The gospel of Matthew tells us that, sometime following the birth of
Jesus, some “wise men” (we don’t know how many) came from the “east” to
Jerusalem searching for a child born “king of the Jews”. It was natural, that
if there was to be an inquiry about an important Jewish religious figure, that
you would head for Jerusalem. These “wise men”, probably from ancient Persia,
were actually called “Magi”, and most likely were noted astronomers and
astrologers, likely to also have interests in prophecies and dreams. They were
well acquainted with the stars and what such stars represented in various
philosophies. Astrological signs were valued and often understood to signal the
birth of important figures. The “wise men” may also have gathered limited
information about the expectations and prophecies of the Jewish religion.
They were clearly interested in a particular star that they took to
represent the coming of the “king of the Jews” into the world. The “Magi”
didn’t want to miss out on any world changing events like this might turn out
to be! They were also interested in the “king of the Jews” himself, as the
wanted to “pay him homage”. These “wise men” were certainly seekers after
truth. Whatever their situation in life, and whatever beliefs they currently
held, they held a great interest in learning more. What we can certainly tell,
is that the “Magi” didn’t want their lives to pass by having missed such a
wonderful opportunity to encounter an important happening like this.
These “wise men” came to Jerusalem in search of a significant child, but
needed to ask around where specifically he might be found. Herod, the (human)
king in Judea, allowed to rule there by the Romans, heard about this search,
and immediately his hackles were raised … ‘there can be no king but me’! To
hear that distinguished foreigners wanted to pay “homage” to another, who is
also being described as a “king”, is very threatening to such an insecure
leader as Herod was. To pay “homage”, amongst others things, is to offer
submission to that person, so Herod became frightened about this perceived
potential threat … so frightened that he eventually carried out a most hideous
crime to try to protect his position. This is why we read that “all Jerusalem [was frightened] with him” –
if Herod was upset then someone was
going to suffer!
Herod started to concoct a plan, and asked the “chief priests and
scribes” for information about this so called “king” and “Messiah”. And we
might note that he didn’t have any trouble getting the answer!!! Jesus was to
come into a world where the powerless and vulnerable would love him, but the
powerful and content would hate him. Fortunately, for God’s plans, the “wise
men” were honest and true seekers.
Here quoted by the “chief priests” was the belief that the Messiah would
be born in the city of David – Bethlehem – and this is where the “Magi” were
directed. This was so Herod could also participate in the celebration … yeah
right!! I actually don’t think these wise seekers were fooled for too long by Herod,
or at least they would’ve had a fair idea that he was up to something! Herod
was infamous as a paranoid and ruthless character. And these “wise men” were not
just mildly interested gatherers of information nor unconcerned distant
spectators – they really wanted to worship the real “king of the Jews” – not a traitorous Roman
puppet. Ultimately they were certainly aware and open enough, to hear God
saying through a dream, not to go
back anywhere near Herod.
There has been much conjecture over what this “star” event actually was
and what the “Magi” saw. But the only way to interpret the moving star that the
“wise men” were able to follow from Jerusalem to where Jesus was situated … is
that God was leading them to Jesus! From this I think we can make the bold
statement that God is working in the hearts of those who are seeking after the
sort of truth and good news that will undoubtedly change their lives for the
better … those that are also inclined to stand against those who would either
be apathetic or destructive.
Here is an example of God connecting with searching people within the
particular cultural context they found themselves. God often meets people right
where they are! Whereas astrology was frowned upon in the Hebrew Scriptures (in
Deuteronomy 18:9-13, 4:19), God would still reveal himself to such sincere seekers
(through the stars). This is in stark contrast to those “chief priests and
scribes” who seem totally detached and completely disinterested … even
complicit with Herod (despite their religion’s focus on the need for a Messiah).
Here also is a reminder that even the most pagan of pagans, or un-Christian of
non-Christian, may just respond to Jesus when given the opportunity!
So, the “wise men” were open … they were ready … they were responsive!!
When their search was complete, they were “overwhelmed with joy”! Can we say
that when we meet Jesus, we are “overwhelmed with joy”?? When are we likely to
meet Jesus???
·
In the depth of our own need (for forgiveness and
wholeness)
·
In the goodness, or in the need, of others
·
In the simple wonders of creation, and in the surprising
miracles of life.
When they found Jesus, in the arms of his mother Mary, the “Magi” knelt
down (it seems somewhat spontaneously and naturally), and did what they had
come to do … pay Jesus “homage”. This means they completely respected Jesus,
and worshipped him for who he was – acknowledging and honouring Jesus for who
he would be in the world and what he would achieve in his kingly role! This is
like what would be expected from followers of Jesus, both ancient and new!!
It was customary for those approaching a ‘monarch’ to offer a gift (a
bit like today’s custom of giving flowers to the queen). Yet what we read in
verse 11 seems to be more expansive … a spontaneous act of generosity. The
“wise men” gave the best of what they had in their “treasure chests” – rich and
valuable gifts. And those gifts of “gold, frankincense and myrrh” also seem to
show deep understanding – here was a “king” to be worshipped, yet One whose
glory would be most seen in his sacrifice and suffering. It was also customary
for such a gift to be reciprocated! To the original reader, it would be evident that there was here a silent
reference to a future reciprocation!! Possibly the only reciprocation that this
poor family could offer at the time were sincere thanks, yet over Jesus’
lifetime, and ultimately in his death and resurrection, there would be the
greatest gifts of all time.
Prayer:
The ‘wise men from the east’ journeyed a long way and went to endless
trouble to track you down Jesus;
And they were open, ready and responsive enough to worship you with
everything they had.
Thank you Lord – that all those who truly seek you will really find you;
And they will receive your grace to meet all of their need. Amen!
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