12/22- Matthew 2:1,2, 9-12 Wise Men
1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magia from the east came to Jerusalem 2and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”… 9After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magia from the east came to Jerusalem 2and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”… 9After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
There were several prophecies in the Old Testament involving this incident. From Numbers 24:17- “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel…” Isaiah 60:6 speaks of rulers from the east bringing gifts to the king of Judah- gifts of gold and frankincense. Isaiah 60:3 speaks of rulers “coming to the brightness of your light.” In Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar called these astrologers/astronomers “wise men.” Psalm 72:10-15 and Isaiah 60:5 speak of Gentile or eastern rulers bringing gold to the king of the Jews. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that these “wise men” studied the books of the Jews brought to Babylon/Persia in the exile and made popular by government authorities like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Queen Esther and Mordecai.
Jesus is called “The bright and morning star” (Rev. 22:16). In astronomy the morning star is Venus. There were seven planetary conjunctions between 3-2 B.C. The brightest would have been the conjunction of Jupiter and Venus in August 3 B.C. In the morning, Venus always appears in the east. Orthodox Christians think this was a supernatural event and do not worry about the astronomy.
Regardless, the wise men were convinced that they had seen a sign that a prince of Judah had been born and had come to pay him honor. This was an act of faith that amazed and disturbed Herod and all Jerusalem with him. When we act on our faith- really act on it- and do not simply walk by sight (having to figure everything out ahead of time), then it makes a huge difference in the world. Faith is a confidence that inspires action. When our actions are inspired by our faith it can be a very beautiful, encouraging, inspiring thing- that shocks the world. Come seek and worship the One who is born.
Prayer: Lord,
help me to walk by faith, live by faith, be inspired by faith in you. May my actions match the faith I know I
should have.
Activity: Make
sure you take time to worship Jesus as a priority.
Song: We Three
Kings of Orient are- Bearing Gifts we traverse afar. Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
following yonder star. O star of wonder,
star of light; star with royal beauty bright.
Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light!
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