The birth of a Messiah had been foretold by the prophets, and it's interesting to note that at about the same time Jesus was born there was in the world a strange feeling of expectation of the coming of a king. Even Roman historians knew about this, one of whom, Suetonius, wrote, "There had spread over all the Orient an old an established belief, that it was fated at that time for men coming from Judaea to rule the world." It is also true that all the ancient world believed in astrology. The Magi were non-Jewish learned men skilled in philosophy, medicine, and natural sciences. In addition they were soothsayers, interpreters of dreams, and experts in astrology. The stars usually pursued an unvarying course, so when something like a brilliant star appeared it signaled that God was breaking in to the order to announce something special. These wise men knew about the Jewish prophecy of a Messiah before they left their distant homeland. When they arrived in Israel it was politically correct to drop by and announce their intentions to the King. Herod made nice to the visitors, but he was insanely suspicious. He had already murdered his wife, mother-in-law and three sons, and anyone who threatened his position as the royal ruler. As he sent the Magi on their way, he cheerily told them to return when they found what they were looking for so he too could go and worship him. As soon as they were gone he called together the Chief priest and scribes, experts in scripture and the law. When he asked him if there was any truth in this tale of a Messiah, they quoted scripture that verified it. They themselves knew the verses, but didn't believe it themselves. The Magi followed the star and when they found the child, scripture tells us that they fell to their knees and worshiped him.
No sooner was Jesus born than men have divided themselves into groups in regard to how they react to him. To this day there are really only three reactions.
1. Hatred and Hostility- The reaction of Herod. Still there are those would gladly destroy Jesus because they feel he interferes with their lives.
2. Complete Indifference- the reaction of the chief priests and scribes. They knew the truth, but were too busy with "religious" business, obligations and discussions, so Jesus was totally disregarded. Sadly, that too is the modern day reaction of many folks.
3. Adoring Worship- the reaction of the Magi. When they came face to face with the truth their reaction was to fall at the feet of the King of Kings bringing him the noblest gifts they could bring. Gold for a King, frankincense for a priest and myrrh for one who is to die.
As you store your Christmas ornaments, meditate on which reaction group you would place yourself in. One day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord, but until then the decision is ours.
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magia from the east came to Jerusalem 2and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
3When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
6“ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’b ”
7Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
9After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. Matthew 2:1-12
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