jesus
Say: The wise men headed for Bethlehem, following the star again. Have
kids stand and follow the stars in succession, sitting back in their places after they’ve
followed all the stars.
In Bethlehem, the star stopped right over where Jesus was! The wise men
went inside and saw Jesus with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and
worshipped him. Have everyone kneel and briefly bow their heads to the ground.
Then they opened the treasure chest they had brought and gave Jesus three
gifts. Bring out your wrapped box and reach inside. Take out and read the three cards.
The Bible doesn’t say exactly why the wise men gave Jesus these
particular gifts. But they were precious and valuable gifts, fit for a king. The
wise men knew that Jesus is the king. They believed he was the king of the
Jews during that time. We know he’s the king of God’s kingdom, forever and
ever.
The wise men gave Jesus gifts, and so can we! Give each child an index
card and pen. On your card, write or draw a gift you can give Jesus this week.
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Maybe you’ll sing a praise song to him, or maybe you’ll sit and just listen to
him. When kids have finished writing or drawing, have them place their cards in the
treasure chest as you pray, thanking Jesus for being our king.
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CRAFT
[20 min]
Surprise Star Cards
Supplies
several bright-colored crayons and 1 black crayon per child
large paper clips (1 per child)
4x6 index cards (1 per child)
paper (optional)
Easy Prep
Make a sample card ahead of time.
Talk About Heaven
Gather kids around a table or some other hard work surface.
Hand each child an index card. Set out the colorful crayons.
Say: Jesus is the king, but he’s also God’s Son. Jesus left his home with
God to come to earth to shine God’s love.
Ask: • What words do you think of when you think of living with God?
As kids talk about God, have them use the bright crayons to color one side of
their cards completely. For younger kids, you may want to put paper underneath their
cards in case they color over the edges. Encourage kids to press down hard to make a
thick layer of color. When the cards are filled, gather the crayons.
Talk About Dark Times
Say: Your cards are bright and colorful—great reminders of the joy and
light that surround God! But life on earth isn’t always like that. Sometimes life is
dark and difficult.
Ask: • What kinds of things do you think about when you think of
hardships here on earth?
As kids talk, have them use black crayons to cover up the bright colors on their
cards. Encourage kids to press down hard enough to cover the bright colors
completely. When the cards are completely black, gather the crayons.
Make a Star
Say: When Jesus was born, God’s chosen people were going through a
really hard time. They didn’t have a leader who followed God. They knew that
God had promised to send a king…but where was he? Hold up your sample card.
Life seemed pretty dark and hopeless.
Unbend a paper clip and use it to scratch away the black crayon, etching a star
on the card.
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Say: A unique star appeared in the night sky. Wise men saw the star and
understood what it meant—the king had been born. Jesus is the king!
Let kids etch their own large stars, plus smaller stars to create a night sky. Talk
about how Jesus is the king for us today, and his love and power are mightier than any
darkness in our lives.
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OBJECT LESSON
[10 min]
The True King
Supplies
index cards (1 set of 12 cards for every 20 to 25 kids)
pens
Easy Prep
For each set of 12 cards, write “Jesus” on one card, “King” on one card, and “Not king”
on five cards.
Stack each set of cards facedown in the following order: Not king (on bottom), Not king,
Not king, Not king, Not king, King, Blank, Blank, Blank, Blank, Blank, Jesus (on top).
Make one additional set of 12 cards for every 20 to 25 kids.
After you prepare the supplies, read through the activity and try the trick once or twice to
get a feel for it. Once you try it, you’ll find it’s simple and easy!
Help one adult volunteer for every 20 to 25 kids prepare by learning the trick ahead of
time.
Play Cards
Combine small groups so there are larger groups of about 20 to 25 kids. Assign
one adult volunteer (who has already learned the trick) to each group of 20 to 25 kids.
Give one prepared deck of 12 cards to each adult volunteer group leader.
Say: When the wise men went looking for Jesus, they knew he was the
king. Let’s try something to help us remember that Jesus is the king.
Ask: • Name some people you think are powerful.
Have each group leader write one name on each of the five blank index cards in
his or her stack while keeping the cards in order.
Choose a child helper for each group of 20 to 25 kids. Say: Your group leaders
will each shuffle your group’s cards one by one and stop when your group’s
helper says to stop.
Have each group leader shuffle the cards by moving one card at a time from the
top of the stack to the bottom until the child helper says to stop.
Have each group leader do the following: one by one, place the top six cards
from his or her stack into the palm of the helper’s hand, facedown and on top of each
other. The group leader will continue to hold the remaining six cards in his or her hand
as is. Both the group leader and the helper will have a deck of six cards.
Say: Jesus is the king, and he’s God. I’m going to spell each word in the
phrase “Jesus—King and my God.” After I say each letter, I’ll say whether your
group leader or your group helper will move the top card in their deck to the
bottom.
