|
|
| . |
| Wise Men and The Star of Bethlehem |
 |
 |
| Matthew 2:1-2 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. The Gospel of Matthew gives to us the account of the wise men, who were seeking the Messiah. They followed a special star to the land where Messiah was born. The Bible does not state that theses wise men were "kings". The Bible says that they were "WISE MEN" and does not specify "three". (Tradition says "three" but this is not according to the Bible. The Gospel of Matthew does not give us a specific number.) There could have been a hundred men or more. The phrase "wise men," in Matthew 2:1,7, is Magi or "Magoi" in the Greek and applies to members of a special group of men-- could be scientists, philosophers and/or advisors to kings. Many bible scholars have speculated that the Magi may have been influenced by the teachings of Daniel, the prophet. From Daniel's prophecy, they would have known the time period in which Messiah would come. (see Daniel, chapter 9) We don't really know for certain but this seems very possible. THEY WERE WISE We do know that the Magi were wise. One could say, men full of wisdom and knowledge. Certainly the knowledge concerning the star and its significance was given to them by God. They knew that to follow the star meant that they would see the Messiah. They were VERY certain about the star for they said, "we have seen his star". They knew this particular star pointed to the newborn King of the Jews... It was HIS star. Now, how do men get wisdom? By fearing the Lord! Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. THEIR FAITH Most likely the Magi were of the Jewish faith and worshipped the God of Abraham because the first thing that they ask is, "Where is he that is born King of the Jews?" Now, this gives us some indication that they were of the Jewish religion for they wanted to worship the new born King of the Jews. They must have believed the Hebrew Prophecies concerning Jewish Messiah and journeyed a long distance to pay homage to Jesus. No one knows for sure the ethnicity of the Magi. Many have suggested that the "wise men" were from Babylon, which is east of Israel. We cannot be sure of this. They could have come from even farther east. There is no way of knowing their origin for certain. We know that in Esther 8:17 the Bible says of those in Babylon, "many of the people of the land became Jews". What we do know (just by reading the Scriptures) that they were not your run of the mill ordinary men. They were important men on a journey of a lifetime. They were seeking THE King of the Jews. They did not journey to see Herod. They were seeking a King whose Kingdom shall never end. Isaiah 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. The wise men possessed some kind of knowledge that the Star they saw in the East, signified the birth of the King of the Jews. Most likely the prophecy of Balaam: Num 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel... THEIR MISSION The Magi did not want to sit and fellowship in the presence of Herod. They wanted to see Jesus. Their words troubled Herod, the king, and all of Jerusalem. The Magi were not impressed to see Herod's palace. They cared not to make friends with dignitaries. They came a great distance to see the Lord and to WORSHIP Him. Matthew 2:3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. For the Magi to be granted an audience with King Herod shows that their appearance was not ordinary. Their presence had the entire city talking. Their appearance was on a large grand scale. They must have had a large group accompanying them...probably a military escort as well. Three ordinary guys on camels in the city could not scare a child, yet alone Herod. So their entrance into the city was a sight to behold...so much so to cause fear round about the city. One must remember that years ago, people did not travel alone through the wilderness. Travel was never easy. There were no motels in the wilderness. There were no fast food restaurants. To journey to another land was difficult to do. People traveled in large groups for reasons that there were always bandits waiting for travelers to pass by. Unprotected and alone, a traveler did not have a chance. So one did not travel without being in a large group. One certainly would not travel with gold, frankincense, and myrrh without an entourage of people. These were precious and expensive things. We know that they were fairly wealthy because of the distance traveled (it took money to travel) and the expensive gifts that they brought. THE PROPHECY FULFILLED Matthew 2:4 And when he [Herod] had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. Notice that Herod knew that the Magi were talking about Christ. Not just any king of the Jews but Christ Himself. He gathered up those who knew the Scriptures. Herod wanted to know where Christ would be born. Matthew 2:5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Here is bible prophecy fulfilled. Jesus, the Messiah-- the Christ, was born in Bethlehem. Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Notice that the Bible says, "whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." Here we see the Deity of Christ. Jesus said, "Before Abraham was, I AM." God's Word is true. Jesus is God. Jesus had a beginning as a man (born of a virgin) but He NEVER had a beginning as God. He is Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. Matthew 2:7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. Notice that Herod secretly called the wise men and diligently asked them when the star first appeared. Herod was taking no chances. He wanted an exact time frame. Already his evil heart was getting a plan together in attempts to kill the Messiah. Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. Notice that Herod sent them to Bethlehem. He did not send them to Caesarea but he sent them to the place where the Scriptures foretold of Messiah's birthplace. He told them search diligently...leave no place unturned. Notice that Herod called Jesus a "young child" and not a baby. Jesus was under two years of age at the time. He was not an infant when the Magi came, as many nativity pictures tend to portray. Notice that Herod also lied to the Magi, "that I may come and worship him also." Herod believed Scripture to a certain extent...we know this by his preventative actions in killing all of the children two years and under in Bethlehem. Herod is a prime example of one who believes ...the devils also believe and tremble...but yet he did not want God. He did not want the Messiah to take over. He wanted to kill the Lord Jesus. Many of the leaders in our world today would do the same. Jesus was a threat to Herod's position and privilege. It is interesting that when Messiah was born into this world, the world did not welcome Him. Even the inn keeper had no room. The news of the Lord's birth was not heralded in the streets of Bethlehem. The angels did not proclaim the Lord's birth to the scribes and religious leaders. The angels proclaimed the Good News to the shepherds, who were tending to their flocks at night. Jesus, the Lamb of God, was born in a stable. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, was greeted by the village shepherds who ran to see Him. What a picture. The King of the Universe was not greeted by the rich people nor the religious people of the day. He was the Word wrapped in human flesh and was greeted by lowly shepherds, who were awaiting their Messiah. Psalm 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Getting back to the Magi... Matthew 2:9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. Many scholars have suggested that the star disappeared out of their sight for a little while-- that is why the Magi ended up in Jerusalem. From the Scriptures, this seems correct. So when they lost the star, they journeyed to Jerusalem because that is where Messiah should reign. That is where the current king was residing. The Magi assumed the people of the day would KNOW where Messiah was. They must have been a bit confused to find that no one knew of this new born King of the Jews. They journeyed all that way and no one could help them. Help came from an unlikely source... Herod told them to look in Bethlehem. Now, notice that when they departed from Herod's palace, THEN the star appeared again and they rejoiced exceedingly. The reappearance of the star confirmed their faith. They journeyed to Bethlehem... The star appeared and stood over the house where Jesus was. WORSHIP JESUS THE KING Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. Notice that when the wise men came into the house, they fell down and worshipped Jesus. They did not worship Mary or Joseph. They worshipped the Lord. All praise and honor and glory and blessings are due to God. Sadly, many professing Christians (Catholics) worldwide bow before statues of Mary ((she also sinned as all of us have...Romans 3:23) . They worship idols of stone-- which the bible forbids in the Second Commandment. Exodus 20:4-5 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; So the Magi worshipped Jesus who is worthy of all honor and praise. Jesus was God as a baby (Luke 1:35, John 1:14) and He is God today. Those within the Word of Faith movement make the heretical statements that, "Jesus became God at the age of thirty"... Such teaching is blasphemy in light of God's Holy Word. The Bible tells us in John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. Isaiah 9:6: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 1John 4:9-10 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. The Magi came a great distance searching for their Messiah. They brought expensive gifts worthy of the King. They found the King of all ages in a house-- not a palace. No crown upon His head. No royal garments upon His body. They opened their treasures and presented Jesus with the very best that they could bring. Gold, frankincense and myrrh were traditional gifts given to royalty in the Middle East. Frankincense and myrrh were fragrant gum resins that were extracted from trees in South Arabia and Ethiopia. They were used to make fine perfumes and anointing oils. In Jesus' day Myrrh was so extremely valuable. The cost of Myrrh in Jesus' day would equal around $4,000 per pound in today's money. KING OF THE JEWS Gold is a gift for a king. It represents power and wealth. Yet Jesus would live a very humble life and would die the most excruciating death. He is the King, who was born in a stable and laid in a manger. It is interesting that the wise men asked, "Where is he that is born King of the Jews?" and at Jesus' death above His righteous head was the inscription that