- 1. The Visit of the Magi, as described in Matthew 2:1–12, is a compelling narrative that recounts the arrival of wise men from the East who journey to seek the newborn King of the Jews, guided by a remarkable star that signifies His birth. These Magi, often depicted as scholars or astrologers, represent the Gentile world's recognition of Jesus as the Messiah, signifying that His birth holds universal significance beyond just the Jewish people. Upon reaching Jerusalem, they inquired of King Herod, prompting a fearful reaction from both Herod and the city's inhabitants, as the prophecy of a new king heralding a challenge to Herod's authority stirred unrest. Herod cunningly sought to ascertain the location of the child, feigning a desire to worship Him. The Magi, upon receiving divine direction, continued their journey to Bethlehem, where they found Jesus with Mary, His mother. Overwhelmed with joy, they presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, each symbolizing different aspects of Christ’s identity and mission — gold for His kingship, frankincense for His divinity, and myrrh foreshadowing His suffering and death. After being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, the Magi departed for their country by another route, signifying their obedience to divine guidance and the establishment of Jesus’ significance beyond borders. This encounter not only reflects the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies but also illustrates the theme of revelation and the call to acknowledge Christ as the Lord, highlighting the importance of seeking truth and following it, regardless of the challenges that may arise.
Who were the visitors to King Herod?
A) Disciples
B) Shepherds
C) Pharisees
D) Magi
- 2. From which region did the Magi come?
A) The South
B) The East
C) The West
D) The North
- 3. What celestial event guided the Magi?
A) A comet
B) A star
C) An angel
D) A meteor
- 4. What did King Herod ask the Magi to do?
A) Stay with him
B) Bring him gifts
C) Return and report to him
D) Worship with him
- 5. What gifts did the Magi present to Jesus?
A) Silver, myrrh, and spices
B) Gold, pearls, and incense
C) Gold, frankincense, and myrrh
D) Bronze, oil, and wheat
- 6. What did the Magi do after visiting Jesus?
A) They informed King Herod
B) They went back to Jerusalem
C) They returned home by another route
D) They stayed in Bethlehem
- 7. What was the significance of the gift of myrrh?
A) It has no significance
B) It symbolizes suffering and death
C) It symbolizes joy
D) It symbolizes royalty
- 8. What was Herod's ultimate intention regarding Jesus?
A) To worship him
B) To kill him
C) To assist him
D) To adopt him
- 9. What was Mary and Joseph instructed to do after the Magi's visit?
A) Go to Jerusalem
B) Stay in Bethlehem
C) Flee to Egypt
D) Return to Nazareth
- 10. In which Gospel is the visit of the Magi recorded?
A) Luke
B) Mark
C) Matthew
D) John
- 11. How do tradition and scripture differ regarding the Magi?
A) Both agree on number and names
B) Scripture presents five Magi
C) There is no mention of Magi in scripture
D) Tradition suggests three Magi, but scripture does not specify
- 12. Why is the visit of the Magi significant in Christianity?
A) It highlights the role of the shepherds
B) It shows Jesus' miracles
C) It emphasizes Jewish heritage
D) It acknowledges Jesus' kingship by Gentiles
- 13. What characteristic is often attributed to the Magi?
A) Power
B) Strength
C) Fearlessness
D) Wisdom
- 14. What does 'frankincense' symbolize?
A) Divinity and worship
B) Rebellion
C) Wealth and power
D) Healing
- 15. Who was the king of Judea at the time of Jesus' birth?
A) Pontius Pilate
B) Herod
C) David
D) Caesar
- 16. What was the purpose of the Magi's visit?
A) To test Herod
B) To prophesy
C) To worship the newborn king
D) To interview Joseph
- 17. What was the prophecy concerning the location of the Messiah?
A) He will be born in Nazareth
B) He will be born in Jerusalem
C) He will be born in Bethlehem
D) He will be born in Egypt
- 18. What does the name 'Magi' imply about their background?
A) They were commoners
B) They were wise men or astrologers
C) They were kings
D) They were shepherds
- 19. What does the visit of the Magi highlight about Jesus?
A) His universal significance
B) His isolation
C) His local significance
D) His unimportance
- 20. What did the Magi follow to locate Jesus?
A) The direction of the wind
B) A map
C) The star
D) A prophetic scroll
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