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Slowly spell each word in the phrase, randomly choosing whether the group
leaders or the group helpers move their cards to the bottom of their own stacks. At the
end of each word, both the group leaders and the group helpers will turn over their top
cards. Have kids discuss in their groups of 20 to 25 how the two cards in their group go
together. For example, if one card has a name the kids mentioned and the other has
“Not king,” discuss why that person is not king. After cards are turned over, have
leaders set them aside.
Repeat the process for each word in the phrase.
When this is done correctly, the words “Jesus” and “King” will turn over together.
(It will vary among groups.) As this happens, have groups discuss why Jesus is the
king. Then have leaders set those cards aside in a separate pile and continue until
groups have made it all the way through their cards.
Talk About It
Ask: • Explain whether you think famous people are as powerful or
important as Jesus, the king.
• What things might try to become more important in your life than Jesus?
• What can you do to show that you know Jesus is king over all?
Say: Jesus is king over all people, all things, and the entire universe. Let’s
show that we know Jesus is the king by living the way he wants us to.
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HIGH-ENERGY GAME
[10 min]
Royal Clothes
Supplies
“Royal Clothes” handout (download here)
full-sheet shipping labels
unsharpened pencils
Easy Prep
Print each page of the “Royal Clothes” handout on a full-sheet shipping label.
Cut apart the crowns on the handout.
Make a set of labels—1 robe, 1 cape, and 1 crown—per every four kids.
Dress as Kings and Queens
Have kids form groups of four.
Have small-group leaders give each group a set of printed labels and an
unsharpened pencil.
Say: Each member of your team will take a turn “dressing up” as a king
or queen. Place the robe sticker on the front of your shirt, the cape sticker on
your back, and the crown sticker on your forehead. Once you’re completely
dressed, hold up the pencil as a scepter while the others on your team shout
“But Jesus is the king!” Then remove the stickers, and let the next person take
his or her turn. Let’s see which team can get everyone dressed the fastest.
The game is finished when all the groups of four have shouted “But Jesus is the
king!” for every person in the group.
Talk About It
Say: When we think of kings and queens, we often think of people who
look like you did when you got “dressed up.” But a king or queen has to do
more than just look rich and important.
Have small-group leaders lead the following discussion in their small groups.
Ask: • What other words would you use to describe a king or a queen?
• Explain whether you think those words describe Jesus as king.
Say: One word the Bible uses to describe Jesus as king is the word
humble.
Ask: • How would you explain the word humble?
Say: Someone who’s humble doesn’t mind serving other people or
putting other people’s needs first. Jesus is powerful, and he’s the ruler over
everything. But unlike other kings or royalty, Jesus isn’t about looking grand
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and important. Jesus loves us—enough to come to earth as a helpless baby.
Let’s praise him by shouting “Jesus is the king!”
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LIFE APPLICATION WRAP-UP
[5 min]
Worship Jesus Today
Supplies
music player
worship song
paper
crayons
Easy Prep
Create stations around your room for the different types of worship kids can participate
in. Depending on the size of your group, you may want to make several stations for each
type of worship.
Choose Your Worship
Say: The wise men knew that people would worship King Jesus. They
knew Jesus was king of the Jewish people. But we know that Jesus is the king
over the whole earth, and we can show our love and respect to him, too. We
can worship him by bringing him gifts like the wise men did. We can also show
how much we love Jesus while singing or praying.
Invite kids to share any other ways they worship Jesus.
Say: Let’s worship our King now. You can choose whether you want to
sing along with the song, pray silently, or worship Jesus in a different way,
such as drawing him a picture.
Point out where each station is located in your room.
Say: Find the station where you want to worship Jesus, and go to it now
for a moment of worship.
Turn on the song, and allow a few minutes for kids to quietly worship Jesus.
Close in prayer: God, thank you for sending Jesus to be the greatest king
of all. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Thank the kids for coming, and tell them to remember in the upcoming week that
Jesus is the king.
The Life of Jesus, Lesson 4: Wise Men Worship King Jesus. Design and base content copyright © Group
Publishing, Inc. Licensed for use with 1-20 students. Permission to reproduce granted for local church
use only.
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LESSON 4: WISE MEN WORSHIP KING JESUS
Small Group Leader Guide
Classroom: Brigade
 M atthew 2:1-18
10/05/2016
Teachers Dig In
Dig In to the Bible
Read: Matthew 2:1-18
In This Passage: In today’s Bible passage, a group of wise men who’ve studied the
stars notice an unusual star and follow it to Jerusalem, where Israel’s king lived.
They’re looking for the newborn king who had caused the star to rise. When the
wise men find Jesus, they worship him. Hearing of this, King Herod wants to kill
Jesus, but God leads both the wise men and Jesus’ family to keep him safe.
Bible Point: Jesus is the king.
Summary Verse: “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it
rose, and we have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2).
Dig Deeper
You’ll Be Teaching: Jesus is the king. Although your kids may not live in a country
ruled by a king, they’re probably very familiar with the concept of kings, queens,
and princesses. Kids need to know that Jesus is set apart even from an earthly
king—he’s the king of the world...forever!
