Many people travel over Christmas. It's not unusual for households to swell as every available room, couch, cot, even sleeping bag gets used. That will be the same for our household as nine adults, one pre-schooler, three toddlers and baby make their way in to stay. I recently found out that two million people per day travel from now through the New Year just on airplanes alone. It's a busy season for Christmas travel; and spending time together with family is probably the most typical tradition of our Christmas season.
But imagine if you will sudden guests...visitors you had never met before who showed up seeking you.
Matthew 2:1-2 (NIV)
1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem
2 and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."
These "Magi" (from the Greek word Magoi) are star-watchers, astrologers, who notice a star in the sky that directs them toward Jerusalem. You'll notice they know in advance the purpose of the star - a sign that a King of the Jews has been born.
It is interesting to hear the traditions that accompany this story in Matthew. In tradition, they are three - although nothing in the text says there were three. I doubt that three strangers from another land seeking a King would cause Herod to react that much...but maybe 30 or 100 would! Also, we are not told where they are from...just that they come from the east. The star that appears to them is quite different in that it hovers over an area and "leads" them to that area...seemingly appearing as they need direction.
What we do know from the text is Jesus is born and Mary and Joseph are now in a house but still in Bethlehem - Matthew 2:11
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him...
5 "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:
But imagine if you will sudden guests...visitors you had never met before who showed up seeking you.
Matthew 2:1-2 (NIV)
1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem
2 and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."
These "Magi" (from the Greek word Magoi) are star-watchers, astrologers, who notice a star in the sky that directs them toward Jerusalem. You'll notice they know in advance the purpose of the star - a sign that a King of the Jews has been born.
It is interesting to hear the traditions that accompany this story in Matthew. In tradition, they are three - although nothing in the text says there were three. I doubt that three strangers from another land seeking a King would cause Herod to react that much...but maybe 30 or 100 would! Also, we are not told where they are from...just that they come from the east. The star that appears to them is quite different in that it hovers over an area and "leads" them to that area...seemingly appearing as they need direction.
What we do know from the text is Jesus is born and Mary and Joseph are now in a house but still in Bethlehem - Matthew 2:11
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him...
Much speculation has said they were Persian. Not just astrologers, they were "sages" - wise men - elders from a tribe that had some prophetic awareness of the event that would happen.
A few years ago a book - The Revelation of the Magi was written which purported to have translated an ancient text. It is supposed to be written as a journal by the Magi themselves. These "Magi" are people of prayer, even silence, who are descendants of Seth, the third son of Adam and Eve. Seth is believed to be the origin of the Jewish people as Abraham descended from the line of Seth. In their tradition a prophecy had been given: "A star of indescribable brightness will someday appear, heralding the birth of God in human form." Every year faithful Magi waited in prayerful silence for this star to appear. When the star appears they believe it is the fulfillment of the prophecy and they move towards it - except that they discover in their journey that they alone can see the star...no one else seems to be aware of it.
It is interesting that nothing in the text of Matthew 2 seems to indicate anyone from Herod's inner circle knew of a star. They go to Jerusalem and Herod's throne because they mistakenly believe the child is born of royalty. When they ask Herod where the child is, he calls the Jewish experts in to inquire where the Messiah was to be birthed: Matthew 2:4-5 (NIV)
4 When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5 "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:
Herod falsely calls the Magi back to tell them to go search for the child...but why? If Herod really believed the prophecy of Bethlehem's birth place and the purpose of the Magi's search wouldn't he have sent his own army to find out? Perhaps he didn't really believe it was true, so he sends them on their way.
Matthew 2:9-11 (NIV)
9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.
10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
11 On 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 and of incense and of myrrh. The star reappears as they take the next part of their journey. It is a short distance, perhaps 5 miles from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, and they find the child with Mary...and probably much to Mary's surprise, they present gifts and they worship.
9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.
10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
11 On 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 and of incense and of myrrh. The star reappears as they take the next part of their journey. It is a short distance, perhaps 5 miles from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, and they find the child with Mary...and probably much to Mary's surprise, they present gifts and they worship.
In all likelihood it was another shock to Mary and Joseph in the strange beginnings of their marriage and this child born to them. The Magi probably spoke a different language and so it might not have even been clear what they were saying, but the act of worship was nevertheless clear to them...it must have seemed all strange.
The gifts: gold...incense...myrrh... are all gifts worthy of a King. Gold represents deity, incense the fragrance of his character and life, and myrrh was used in embalming - thus the purpose foretold of why Christ Jesus was here on the earth, as one destined to die.
Warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, the Magi return to their country...their mission accomplished.
So, what do we make of this story?
It is a clear sign from God that Jesus' birth was for all nations. Not only the Jews, but the nations would recognize who Jesus was, and what he accomplished.
They are "seekers"...people who know down deep in their soul that something more in life exists that just material possessions, or status, or wealth and power.
The ancient prophecy of Jeremiah rings in truth here:
Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NIV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
14 I will be found by you," declares the LORD..."
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
14 I will be found by you," declares the LORD..."
Scripture tells us to not forget to strangers. Hebrews 13:2 (NIV)
2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
It is a strange thing to contemplate - that we are surrounded by something much bigger than our own comprehension, and God is constantly invading our space to accomplish his purposes.
Peace
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