The Sounds of the Seasons, Part 6
The last sounds of the season seem from far away, and the wise men follow the star to worship the infant King. In this purposeful veneration—the worldwide significance of the birth of Jesus and the many diverse ways people are drawn into this very moment.
“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, 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 2:1-2, ESV).
These learned men, occasionally referred to as Magi, may likely have been scholars, maybe even astrologers, from Persia. They beheld a strange star and, understanding its meaning, set out on a journey over very great distances in order to find the one it was announcing. Their story underlines very dramatically the lengths people will go to in seeking out the truth.
This was no frivolous road trip by the wise men. It was time consuming, expensive, and it had a whole lot of commitment involved in finding the meaning behind that star. Think of their anticipation and determination as they crossed deserts, borders, and never before traveled lands full of belief that something extraordinary lay ahead for them.
On their arrival in Jerusalem, their question about the “king of the Jews” spread an uproar. And this troubled not only the people but particularly King Herod because, on hearing news of a possible pretender to his throne, he tried to find out the place of the said newborn king under the pretext that he might worship him too.
“When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.”‘” (Matthew 2:3-6, ESV).
The Magi went to Bethlehem on the advice of the courtiers of Herod, who quote here the prophecy of Micah 5:2. After their trip toward Bethlehem, the star they had seen in the east appeared to them once more to lead them directly to the house where Jesus stayed.
“And after listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:9-11, ESV).
When they saw the star, they were overjoyed at the sight. The journey for them was completed, and the response was that they fell down on their faces in deep reverence and worship. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother. Imagine their feeling as they looked into the face of the Savior of the world.
Their gifts were meaningful and symbolic:
– Gold: The gift represents royalty because Jesus is king.
– Frankincense: This is representative of the divinity and priestly role of Jesus, offering it in worship and sacrifices.
– Myrrh: A spice used in burials, prefiguring the suffering and death.
“And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.” (Matthew 2:12, ESV).
After worshiping Jesus and presenting their gifts, the wise men were warned in a dream not to return to Herod. Obeying this divine instruction, they returned to their homeland by a different route, safeguarding the newborn King.
The wise men’s encounter with Jesus impressed them very much. To decide to go home against Herod’s instructions reveals the inclination to protect the child from harm, and hints at their increased appreciation of the child’s true kingship. This section of the story illustrates God’s control of the meaning and life-changing possibilities of encountering Jesus.
As we reflect on the journey of the Wise Men, surely we remember the distance to which people will travel to find the truth and the joy that comes in meeting with Jesus. This story encourages us to press on, make an extra special sacrifice to God’s call in worship, and allow God to guide our lives.
Let’s pause now amidst the noise of celebration and the sound of selling wares that accompanies this season and consider the journey made by the Wise Men. Dedication and reverence call us to seek Jesus; the deep desire to bring to Him the best from our lives shows in the Wise Men story, perhaps best of all. The story of the Wise Men is not only atemporally indicative but also important in the universal call of worship, which evokes deepest joy as one comes to know Christ.
All teachings are prayerfully written by Daniel Glasco, utilizing available resources to faithfully present biblical truth and discipleship encouragement.