The Worship of the Magi
Matthew 2:1-12
Good Morning…
So far in our mini Christmas series, we have met Mary and Joseph, the angel Gabriel, and last week we met the Shepherds who were tending to their sheep out in the field.
Today, we will meet some very interesting men who were called Magi or wise men as some nativity scenes call them.
So please open your Bibles to Matthew 2, as we meet these men.
This morning’s narrative takes us to Bethlehem, soon after the birth of Jesus.
Christianity.com has an article on the Magi which says, “The coming of the wise men is placed soon after the birth, and before the presentation in the Temple,
The article says, "Now when Jesus was born" in Matthew 2:1, implies that the one event speedily followed the other.”
Unlike most of our current day nativity scenes, I do not believe Jesus was still in the manger when the Magi arrived.
Many scholars believe Jesus was between 1 month and 2 years old when these men appear.
The scholars base this estimate on the decree from Herod, to kill all male babies under two years old, which was given after Herod was told when the star appeared by the Magi.
I. After Christ’s birth.
Read Matthew 2:1-2
The Magi were wise men from the East (possibly Persia; modern day Iran) who came to worship the Messiah, who is the Lord God in the form of a baby; and they presented Him some gifts.
The Gospel of Matthew does not follow the Luke’s narrative of the details surrounding the manger scene and birth; instead Matthew tells of the important visit from these Magi.
According to John MacArthur, “Many historians consider them to have been Semites, which if so, made them descendants of Noah’s son Shem.”
Because of their combined knowledge of science, agriculture, mathematics, history, and the occult,
Their religious and political influence continued to grow until they became the most prominent and powerful group of advisors in the Medo-Persian and Babylonian empires.
Historians tell us that no Persian was ever able to become king without mastering the scientific and religious disciplines of the Magi and then being approved by them.
Since these men came from either Babylon or Persia, we can assume they were also taught Hebrew Scriptures because of the events in the Book of Daniel.
Because of Daniel’s high position and favor shown to him by the Lord; the Magi learned many things from Daniel and scripture about the One true God of Israel.
Many Jews remained in Babylon after the Exile and intermarried with the people of the East; so, it is likely the Jewish influence remained in the region even up until New Testament times.
These Magi knew scripture as well or better than a lot of the Jewish scholars; so, they anticipated the arrival of Messiah.
As I stated many times before; there are well over 315 prophecies about Messiah in the Old Testament;
The Book of Isaiah, when describing Jerusalem’s restoration,
Isaiah 60:6 The multitude of camels shall cover your land, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come; they shall bring gold and incense, and they shall proclaim the praises of the LORD. NKJV
Notice Matthew 2:2 tells us the Magi seen a special star and because these men were experts in Astronomy.
Astronomy is defined as a natural science that studies celestial objects and phenomena; it applies mathematics, physics, and chemistry, in an effort to explain the origin of those objects.
We can be sure these wise men knew the prophecy written in Numbers 24:17 A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel, NKJV
So the wise men recognized the miracle of this Special Star.
There have been many different explanations about this special star; some scholars think this “star” was a comet; however, records of comet sightings do not match up with the Lord's birth.
For example, Halley's Comet was present in 11 B.C.; but, the first Christmas took place around 6 B.C.
Others believe the Star of Bethlehem was a gathering of planets in the night sky.
Since planets orbit the sun at different speeds and distances, they occasionally seem to approach each other closely.
However, multiple planets do not look like a single light source, as this star is described in Scripture; also, planet alignments are not that unusual.
Some believe this was an exploding star or supernova because some stars are unstable and explode this way with a bright blaze;
However, historical records do not indicate a supernova at the time of the Lord's birth.
All three explanations for the Star of Bethlehem fall short of the narratives of the star in Numbers 24:17 and Matthew 2:1-12.
God has often used special lights to guide His people, such as the glory the cloud that followed the Children of Israel in the desert and later God’s presence filled the tabernacle and temple.
At times the Lord shows visible signs of His presence with bright appearances known as the Shekinah Glory of God.
Isaiah saw the special light in the temple… Isaiah 6:1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple.
Isaiah 6:2 Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.
Isaiah 6:3 And one cried to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!"
Isaiah 6:4 And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke.
Isaiah 6:5 So I said: "Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The LORD of hosts." NKJV
What Isaiah saw in Isaiah 6, is a visible manifestation of divine majesty and the Shekinah Glory of God.