Think About: What would it be like to live in a country ruled by King Herod? How
would it make a difference to know that Jesus is king over Herod? What difference
does it make to know that Jesus is the king over the hard things in your life?
Dig In to Prayer
Write things that seem to rule in your kids’ lives (besides God). Cross each one out
as you pray that your kids will see how Jesus is king over everything else.
Quick Tip
Bookmark the Bible passage in a few Bibles before class each week. Kids who
aren’t as familiar with the Bible will be able to easily find the passage.
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This Lesson at a Glance
TALK-ABOUT VIDEO
Kids watch a video and discuss what it would be like to be king or queen.
Supplies
“Kings and Kingdoms” teaching video
(watch or download here)
DEEPER BIBLE
Kids explore how God led the Magi.
Supplies
Easy Prep
Bible
star stickers (1 per child)
poster board for every 10 kids
Draw a few small star shapes on the
poster boards, and hang them on the
wall.
*Marked supplies are also used in Core Bible Discovery
Let's keep kids safe! You can help by using supplies as instructed for only ages 3+, purchasing childsafe items, and being aware of allergy concerns.
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TALK-ABOUT VIDEO
[10 min]
Kings and Kingdoms
Supplies
“Kings and Kingdoms” teaching video (watch or download here)
Discuss and Watch "Kings and Kingdoms"
Ask the group: • Can anyone name a country that has a king or a queen
ruling there?
• How do you think someone gets to be a king or queen?
Say: The Bible tells us in Revelation 19:16 that Jesus is the King of all
kings and Lord of all lords. Jesus is the king of everyone and everything. Let’s
watch a video about kings and kingdoms.
Watch “Kings and Kingdoms.”
Ask: • What do you think of when you hear the word kingdom? Allow
several kids to call out their answers to the group.
Say: Find a partner, and talk about this question: If you were king or
queen, what would your kingdom be like? Allow about two minutes for kids to
share, and then continue as a group.
Ask: • How do you know if a king is a good king or a bad king?
Say: Angels came to tell the shepherds about Jesus. They don’t do that
for just anyone. In fact, they’ve never come to tell about any other king in
history—only Jesus! After the shepherds visited baby Jesus, they had no
doubt he truly was the king. They just had to tell everyone.
Most of us will never get a chance to talk to a human king, but we can talk
to Jesus, the king of everything, anytime we want. Isn’t that amazing? Think
about what you would like to say to the person who is the king of everything.
Would you want to ask him something, or kneel down and honor him, or give
him something? It’s up to you what you want to say. I’m going to give you a
minute of silence for you to privately talk to the king—Jesus.
After a minute of silent prayer, say “Amen.”
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DEEPER BIBLE
[15 min]
Is Jesus King Over Other Religions?
Supplies
Bible
star stickers (1 per child)
poster board for every 10 kids
Easy Prep
Draw a few small star shapes on the poster boards, and hang them on the wall.
Find the Stars
Give each child a star sticker.
Say: Long ago there were people called Magi who studied the stars to try
to tell the future. They may have even worshipped the stars. Let’s see how
close we can come to putting our stickers on the stars on our poster board.
Have kids take turns closing their eyes, spinning, and trying to put a sticker on
one of the stars.
Ask: • How did you figure out where to put your star?
Say: Without God’s help, no one can know the future. It’s like guessing or
taking a stab in the dark. But the Magi believed the stars could lead them. Even
though they followed a false religion, God still wanted the Magi to find Jesus.
That’s because Jesus is the king over everything—even people who believe in
false religions. Let’s dig in to that!
Consider God’s Power
Say: After Jesus was born, God placed a star in the sky that made these
Magi look for Jesus. First they looked at the palace in Jerusalem.
Ask: • Why would they look there?
Say: The king living in the palace, Herod, wasn’t too happy to hear that
there was another king somewhere! Listen to what happened after the Magi
talked to Herod.
Read aloud Matthew 2:9-10.
Ask: • If God could make the star move to lead the Magi, what does this tell
you about God?
Say: Let’s look at what happened when they found Jesus.
Read aloud Matthew 2:11.
Ask: • Do you think the Magi worshipped Jesus instead of their false
religion from then on? Explain.
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Say: We don’t know that the Magi believed Jesus was God, but they did
know he was the king of the Jews and that he was worthy of their praise.
Tell kids that not only is God king over the stars, but he is also king over dreams.
Read aloud Matthew 2:12.
Ask: • What does this tell you about what God can do?
• Why do you think God speaks to people who don’t even believe in him?
King Over Me
Say: Long ago, a man named Joshua explained that people have a choice
—whether or not to worship God.
Read aloud Joshua 24:14-15.
Say: Jesus is the king over everything. Even so, people can choose to
worship him and do good. Or they can choose to not worship him and do evil.
Whether or not everyone knows it, Jesus is the king!
Have kids talk silently to God about what they choose—to follow him or not.
The Life of Jesus, Lesson 4: Wise Men Worship King Jesus. Design and base content copyright © Group
Publishing, Inc. Licensed for use with 1-20 students. Permission to reproduce granted for local church
use only.
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