12. Visitors arrive from the eastern lands
– Matthew 2:1-12
Matthew 2:2 “Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 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.”
Numbers 24:17 “A star will come out of Jacob, a scepter will rise out of Israel.”
The Magi were the wise men who traveled thousands of miles to find Jesus. They knew to follow the star because of Balaam’s prediction in Numbers. Balaam was a sorcerer who predicted that a star would signify the birth of Jesus. Although Balaam was a sorcerer, God chose to let him know how the wise men in a thousand years would find Christ. It shows that God uses those that are available not necessarily qualified to do his work. God can use anyone to accomplish his plans. Especially, you.
Once the Magi found Jesus, they presented him with worship and gifts. Too often, we expect God to find us and prove himself. We expect him to bless us with gifts. On the other hand, the wise men searched for Jesus and worshiped him for who he is. How do you approach God? Do you praise him for who he is or do you ask him for things? God does want to help you with your struggles but he also wants to be recognized for all that he has already done for you. He wants you to understand who he is. He is the all-powerful king of kings. He is the creator of all things. He is perfect, good, and holy in all ways. Be like the wise men, seek him and praise him for who he is.
Matthew 2:3 “When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all of Jerusalem with him.”
Not only was King Herod disturbed, but so was everyone in Jerusalem. Jesus still disturbs people. We must acknowledge Jesus as the rightful king of our lives and not sit idly by ignoring and rationalizing our actions. Understand that Christ disturbs people and approach others with this knowledge when you tell them about him. It is understandable for them to be disturbed. It is hard for us to give control of our lives over to God. We often think that we can make the best decisions for ourselves. We want to be independent. But in reality, only God can make the best decisions. He is the only one who knows all things and who can orchestrate all things for our good.
Matthew 2:9-11 “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. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 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 if incense and of myrrh.”
The Magi had to travel thousands of miles to find Jesus. It does not say that they found him in the manger but in the “place” where Jesus was. The Magi most likely found Jesus at his home. In fact, Jesus was probably about one or two when they found him. The star stayed the entire time as they traveled to find him. As soon as they found him, they worshiped and presented him with gifts. Some scholars believe the gifts presented to Jesus are different symbols for Christ’s identity. The gold signified royalty, incense for deity, and myrrh as a spice for someone about to die. God is worthy of the best that you have to give. All that you have is a gift from God; what you do with what you have is your gift back to him.