Pilate, a Gentile-- Roman governor had inscribed in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. (Luk 23:38) That was His crime, according to the religious leaders of His day. The crime of being King of the Jews. Pilate found no fault in Jesus. Many scholars have said that Gold was for a king, frankincense for a priest, myrrh for one who is to die! These gifts give us true insight: Jesus was to be the true King, the perfect High Priest, and in the end, the Supreme Saviour. The religious leaders at His birth did not recognize His coming. The majority of religious leaders of His adult years did not recognize Him for who He was. They crucified Him and even after hearing from their own guards that Jesus arose from the dead, they paid the soldiers money to keep quiet. They did not care for the things of God. Herod cared nothing for the things of God. Yet the lowly shepherds worshipped Him. The fisherman followed Him. The outcasts felt His love and compassion. The sick were healed by Him. The demon possessed were set free. The blind were given their sight. The dead were raised back to life. The wise men presented their gifts to Him out of their treasures. Gifts for the King of Kings. The Magi did not reside in Israel but yet they sought Israel's Messiah and sought after Him diligently. Yet those living closest to Him did not recognize Him. Wise men today still seek Him and do find Him. Jesus is not found in the palace of princes but rather will be found by those with a humble heart. Psalm 105:3 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. The wise men found Jesus living in a house. Jesus never wore a crown of gold upon His head as fit for a King. He wore a crown of thorns-- He wore it for you and for me. He never rode a white horse decorated in gold but instead rode a humble young donkey, that never a man rode. He rode the donkey into a city that He knew would crucify Him a few days later. It was prophesied in the Scriptures (Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, etc.) that Messiah would be crucified for our sins. Here is the beauty of His life: 2Cor 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. Phil 2:6-11 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. The Magi must have left the city that night not truly understanding it all. The King they sought for was not found in Herod's palace. The star did not shine above Herod's dwelling. The star shown down in the humble town of Bethlehem upon a house where a small child resided with His humble parents. Mat 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. That night the Magi fell asleep and God warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. They obeyed God's command and went into their own country another way. One can only imagine their conversations as they journeyed home. They saw the One they were searching for. They saw Him face to face and they found Jesus, the King of the Jews, in a very unlikely place...a humble place for the KING OF ALL KINGS. The plan of God was for Jesus to die for the sins of the world. The Lamb of God was born in a humble stable. He was found living in a humble house. His Kingdom is not of this present world. The Lord Jesus said in John 18:36, "My kingdom is not of this world..." There are so many lessons to learn from the account in Matthew, chapter 2. The Lord was not found dwelling among the proud but the humble. Jesus left the splendor of Heaven to become a humble Servant, obedient unto death to redeem fallen man. He went to the Cross to die for your sins and mine. He arose from the dead-- victorious over death. Though Jesus came to earth as a humble servant at His first advent, He is coming as the conquering King in His Second Advent. He will come with many crowns upon His head, riding a white horse and will rescue Israel (Matthew 23:39) from destruction. Jesus will destroy the nations that will come against her. He will destroy the antichrist and the armies of the world. Jesus will come as KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS. He will take His rightful Throne in Jerusalem and there He will reign over His people and will be their God. Those in Christ will live forever with Him. He promised eternal life to those who receive Him as their Savior. Is there room in your heart today for the Savior? Are you seeking the Messiah? Are you seeking Him diligently as the wise men did? Jesus can be found within the pages of the Bible-- Old and New Testaments. As you humble yourself and seek His face, you will find Him. Amos 5:8 Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD is his name: Psalm 145:18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. Isaiah 55:6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Copyright © 2005 Cobblestone Road Ministries All Rights Reserved FURTHER READING: Jesus Died For Us Jesus, The King Of Glory! The King Was Born In A Manger Should We Teach the Kids about Santa Claus? Are You Rapture Ready? Consider who the Lord is! The Door of Hope For All Christmas Bible Studies, Poems and Links |
 |
 |
| We are listed in the following directories. We do not necessarily endorse all the sites listed in the topsites below. Just because one labels a site, "christian" does not make it biblical. So please use discernment when visiting any link: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |