The Visit of the Wise Men

Matthew 2:1-12

Introduction: Who Were The Wise Men and Where Did They Come From? 

  Magi – philosophers, astronomers, dream interpreters, counselors – probably not kings, but having a similar degree of respect.

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Probably, they were all from Persia, where the Magi had prominence, but possibly from more than one country. The Bible does not say there were three wise men (but three gifts are mentioned), and we do not know how many there were.

The Magi historically held positions of authority and honor in the Gentile kingdoms of the Medes, Persians, Babylonians and Parthians. They were men who sought after truth, whether spiritual or scientific. They were the learned men of their time.

The wise men of this account traveled a long way. No doubt they traveled with a large company, and the journey itself was costly.

Tradition has them as kings, representing different nations, ethnic groups, age levels, etc. According to tradition they visited the Christ child on the 12^th day after His birth. In Spanish-speaking countries, Three Kings Day is observed on January 6, and that is the day when Christmas presents are left by the Three Kings (not Santa). That would be the 12^th day of Christmas.

But in the Bible, we are not told precisely where the men were from or that they were kings.

Their visit evidently was not at the stable where Jesus was born, but at a house. Perhaps Joseph and Mary decided to stay in Bethlehem for a while before going back to Galilee, or perhaps they intended to stay there permanently. The actual visit may have taken place a year or so after the birth of Jesus.

I. God Let the Wise Men Know About the Birth of Jesus

He revealed it to them through the sign of a star. There are several theories on what they saw in the heavens. They would certainly know it if anything unusual could be seen in the sky. It is said that there was a triple conjunction of Mars and Saturn in the year 6 BC. In 7 BC, Jupiter was eclipsed by the moon. We do know that Jesus was born some time before 1 BC, probably between 4 and 8 BC, although it was probably not in December.

Whatever they saw, they recognized it, correctly, as a sign of the Messiah’s birth.

There has been documented a mysterious worldwide awareness and expectation that a great prince would be born in Judea in those days. Even the Romans had such an expectation. More importantly, from the prophecy of Daniel 9:24, the approximate time of Jesus’ birth can be calculated. “Weeks” in that text is literally “sevens,” which can be understood as “weeks of years” or seven-year periods.

What we know of God is what God chooses to reveal to us. It seems ironic that the wise men, though not Jews, were better characterized by reverent spirits and pure hearts than were the Jewish religious experts. They informed Herod that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, and they could calculate the time. They were indifferent to the event they were talking about, while to the wise men, it was a matter of great importance. They believed the Scriptures.

As for King Herod, he just wanted to secure his own position at all costs, although he pretended to have a religious interest.

God has given us special revealed knowledge through the Scriptures about Jesus Christ.

II. The Wise Men Acted Upon the Knowledge God Gave Them

They determined that it was worth while to set out on a long, expensive, time-consuming, and dangerous journey to find and worship the Messiah.

It took a considerable effort and a certain amount of courage to do this.

We should act upon the guidance God gives us in His Word, prayer, our spiritual gifts, and the church.

III. They Were Not Disappointed

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.”

They knew that God was giving them a great privilege.

They were pleased to visit Jesus in His humble surroundings. He was not in a palace, as one might expect the Messiah, the King, to be, but in a very ordinary house.

We should be grateful to be able to meet God, regardless of circumstances. He will not disappoint us. (see Romans 5:5)

IV. They Gave Jesus Their Best (Matthew 2:11)

They gave Him their worship.   “When they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him…”

They worshipped Him as King of the Jews.

They worshipped Him as the Messiah.

They were Jesus’ first Gentile worshippers. 

They gave Him the best gifts they could bring.

    Gold - a gift for a king - notable for its purity and non-tarnishing beauty and durability. 

    Frankincense - used in many religious rituals. In Judaism, the incense was perhaps the holiest part of the ceremony, and had to be burned in precisely the manner prescribed. Frankincense was, ounce for ounce, as valuable as gold. It was a gift appropriate to acknowledge the priesthood and deity of  Jesus.

    Myrrh - A very expensive perfume used as an ointment for embalming the dead. This is appropriate for recognizing that Jesus was born to die.

     We should give Jesus our best - ourselves as a living sacrifice, and the best of our gifts. He has given us His own very best.

Conclusion

God honored their faithfulness by giving them the privilege of finding and worshipping the Messiah. He also protected them from the ruthless King Herod, by giving them a warning in a dream (Matthew 2:12). They were not disappointed. With God’s help, they accomplished what they had set out to do. When they returned home, they undoubtedly told others. What God has done on our behalf, and in our lives, we should be telling others.