Now after 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.” (Matthew 2:1-2 ESV)
As far as we know, after Joseph, Mary, and Jesus left the Temple following His circumcision and the sacrifice required by the Mosaic Law, life returned to normal. As we consider the Biblical Christmas story from both Luke and Matthew, we learn that life didn’t stay normal for long. At some point after the birth of Jesus, an incredible moment took place that would continue to point to the divine activity of our incredible God.
If you have a manger scene at home, it is likely already on full display this Christmas season. Likely yours features Joseph, Mary, and Jesus, animals, a manger, the shepherds, and three wisemen. A careful study of the Scripture begins to reveal that our manager scenes may need some adjusting! The wisemen, or magi as the original text calls them, didn’t not immediately arrive the night of Jesus’s birth. Because of the Scripture, and the tragedy of Herod killing all the children in Bethlehem two years and younger, we can make an educated guess that these men likely arrived up to two years after the birth of Jesus.
As the magi, likely wealthy men who were familiar with the Old Testament and were themselves astrologers, arrived in Jerusalem their purpose was clear: They came to seek the One born King of the Jews. We are reminded that the incredible plan of God was not done in secret, this Good News was for all the world to hear and see. We notice two things about the quest of these wises men from the east: They sought the One who was born King and they were prepared to worship Him.
First, notice importantly that no one made Jesus King, that was the very reason He was born into the world and the purpose of God. Jesus is King of the Jews and of the whole world, even today. His regal title was one bestowed on Him by God and one that no one could or can ever take from Him. Notice that these men didn’t simply seek to pay homage to the new King, although they certainly would do that, they intended to worship Him! These men recognized that Jesus was not only the true King of Israel, but in some way that He was the eternal Son of God who was worthy of not just their gifts but also their worship.
At this incredible proclamation by these wealthy and powerful men, the Scripture says that Herod and all of Jerusalem were “troubled.” How sad that the very thing that should have been good news that brought great joy for all people (see Luke 2:10), was instead received with suspicion and fear. It is sad that the people of God were not aware of, or even really looking for, the Word of God to be fulfilled while these foreigners (most likely gentiles) were waiting, watching, and preparing for His arrival.
This Christmas I think the responses to the advent of Christ are instructive. Those who should have been watching and expectant weren’t. Those who should have been overjoyed and ready to receive and worship the Messiah weren’t. Those who had every seeming advantage (i.e., born of God’s chosen people, access to God’s Word, in the chosen city of God) failed to grasp and respond in faith to this moment. Don’t miss this! Those who were seemingly far away from God, who didn’t have the same advantages, they were the very ones who sought out God and came with joy and a heart ready to worship.
Today I challenge you to throw all your “advantages” at His feet and ask Him to stir your heart and mind with wonder and awe. Humble yourself and call out to the very One who is worthy of our worship and praise. As the old saying goes: Wise men are still seeking Him today. Perhaps you aren’t like the magi and you don’t have expensive gifts to lay at His feet as you worship, instead bring your heart!
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us an up close, intimate look at all the various responses of people to the arrival of Your Messiah. Lord, help our hearts to be like those of the wise men. Help us have the grace, strength, and urgency to come and to not let anything or anyone prevent us from coming to Jesus, even ourselves. Today, may our hearts be filled with joyful delight in You Jesus and may we see worshipping you as the great joy that it is. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
