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    The Wise Men Follow the Star: Sunday School Lesson

    Matthew 2:1–12

    Ages 4–10 ~45 min Memory: Matthew 2:10

    Print this page straight from your browser — the story, memory verse, discussion questions and craft all fit on one sheet.

    Big Idea

    Jesus is the King worth seeking — we bring Him our worship and our best.

    Story Summary

    Wise men from the east saw a special star and travelled to Jerusalem asking, "Where is he that is born King of the Jews?" King Herod was troubled, but the priests found in the Scriptures that the King would be born in Bethlehem. The star went before the wise men until it stood over the place where the young child was. They rejoiced, came into the house, fell down and worshipped Jesus, and gave Him gold, frankincense and myrrh. God warned them in a dream, so they went home another way.

    Read the full retelling →

    Memory Verse (KJV)

    “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.”

    Matthew 2:10

    Discussion Questions

    1. What led the wise men to Jesus?

      Teacher hint: A star (Matthew 2:2, 9).

    2. What did the wise men do when they found Jesus?

      Teacher hint: They fell down and worshipped Him (Matthew 2:11).

    3. What three gifts did they bring?

      Teacher hint: Gold, frankincense and myrrh (Matthew 2:11).

    4. Why did they go home a different way?

      Teacher hint: God warned them in a dream not to return to Herod (Matthew 2:12).

    5. What can you give Jesus? (Hint: it doesn't have to cost money.)

    Craft Idea: Shining Star Ornament

    Supplies

    • Card-stock star shape per child
    • Glue and gold glitter or yellow crayons
    • Hole punch and ribbon
    • A label with Matthew 2:10

    Steps

    1. Color or glitter the star gold.
    2. Punch a hole at the top and tie a ribbon loop.
    3. Glue the Matthew 2:10 label on the back.
    4. Hang it on a tree or window as a reminder to seek Jesus.

    Printable Worksheet

    Print the lesson page; pair it with the free nativity coloring page.

    Take the quiz online Coloring page This Sunday's lesson

    Lesson flow (45 minutes)

    1. Welcome (5 min): Pray, then read the memory verse aloud three times together.
    2. Story (10 min): Tell the story summary in your own words; open a KJV to Matthew 2:1–12.
    3. Discussion (10 min): Walk through the questions above. Let every child answer at least once.
    4. Craft (15 min): Make the shining star ornament.
    5. Wrap-up (5 min): Hand out the worksheet to finish at home and recite the memory verse one last time.

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    Where to go next

    Teaching The Wise Men Follow the Star? Here is what to grab next for your class.