Matthew 2:1-12
It’s late enough in January that all of Christmas has been put away. Including the nativity sets with those three wise men. So many questions come to mind with these wise men, not the least of which is why our nativity sets only feature one camel for the three wise men.
Only Matthew includes this scene of the wise men worshipping the young child Jesus as king. Why? What is Matthew’s point?
As we read through these 12 verses, we want to ask ourselves the question: what does this teach us about Jesus? Because Matthew, still early in his Gospel, is introducing us to Jesus. Already in chapter 1, Matthew has presented that Jesus is:
- King, Son of David (see Jesus’ genealogy in Matthew 1:1-18)
- Savior, who will save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21)
- Immanuel, or God with us (Matthew 1:23)
- Fulfillment of OT prophecy (Matthew 1:22-23)
And so while we may have questions about the wise men and the star, or get intrigued by the deceitful wickedness of King Herod, Matthew’s focus is that we would learn something about Jesus. Some truth that will prompt us to action.
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”
Matthew 2:1-2
Why are the wise men or magi in the scene at all? Because they are looking for someone specific: the newborn King of the Jews. They are asking all around Jerusalem for the location of this individual. One of the purposes of the wise men or magi was to select and confirm kings. They have traveled many miles to find this king, and not just recognize him or congratulate him, but to worship Him. Jesus is not merely a human king, who deserves respect. He is a King who deserves worship.
Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:
‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah;
For out of you shall come forth a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”
Matthew 2:4-6
I find it interesting what Herod asks of the chief priests and scribes. The wise men were looking for the King of the Jews, but that’s not the title Herod uses in his inquiry. Instead, Herod makes the correct leap that the newborn King of the Jews is the same as the Old Testament Messiah, God’s promised anointed one. Confirming this is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, coming from Micah. Jesus, as Messiah and Israel’s ruler, is born in Bethlehem of Judea.
We should also notice how this future king is described: both as a ruler and a shepherd. He is the complete package: both firm and gentle; strong and kind.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Matthew 2:10-11
Even though the wisemen knew the king they were searching for was in the village of Bethlehem, they still needed more specific guidance. Which God provides in a miraculous star. Pastor Wilbur Parrish has commented that this moving star was the first drone! Whatever it was and however it worked, it gave the wise men incredible joy – joy on top of joy on top of joy. Their long search was close to an end.
Once they reached the child Jesus, they went down to the ground. Reading this as a young man, I didn’t think anything of this. But age makes getting down to the ground = and getting back up – a difficult task. It has to be worth it, and this child, no more than two years old, is indeed. They worship Jesus; they give Him the honor that He deserves as King and Christ. And they give their gifts. We know what the gifts are, but we don’t know how much, nor how valuable was also the containers – was the gold in a plastic shopping bag or an elaborate chest? Was the frankincense in a plastic water bottle, or an expensive vase? All of this wealth given indicates the worth of Jesus.
One of the key lessons Matthew wants us to teach us is that Jesus is the King. He has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). To believe in Jesus means to believe He is King. And the wise men who still seek Him will also worship Him!
Discussion Questions:
- What did you learn about Jesus from this passage?
- Think over what was involved for the wise men to make the trip to seek after Jesus. What lessons can be applied to those today in seeking after Jesus?
- How can you this day worship Jesus as King?