Matthew 2:1-2, The Visit of the Wise Men
1 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, 2 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’s gospel is the only one to record the visit of the Magi. These wise men were likely members of a Persian priestly group based in Babylon. They probably had some knowledge of Judaism, thus connected the star with the prophecy in Numbers 24:17 that “a star shall come out of Jacob and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.”
According to Google, the walk from Babylon to Bethlehem would take about 223 hours along modern roads. Walking eight hours per day consistently would take a minimum of 28 days. The Magi really wanted to meet Jesus.
Why?
1. fulfillment of scripture. Both a King and a location (you oh Bethlehem,…)
2. Jesus is the true king of Israel, as opposed to Herod.
3. Jesus is the Messiah of all nations, calls everyone to Him.
The exact dating of this visit is not known, and could have taken place
up to two years after Jesus’ birth. That these visitors knew about a newborn king of the Jews before the official King of Bethlehem would lead to fulfillment of another prophecy.
Application/Reflection
In Genesis 1, God created the stars to be “signs to mark sacred times.” The Magi understood this. How far would you walk to find Jesus? Go outside this evening and look at the sky. As you gaze into the heavens, worship the Lord who created the heavens and the earth and you!
Prayer
O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the Peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
(BCP, p. 214)
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