2:9-11
The Magi left Herod and were guided by the star to the place where Jesus was. They were filled with joy when they realised that they were being guided to where the king was, and when they came to the house where Jesus was they bowed down and worshipped Him. Remember that it was an infant that they saw, not a mature man, yet they bowed down and worshipped. They gave the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Note that Mary and Jesus were in a house, not the manger. This was some time after the birth. Gold is a fitting gift for a king. Frankincense was frequently used by priests in the temple, and myrrh was used to embalm the dead. Jesus was the king, the great high priest, whose greatest act would be to die for us all.
2:12
Herod had told them to report back to him. Men were plotting to kill Jesus, as they would throughout his ministry, and today many men plot to destroy His body the church. Men are plotting, but God is in control, and He acts outside what men are doing. So here He warned the Magi not to go back to Herod, so they returned by a different route. It is easy to become anxious or frightened by the plotting of men, but a better reaction is for us to worship the Lord.
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