- 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) Magi
B) Pharisees
C) Shepherds
D) Disciples
- 2. From which region did the Magi come?
A) The East
B) The West
C) The North
D) The South
- 3. What celestial event guided the Magi?
A) An angel
B) A comet
C) A meteor
D) A star
- 4. What did King Herod ask the Magi to do?
A) Stay with him
B) Worship with him
C) Return and report to him
D) Bring him gifts
- 5. What gifts did the Magi present to Jesus?
A) Gold, pearls, and incense
B) Gold, frankincense, and myrrh
C) Bronze, oil, and wheat
D) Silver, myrrh, and spices
- 6. What did the Magi do after visiting Jesus?
A) They went back to Jerusalem
B) They stayed in Bethlehem
C) They returned home by another route
D) They informed King Herod
- 7. What was the significance of the gift of myrrh?
A) It symbolizes suffering and death
B) It symbolizes royalty
C) It symbolizes joy
D) It has no significance
- 8. What was Herod's ultimate intention regarding Jesus?
A) To adopt him
B) To kill him
C) To worship him
D) To assist him
- 9. What was Mary and Joseph instructed to do after the Magi's visit?
A) Stay in Bethlehem
B) Go to Jerusalem
C) Flee to Egypt
D) Return to Nazareth
- 10. In which Gospel is the visit of the Magi recorded?
A) Mark
B) Luke
C) Matthew
D) John
- 11. How do tradition and scripture differ regarding the Magi?
A) There is no mention of Magi in scripture
B) Scripture presents five Magi
C) Both agree on number and names
D) Tradition suggests three Magi, but scripture does not specify
- 12. Why is the visit of the Magi significant in Christianity?
A) It acknowledges Jesus' kingship by Gentiles
B) It shows Jesus' miracles
C) It highlights the role of the shepherds
D) It emphasizes Jewish heritage
- 13. What characteristic is often attributed to the Magi?
A) Strength
B) Power
C) Wisdom
D) Fearlessness
- 14. What does 'frankincense' symbolize?
A) Wealth and power
B) Rebellion
C) Divinity and worship
D) Healing
- 15. Who was the king of Judea at the time of Jesus' birth?
A) Herod
B) Caesar
C) David
D) Pontius Pilate
- 16. What was the purpose of the Magi's visit?
A) To test Herod
B) To prophesy
C) To interview Joseph
D) To worship the newborn king
- 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 shepherds
C) They were kings
D) They were wise men or astrologers
- 19. What does the visit of the Magi highlight about Jesus?
A) His universal significance
B) His local significance
C) His unimportance
D) His isolation
- 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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