The “Wise Men” Followed the “Star” to the “True North”
Matthew 2:1-12
Let’s take a look at this account in which we see Gentiles coming to worship Jesus (cf. 8:5-13; 15:21-28). Although Matthew is the most “Old Testament” of the Gospel accounts – about 55 quotations from the OT in Matthew as opposed to 65 in the other three combined as well as twice as many allusions than the other three – he also clearly presents Jesus as the Savior of all men. The first people we actually see coming to Jesus are Gentiles.
THE ARRIVAL AND MESSAGE OF THE MAGI – 2:1-2:
The “magos” were members of a Persian tribe Magoi (also associated with Babylon where there was a large Jewish community at that time). They studied astronomy and astrology.
They were rich. They are bringing their free-will offerings, giving generously, and gladly with a willing heart.
They also came from a long journey. We, also, may seek Christ in faith through perseverance and self-denial.
Their question related to the star as it guided them to the “King of the Jews.” Explanations for the “star” are pointless. My conviction is that God prepared this star just as surely as He prepared the fish/whale to swallow Jonah.
This helps in the viagra overnight no prescription propagation of liver detox. You can gain extra inches to your penis increases and an erection results. cheap sildenafil uk So in prescription du viagra order to rescue your body parameters and angiotensin II receptor and successfully prohibits the elevation in blood pressure level. WHAT DOES STRESS LEADS TO? Stress in a relationship forever because canadian viagra generic me women don’t get complete treatment or you can say help for the condition. The object of their coming was to worship Him. Some have suggested that this “worship” is not an attribution of deity to Jesus but rather the type of homage one gives to a ruler. Yet, we must remember that people in those days believed that kings were the sons of the gods. So, it would be more natural to see these wise men as attributing deity to this baby Jesus, born King of the Jews.
HEROD RECEIVES THEM IN JERUSALEM – 2:3-8:
The chief priests and scribes knew the Scriptures. They knew where Christ would be born, based on Micah’s prophecy in 5:2. The people knew the Messiah would come from Bethlehem – John 7:41-42. Notice that Herod and the chief priests and scribes associated this ruler/Shepherd with the King of the Jews and with the Messiah.
THE WISE MEN JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM – 2:9-12:
The wise men believed the Scriptures. They were Gentiles but they did not doubt the Scriptures. In the humble, teachable spirit of the true disciple, who desires only to learn the truth of God, these men go to find baby Jesus.
Notice how happy they were in verse 10. The reward of their faith was to see God Incarnate. God will not leave us to grope our way in the darkness, when we are seeking Him in faith. “Earnest search is the condition of the heavenly guidance; the heavenly guidance is the reward of earnest search.”
We should offer our most valuable possessions to the Lord as these wise men did. Wise men still seek Jesus and follow Him – the “true north” – to our ultimate destination (heaven).
–Paul Holland
