Matthew 2

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy” (v10).  This is what separated the wise men from Herod and the religious leaders.  They all had the same information about “he who has been born king of the Jews” (v2).  But the wise men traveled a great distance from a foreign land to search for that King, and when they found Him, they rejoiced.  Herod, meanwhile, “was troubled” (v3), and put his efforts into opposing the new King.

Ultimately, we will be judged by how we receive Jesus.  “To all who did receive him … he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).