So these wise men show up in Jerusalem and start asking questions about where the King of the Jews can be found.
They just assume that all of Jerusalem had to know the prophecies as they did and realize where this baby was born.
II. Herod’s fear.
Read Matthew 2:3-8
Herod is a name used by several kings belonging to the Herodian Dynasty of the Roman province of Judea.
The Herod in Matthew 2 was known as Herod the Great.
Herod the Great was known for being a mighty ruler, a great builder, and administrator; but, he was also known for his cruelty.
D. A. Carson has said, "He was wealthy, politically gifted, intensely loyal, an excellent administrator, and clever enough to remain in the good graces of successive Roman emperors.
Herod was known as a Roman client king of Judea, which means he was economically, politically, and militarily subordinate to Rome.
He was known for his colossal building projects throughout Judea, including his expansion of the second Temple in Jerusalem which later, some called Herod’s Temple.
Here in Matthew, we are told Herod gathered all of the religious leaders together to find out the predictions of Messiah.
The Lord purposely set these and many other prophecies into place so there would be no question that no other person in all of history could be the promised Savior of the world.
Galatians 4:4 when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
Galatians 4:5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. NKJV
The problem was King Herod was trying to be King of the Jews; and he did not want any competition.
King Herod wanted to be king, even though he learned through fulfilled prophecy, Jesus is the rightful King of Kings.
Herod wanted to secretly find out where Jesus was to be born, so he can have Jesus killed.
Herod was afraid if the people found out he was trying to kill the King of the Jews, there would be an uprising.
Not only would Herod lose his position; but, if his boss Caesar Augustus found out about an uprising, he would lose more than his position.
Notice also in vs. 8; Herod claims he wants to worship Jesus, just like the Magi; but this is just deception and flattery.
What was Herod really like? He was stubborn and self-willed; he was led by demonic influence, and he was scared of losing his position to the rightful King of the Jews.
The Magi ask, “Where is He who is born king of the Jews”; Herod was furious because he wanted that title. Again, these Men knew and believed the prophecies of Messiah in scripture.
These Magi were the first Gentiles to worship Jesus.
Noticed verse 3 says not only was Herod troubled or worried about these men; but, all Jerusalem was troubled as well.
This caravan of Gentile wise men must have been something to behold; not only because of its size; but, the men who were in it.
Jerusalem and Herod should have been seeking the King to worship; but, instead they are too self-focused.
Notice, scripture says, “All the chief priests and the scribes”, this was the first contact the religious leaders had with Jesus.
The chief priests and the scribes understood the Biblical information correctly; but, they failed to apply it to their lives.
The Chief priests included the High Priest, and Herod changed the High Priest into a political appointment, rather than a spiritual calling.
The Scribes were known as "The 'teachers of the law'; so, Herod was taught good Bible studies about the birthplace of the Messiah; but, it did him no good, because he was self focused.
C. H. Spurgeon said, "When the earth-king dabbles in theology, it bodes no good to truth. Herod among the priests and scribes is Herod still.
Some men may be well instructed in their Bibles and yet be all the worse for what they have discovered."
In other words: Simple head knowledge of the Lord and His Word does not save, nor change any man.
Herod said to bring back word so he could worship the child; he claimed a desire to worship Jesus; but, really wanted to kill Him.
You can’t serve the Lord and self; one will be loved above the other!
III. Meeting Jesus.
Read Matthew 2:9-12
Led by the star, the Magi find the royal family in a house.
Contrary to the manger scene we all put out at Christmas; Joseph, Mary and the baby are no longer in the stable.
The shepherds found the baby at the manger; but, this scene with the Magi takes place anywhere from a month to two years after the birth of Christ.
If there was any doubt in the minds of the Magi about who Jesus is; it is all gone now! This star stops right on top of Jesus.
It is a miracle that this star stops right on top of Jesus. All nature knows who the creature is.
Remember, later in life, Jesus commands the wind and the waves to be still.
During what we call the Triumphant Entry, the crowd began to Praise the Lord; and said
Luke 19:38 "'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD!' Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
Luke 19:39 And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples."
Listen to Jesus’ response and how He controls nature…
Luke 19:40 But He answered and said to them, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out." NKJV
It is amazing that nature doesn’t doubt who Jesus is; but, with all of our intellect, some people still do.
