True Joy vs. Empty Promises 🌟 | Matthew Devotional (7-Step QT)

7-Step QT Notes

1. 🙏 Quiet Time

Pause.

Take a deep breath.

Ask God to fill your heart with joy in His promises today.

2. 📅 January 14, 2026

Today’s passage reminds us:

True joy comes from recognizing and worshiping Jesus, not from worldly power or control.

3. ✝️ Matthew 2:1-12

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem during Herod’s reign, wise men from the East came seeking the newborn King of the Jews, guided by a rising star. Herod, troubled, consulted the chief priests who confirmed the prophecy of Bethlehem. Pretending to worship, Herod sent them to find the child. The star led them to Jesus; they rejoiced greatly, worshiped Him, and offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Warned in a dream, they returned home by another route.

4. 📖 Key Verse

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy (v. 10).

5. 📝 Reflection

Today’s passage is a well-known story in Scripture, often featured in Christmas plays and performances. It portrays the Magi following the star to Bethlehem, worshiping the newborn Jesus, and offering gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. In contrast, King Herod hides his true intentions, asking the Magi to report back so he can eliminate the perceived threat to his throne.

Although this story is famous, Matthew does not explain who the Magi were or why they traveled with a large entourage to worship Jesus. However, Matthew emphasizes their overwhelming joy when they saw the star again, using the word “joy” twice. Why did Matthew highlight their joy? Generally, it contrasts with Herod’s schemes and Jerusalem’s unrest. Ultimately, Matthew wanted Jewish readers to see that the great joy of these Gentiles signified the fulfillment of promises given to their ancestors.

Dear friends, is starting your day in God’s Word your greatest joy? May our joy surpass that of the Magi who rejoiced at the star. They witnessed only the fulfillment of Christ’s birth, but we have seen His death and resurrection and believe His promised return will surely come.

6. 💬 What does this passage speak to you today?

  • Where do I look for joy—in circumstances or in Christ?
  • How can I worship Jesus with my best today, like the Magi did?
  • What does it mean for me to live with hope in His promised return?

7. 🙏 Prayer

Lord, help me find my greatest joy in You today.

Teach me to worship You with all I have, not just with words but with my life.

Thank You for the hope of Your promises—fulfilled in Jesus and guaranteed in His return.

Amen.

Scriptures

📖 1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6 “ ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ”

7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way (Matthew 2:1-12, ESV).

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