Welcome!
Have you ever followed a map or a sign to find your way?
Sunday school · Ages 7–9
The wise men follow the star
Matthew 2:1–12
Mainline Christian
Welcome each child by name. Ask the question and let two or three children answer. Say: Today we will hear about some travelers who followed a star.
Wise men saw a new star.
They lived far away in the east. The star told them a new king was born.
A long, long trip
They followed the star for many days and nights.
“Where is the baby king?”
King Herod was worried. He wanted to be the only king.
Go to Bethlehem!
God’s prophet Micah said a leader would come from little Bethlehem.
The star stopped!
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.”
Matthew 2:10
They found Jesus.
Jesus was with his mother, Mary. The wise men knelt down and worshiped him.
Gold, frankincense, and myrrh
They opened their treasures and gave Jesus gifts.
Home another way
God warned them in a dream. So they went home a different way.
God’s love is for everyone.
The wise men came from another country. God led them to Jesus too.
I wonder…
I wonder how the wise men felt when the star stopped.
I wonder…
I wonder what gift you would bring to Jesus.
Question 1 of 8
What did the wise men see in the sky?
They saw a new star and knew a new king was born.
Question 2 of 8
Who did the wise men ask, “Where is the baby king?”
They went to King Herod in the big city of Jerusalem.
Question 3 of 8
In which town was Jesus born?
God’s prophet Micah said a leader would come from Bethlehem.
Question 4 of 8
What did the star do when it got to Bethlehem?
The star stood still over the house where Jesus was.
Question 5 of 8
What gifts did the wise men give Jesus?
They opened their treasures and gave him gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Question 6 of 8
Why do people often say there were three wise men?
Matthew names three gifts. He does not say how many wise men came.
Question 7 of 8
Why did the wise men go home another way?
God told them not to go back to King Herod.
Question 8 of 8
What does this story show about God’s love?
God led the wise men from far away to meet Jesus.
Great job!
You finished all 8 questions.
Our memory verse
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.”
Matthew 2:10
Make a shining star
- Trace a star on cardboard.
- Cut out the star.
- Wrap it in foil.
- Tape a stick to the back.
- Add a strip: God’s love is for everyone!
Follow the star
- Follow the star leader around the room.
- When the star stops, freeze!
- At the house, kneel and say: We found Jesus!
- Walk back a different way.
Let’s pray
Dear God, thank you for leading the wise men to Jesus. Thank you that your love is for everyone. Amen.
Speaker notes