Matthew 2 tells the story of the Wise Men or the Magi. Who were the magi? They obviously were astrologers who were either kings or representative of Kings from the far off lands of the East. Many think they came from Sheba which would be modern day Yemen. Most of the population of that day believed and practiced astrology. A star appeared which these learned men took to be a sign that a king of the Jews had been born. It is documented in many historical resources that there was a strong belief that a king who would dominate the world would come from Judea. The Magi came to see this great King.
They stopped first to ask Herod where this child would be born. He did not know, but when he asked the Religious leaders they did. They quoted the prophecy of Micah that foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. I am amazed that the religious leaders did not go with the Magi to look for Jesus. But I am sure that the know-it-all religious leaders couldn’t learn anything from outsiders.
The Magi found Jesus and worshiped him. I am amazed at there perceptiveness, insight and heart-felt worship. They bring gifts for a King. Gold is what Kings received. The spices of incense and myrrh may have been used to mix together to make an anointing oil. Kings were anointed in that day and not crowned.
Herod to cover his bases had all the baby boys under the age of two in Bethlehem killed. This does not surprise us because Herod has a reign of terror during the forty years he was king. He killed family members. He had his wife, mother-in-law and three sons put to death. He had half of the Sanhedrin put to death. And even at his death he had gathered some leading citizens in a room and as soon as he died they were put to death as one of Herod’s last commands. Herod was indeed ruthless. But God warned Joseph and he hide Jesus in Egypt until Herod died, and then he took them back to his hometown of Nazareth. Jesus being brought up in Galilee instead of Judea was obviously God’s plan as well. In Judea the Temple was the focal place of worship, and the sacrifices were the center. But in Galilee the Synagogue was the focal place of worship where Rabbis and disciples were plentiful, and an emphasis on memorizing and interpreting the Old Testament was emphasized.
“Lord, forgive me when I am so arrogant to think I know it all that I miss Jesus as did the Religious Leaders. Allow me to see Jesus wherever You reveal Him. Help me to continue to not just read about Him in the Bible, but to revere and worship Jesus with all my heart, soul, and mind. I pray this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen”
About Me
- Robert and Ray Miller
- Robert is the pastor of First Baptist Texas City, Tx. And Ray is the pastor of First Baptist Mertens, Tx. Robert brings over 30 years of biblical study as a pastor. Ray brings a younger perspective to the Bible and also a command of the original languages. Our greatest passion is to see lives changed through the good news of Jesus Christ.
2 comments:
The part of the passage regarding the Star leading the Magi to Jesus has always bothered me.
Several points being that 1) the Magi were astrologers which were condemned and put to death in the nation of Israel were used and 2) the direction of the Star to Jesus by way of Herod were evidence of the workings of Satan. I believe that this event was allowed by God but under the direction of Satan. Satan often tries to make himself a beacon of light, while still the angel of death.
I can not see how our loving God would use people who practice magic or use astrology and direct a beacon in the sky (the star) which led these detestable practicers to a ruthless ruler who had no intention to worship Jesus, but would rather kill Him to protect his own interests. Herod sneekingly told the Magi to find Jesus and tell him, so he would worship him too. Whatever! He was ready to kill the Messiah.
The prophets wrote about the things that must come to past to fulfill the prophecies of Jesus birth, but I feel that Satan unknowingly helped to fulfill them hoping that he may have Jesus killed off in the process.
Ben and Diana say that the magi were evil but if you look at Genesis 1:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: god said that the stares were for signs and the birth of the messiah was just one of those signs also most native seen show the magi at the manger if you look about the cleansing of the mother after birth you see that they are to bring a lamb and dove but Mary brought 2 doves which was a poor mans offering if the wise men had came to the manger Mary would have the money for a lamb but she only brought 2 doves lev. 12:6,8 And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering…: Luke 2:22,24 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present [him] to the Lord;… 24 A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
Post a Comment