Wise Men Then and Now Worship Him

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him…After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshipped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.” –Matthew 2:1-2; 9-12 (ESV. Read Matthew 2:1-12).

A very familiar part of the Christmas story is Matthew’s account of the adoration of the Magi. We get the word Magi (plural) from the Greek word Magos, meaning scientist or wise men. Where did they come from and how would they know to seek out Jesus as the King of the Jews?

In Daniel a similar word was used to indicate those who interpreted dreams, and referred also to astrologers (those who studied signs and wonders, divination) and astronomers (those who studied the stars, likewise interpreting signs in them). Jewish people were forbidden to practice divination. We know these visitors were Gentiles, possibly from Persia. The Nova (new) Star they had seen in their eastern lands was interpreted by them to mean that a new King of the Jews had been born. The logical place to find a King of the Jews was in Jerusalem, so they began their trek. Since the Jews had been in exile in Babylon and Persia, they may have taught the people there about the prophecies concerning a Messiah King who was to be born. Numbers 24:17 was held as a prophetic scripture forthtelling this king: “I see him but not now; I behold him, but not near; a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.”

It was logical for the visitors from the East to inquire at the palace of King Herod about the newborn king whose star they had seen rise in the east. Herod was troubled at their inquiry but did not know about any newborn king. He called in Jewish scribes and priests to inquire where their king was to be born. They could quickly quote for him from Micah 5:2, giving Bethlehem as the place of the expected birth. They knew the scripture, but strangely enough, these learned men of Israel did not go on the quest with the Magi. Neither Herod, although troubled, for his reign was constantly in jeopardy, did not go with them, but asked them to return to him when they had found the child so that he, too, could go and pay his homage. Immediately upon their leaving the palace, the star returned again to guide them.

Soon it was over the house where the child, Mary and Joseph resided. Notice that by the time the Magi arrived, the holy family was in “a house,” not the stable where Jesus was born. This is one clue that time had passed. Another would come with King Herod’s decree later. When they found the Babe, they fell down and worshiped Him. Did these from a pagan land know the significance of the child they worshiped? It is doubtful that they knew the impact of His nature and mission, but in their action there was a foreshadowing of the time when all the Gentile nations would come to acknowledge and recognize him. Also the presentation of gifts in worship was significant. They brought their best gifts to the baby King. The number of gifts has led us to believe there were three wise men. However, we do not know their numbers. The gifts were symbolic: gold represented Christ’s royalty; frankincense his divinity; and myrrh his passion and sacrificial death. Many scholars have thought that the gifts to Jesus were used to finance the family’s trip and stay in Egypt when they fled to escape Herod’s decree of death for all male infants two and under.

Of vital importance in the Magi’s visit is their quest, its fulfillment, worship, the gifts and the symbolism of Jesus coming to be not just the King of the Jews but the Savior of the world. Wise men worshiped Him in the first year of our Lord (Anno Domini). Those who still seek after Him, trust Him and worship Him today are wise, indeed.

Prayer. The Christmas story in all its parts helps us to see the completeness of God’s plan of grace. Thank you that Gentiles came to the light of Your dawning. It is wise to seek and follow the Lord. Amen. –Ethelene Dyer Jones 12.28.2014