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FOLLOW THE GUIDING STAR
LORD’S DAY, APRIL 13
Matthew 2:1-12

Jude 1-13

 

“…we have seen

his star in the east…”

 

FOLLOW THE GUIDING STAR
 
Who were these wise men? These “wise men” called “magi” in the original, were probably Persian priests who were skilled in the study of the stars (cf. Dan 1:20). The text tells us that they came from the land east of Israel. If they were indeed from Persia, how did they come to know about the “King of the Jews” (Matt 2:2)? It is possible that the Jews, while in exile in Babylon, preached to the Persians the coming of their Messiah. It is difficult to see how the wise men could have come to a conclusion simply from astronomy that a great Jewish King was going to be born. This Messianic notion of theirs probably stemmed not just from their knowledge of the stars but also their knowledge of Old Testament prophecy, perhaps Daniel’s (Dan 9:24-26; cf. Num 24:17; Matt 2:6). The supernatural appearance of an extraordinary star led them to conclude that the time had arrived, the Holy Spirit guiding them in their determination of the timing of both prophecy and phenomenon.
 
Herod the Great demanded to know exactly where Christ would be born. The Jewish clerics on the basis of Micah 5:2 rightly answered, “in Bethlehem of Judaea.”
 
Given the location, the wise men set off to find the infant King. Note that they found Him in a house. Jesus was no longer in the stable. Evidently, the wise men did not arrive on his birthday, but shortly after that. Some time must have passed, and Joseph and Mary must have found proper accommodation by then. Jesus was also described as a “young child,” perhaps a year old (cf. Luke 2:22; Matt 2:16).
 
When the wise men found Jesus, they rejoiced greatly at the sight, and prostrated themselves on the ground in worship of Him. In acknowledgment of His Kingship, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
 
After being warned by God not to report to Herod, they obediently returned to their home country via another route.
 
THOUGHT: Follow God’s Guiding Star, and not Satan’s wandering stars.
PRAYER: “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power…” (Rev 4:11)

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