Matthew 2:1-12

The Wise Men Bible lesson for kids

A complete The Wise Men lesson plan for Sunday school or homeschool — one version for each age band, from preschool to preteen. Pick the section that matches your kids and teach.

Jump to Ages 4–6Jump to Ages 6–9Jump to Ages 9–12

Preschool & Kindergarten

Ages 4–6

Objective

Children will understand that the wise men followed the star to Jesus and worshiped him with their best gifts.

Opening question

What would you do if a bright new star showed you where to go?

Tell the story

Read Matthew 2:1-12 together. Wise men from far away saw a special star and traveled to find Jesus. The star led them to a house, where they saw young Jesus with Mary and bowed down to worship him. They gave Jesus gold, frankincense, and myrrh, and God warned them to go home by another road.

Hands-on activities

Follow the Star

Materials: Paper star, Tape, Three small boxes or bags

  1. Tape the paper star where everyone can see it.
  2. Place the three boxes across the room.
  3. March together toward the star while pretending to ride camels.
  4. Pick up the boxes and carry them to a pretend house.
  5. Kneel and say, “Jesus, you are our King.”

Bright Star Coloring

Materials: Our free printable coloring page, Crayons, Yellow paper scraps, Glue

  1. Look for the star on our free printable coloring page.
  2. Color Jesus, Mary, and the wise men.
  3. Tear yellow paper into small pieces.
  4. Glue the pieces around the star to make it shine.
  5. Point to the gifts the wise men brought Jesus.

Talk about it

  1. Who followed the star to find Jesus?
  2. What did the wise men do when they saw Jesus?
  3. What loving gift can we give Jesus today?

Closing prayer

Jesus, we worship you and give you our love.

Early Elementary

Ages 6–9

Objective

Children will explain how the wise men followed God’s guidance, worshiped Jesus, and showed that Jesus came for people from every land.

Opening question

Have you ever followed directions that led you somewhere exciting?

Tell the story

Read Matthew 2:1-12 together. Wise men from the east followed a star because they were looking for the newborn King of the Jews. In Jerusalem, Herod learned that the promised ruler would be born in Bethlehem, but his offer to worship Jesus was not honest. The star led the wise men to Jesus and Mary, where they bowed, worshiped, and offered gold, frankincense, and myrrh. After God warned them in a dream, they returned home by another way.

Hands-on activities

Star Journey Relay

Materials: Paper star, Tape, Three small boxes, Chair, Blanket

  1. Tape the star at one end of the room.
  2. Use the chair as Herod’s palace and the blanket as the house.
  3. Carry one gift box through the course.
  4. Pause at the palace and ask where the king was born.
  5. Continue to the house and kneel before Jesus.
  6. Return by a different path to remember God’s warning.

Epiphany Gift Picture

Materials: Our free printable coloring page, Crayons or colored pencils, Pencil

  1. Color our free printable coloring page.
  2. Circle the star and each gift.
  3. Write “Jesus is for everyone” near the top.
  4. Draw small flags or faces around the border to represent many nations.
  5. Share one way you can honor Jesus this week.

Talk about it

  1. Why did the wise men keep traveling until they found Jesus?
  2. How was Herod’s response to Jesus different from the wise men’s response?
  3. What can we give Jesus even if we do not have gold or perfume?

Closing prayer

Jesus, help us follow you, worship you, and welcome people from every nation.

Upper Elementary & Preteen

Ages 9–12

Objective

Children will compare the responses of the wise men and Herod and choose practical ways to seek, worship, and obey Jesus.

Opening question

How can you tell whether someone truly wants to honor Jesus or only pretends to?

Tell the story

Read Matthew 2:1-12 together. The Magi traveled from the east after seeing a star connected with the birth of the King of the Jews. Herod was troubled and told them to report back, claiming that he also wanted to worship the child. The star guided the Magi to the house where Jesus and Mary were, and they responded with joy, humility, worship, and costly gifts. God warned them in a dream, so they courageously obeyed and returned to their country by another route.

Hands-on activities

Two Responses

Materials: Two sheets of paper, Pencils, Tape

  1. Label one paper “The Magi” and the other “Herod.”
  2. List each person’s words, motives, and actions from the passage.
  3. Tape the papers on opposite sides of the room.
  4. Read several modern choices about honesty, generosity, and obedience.
  5. Move toward the paper showing which response each choice resembles.
  6. Explain how sincere worship changes actions.

Guided by God Page

Materials: Our free printable coloring page, Colored pencils or markers, Pencil

  1. Color our free printable coloring page with special attention to the star and gifts.
  2. Write “guidance” beside the star.
  3. Write “worship” beside the gifts.
  4. Add names of nations or cultures around the border.
  5. Write one difficult situation where you need God’s wisdom.
  6. Share your idea only if you feel comfortable.

Talk about it

  1. What evidence shows that the Magi’s worship was sincere?
  2. Why might obeying God’s warning have required courage?
  3. How can we show at school or with friends that Jesus welcomes people from every nation?

Closing prayer

Jesus, help us seek you honestly, worship you fully, and obey you courageously.

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