THE WISE MEN VISIT JESUS

Matt 2:1-6 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea 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? When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet, and thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. (Also Read Vss. 7-12)

Although the home of Joseph and Mary was in Nazareth, Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, the home of their ancestor, David; a city located about six miles south of Jerusalem. He was born during the reign of Herod the Great; the son of an Edomite named Antipater, and was appointed King of Judea by the Roman ruler, Caesar Augustus. It was at this time that there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. The Greek word, here translated "wise men," more accurately means "Magi." This word refers to astrologers - "highly educated" men that prided themselves in "predicting" future events by the position of moons and stars. They are grouped with other human philosophical sects such as magicians, diviners, sorcerers, etc. These Magi came from the east, which rightly identifies them as an order of the Persian priesthood coming from the region around the Euphrates River delta. As astronomers, they would naturally be inquisitive about observing the heavenly bodies. Therefore, when they saw a new star in the east, their inquiring minds sought a reasonable answer.

It is evident that these wise men were aware of the prophecies of the Messiah that was promised to the nation of Israel. And, as did the Jewish nation, the wise men, no doubt, expected this to be a temporal prince that would rule an earthly kingdom. They probably knew of Daniel's prophecy about the coming of the Messiah, and knew the approximate time it was to take place according to this same prophecy (See Dan. 9:25-27). More than likely they had read Moses inspired writings that said that there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel (Num. 24:17b). It was only natural that these Persian "astronomers" - these Magi, would be extremely interested in investigating a different, new, and previously unseen star in the heavens. Having knowledge of biblical prophecies, the Magi realized that the appearance of this star indicated the time and place of the birth of the promised Messiah. Following the direction of this new eastern star, they journeyed to Jerusalem to worship Him.

Hearing about the wise men following the star to Jerusalem, Herod, as well as all others in Jerusalem was troubled. Immediately calling all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. Referring to the prophet, Micah (5:2), who lived approximately six hundred years previous to this event, these Jewish leaders, without hesitation, assured Herod that the Messiah would be born in the city of Bethlehem. In the verses following the lesson text we find that King Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared (Vs. 7). Without letting the wise men know his true intention to murder the Messiah, Herod told them to go to Bethlehem, find the Christ child, return and tell him where he was so that he may come and worship Him also (Vs. 8).

They immediately departed to find Jesus, and the star, which led them to Jerusalem, went before them till it came and stood over where the young Child was (Vs. 9). And when they were come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary, His mother. With due homage and respect for the promised Messiah, they fell down, and worshipped Him. Afterwards, to show respect to one they assuredly expected to become the King of the Jews, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh, all usual and expensive gifts suitable for one destined for royalty. However, being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way (Vs. 12).