On Tuesday of this week, the Christian Church celebrates Epiphany, January 6, twelve days after Christmas. Though we don’t know for certain on what day following the birth of Jesus the Magi arrived, it is on January 6 that we commemorate that event, which we read about in Matthew 2. It is a Scripture passage that shows another prophecy that was fulfilled, along with showing the beginning of the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles, along with contrasting true worship with false religion. Let’s take a look.
As we look into this passage, I will focus on three groups of people who are mentioned here, learning some important lessons from each group. The first group is naturally the Magi. The Magi were learned men and priests from the East, likely from Persia. They were learned in the sciences, such as astronomy/astrology and alchemy, and they used the placement of the stars to tell current and future events. These learned men were very familiar with the Jewish Scriptures, and when they saw a new and different star in the sky, they knew that it was linked to the Jewish prophecies of the coming of their Messiah (vs. 1-2). Though these men were not Jewish, and were Gentiles following a pagan religion (possibly Zoroastrianism), they had studied God’s Word, and believed it to be true. These men followed the light that they had, and God gave them more. When they determined that this star was the one foretold (Numbers 24:17), they packed up their caravan and left, determined to find the Messiah and worship Him.
The second person to look at is King Herod (Herod the Great). He was a vassal or puppet king, set up by the Romans to rule Judea. He also was not Jewish, but was an Idumean or Edomite, descended from Esau. As such, he was not a descendent of King David, and devout Jews did not look on him as having a true right to the throne. Herod was a violent king, filled with paranoia, having killed one of his wives and several of his own sons. When Herod heard that there might be a rival to his throne (vs. 3), he became upset, and when he was upset, the whole city worried, out of fear of what he might do.
The knowledge of Jesus Christ’s kingship still troubles and upsets those who do not want Him in their life, those who want to have full control of their life. The Gospel message of the Savior disturbs those who are proud and want to hold on to power in their life, but He brings comfort to those who are humble.
The third group are the chief priests and scribes in Jerusalem. King Herod was ignorant of the Scriptures and any details of the coming Messiah, so he called the priests and scribes to give him the information he wanted. He wished to know exactly where the Messiah would come. This group knew the Scriptures, and were able to quote to him the prophecy that spoke of the Messiah coming from Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).
These religious leaders knew the Scriptures, but when they heard the testimony from the Magi, they did not act upon their knowledge. Many people today have a head knowledge about God and the Bible, but without Jesus in one’s heart, it is nothing. Biblical knowledge without obedience leads to spiritual deadness.
Our Scripture then returns to King Herod as he sought to deceive the Magi (vs. 7-8). He wanted them to report to him exactly where the Baby was, pretending to also want to worship Him, when he actually planned on killing Him. He is a picture of Satanic opposition - lying, scheming, and murderous. False worship will often mask hatred of God. We need to be aware that not everyone who speaks religiously has a heart for God.
The Magi left the king, priests, and scribes, and proceeded to follow the star to Bethlehem and the Christ Child (vs. 9-11). When they found Him they fell down and worshiped Him. Their joy revealed genuine faith and anticipation. Those who truly seek Jesus will find joy, not fear or indifference.
Their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were symbolic. Gold told of Jesus’ kingship. Frankincense showed His deity and priestly role. Myrrh, an aromatic resin which was used in medicine, perfumes, and burial rituals, would signify Jesus’ suffering and death.
God, who is omniscient, knew of Herod’s evil plot, and He sovereignly intervened to protect the Lord Jesus (vs. 12). He warned the Magi to not return to Jerusalem and the king, but to return home by another route. These men immediately obeyed God, which showed they had a transformed heart. When God reveals His will to us, we should also immediately and unquestionably obey Him.
Looking back over this Scripture we can see that God’s Word is trustworthy and exact. The prophecies of the star and where Jesus was born were exactly fulfilled. God also directed the star, the Magi, the dreams, and the protection of Jesus. Nothing is accidental. We also see that the faith of the Magi would foreshadow the worldwide scope of the Gospel of Jesus. Even at His Birth, the Savior drew all nations to Himself. And lastly, we see a contrast of hearts. Herod responded with hostility. The priests and scribes with indifference. However, the Magi responded with worship. It is the same today. Many respond to Jesus with hatred or with indifference, but some come to Him in worship. What is your response?
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