You see; just like with this star; God has a way of pointing His people to His Son.
And notice what happens when these men find Jesus directly under the star…
Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. NKJV
This is the kind of Joy a person experiences when they are facing the death penalty and receive a complete pardon instead.
The notice Verse 11 again; after they fall down and worship the King, they present Him gifts.
We must understand; worshipping the Lord with our hearts is more important than offering Jesus gifts!
Psalm 51:16 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. NKJV
Upon seeing the baby King, the Magi present Him with gifts.
1. Gold: was a gift for royalty; and it speaks to the baby; you are a King!
2. Frankincense: incense to be burned as a sweet smelling aroma representing the prayers going up to God and Jesus as our High Priest.
3. Myrrh: could be used as an antiseptic and wound healer and embalming fluid.
What these Magi did should be the natural response for anyone who has a real life encounter with Jesus; fall down and worship Him.
Scripture teaches, God alone is to be worshiped, and He alone is to be the object of our prayers and sacrifices.
The Scriptures strictly prohibit the worship of any creature, whether angelic, human, animal etc.
Acts 10:25 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him.
Acts 10:26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I myself am also a man." NKJV
In Lystra, in Acts 14, the people tried to worship Paul and he forbid it.
In Revelation 19, an angel forbids John from worshipping him.
Many cults deny the deity of Christ; but, we see here and other times throughout scripture, where Jesus receives honor, reverence, and worship which is only due to God.
There are also other times in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus accepts worship.
On one occasion in Matthew, Jesus walked on the water…
Matthew 14:32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
Matthew 14:33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God." NKJV
All through the Old Testament we see scriptures ascribing worship and sovereignty to the Messianic King as well.
The Creator of heaven; the Maker of nature; left heaven’s Glory and came to visit man.
He came to pardon us from our death penalty and communicate love and grace to us.
In our narrative today, the Lord then warns the Magi not to go back to Herod; because of his evil intentions.
Herod takes the appearance of these wise men announcing the arrival of Jesus as a threat to his rule and authority; he is concerned with his will rather than God’s will.
In Romans 12:2, the Lord promises a way for us to know His will, if we will offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to Him.
IV. Practical Application
Music is only a small portion of true, biblical worship.
Tobin Perry said, “You were designed for God's pleasure. The purpose of worship is the foundation of the other four purposes.
Fellowship without the spirit of worship is just "hanging out."
Discipleship without worship is nothing but a fruitless mental exercise.
Ministry without worship is called "spinning your wheels" and Evangelism without worship is a misplaced sales pitch.”
The name Jesus means "Yahweh is salvation" and “Christ” comes from the Greek word Christos, meaning Anointed One.
Jesus Christ came into the world to save lost sinners; so as the “Great I am”, and our Savior.
David Guzik said of this passage, “We see here three different responses to Jesus; one may say that all people respond in one of these three ways.”
1. Herod, in our narrative displayed an open hatred and hostility toward Jesus.
Worship is the process of surrendering our entire life into God's hands; everything we do can and should be an act of worship.
So our first goal and focus as Christians should be to start our day praying and surrendering to the Lord.
God designed us to worship Him with our whole lives, and there are spiritual habits that we can apply to our lives to help us worship God more.
Prayer, studying scripture, meditating on the goodness of God and all He has accomplished, regular fellowship with like-minded believers, and seeking to be more Christ-like.
2. The chief priests and the scribes were indifferent toward Jesus, all the while retaining their religious respectability.
When we are indifferent towards the Lord and the things He does, we are behaving like these priests and scribes.
John Piper said, “God wants every person on the planet to worship him, not because He is an egomaniac who needs our praise, but because worship is how we are designed by God.”
He wants the best for us; so we should be excited about the things the Lord is doing and then share them with others; that is also a form of worship!
3. The wise men sought out Jesus, and worshipped Him; even at great cost.
They were not satisfied with looking at the star and admiring it; they did something about the star, and set out and followed it.
They persevered in their search and in following after the star.
They were not discouraged in their search, by clergy and doubtful religious leaders. Instead they rejoiced at the star.
When they arrived at the destination the star led them to, they entered in. When they entered in, they worshipped the Lord.
They sensed an urgency to worship Him now and not wait.
When they worshipped, it was giving something; it was not empty-handed adoration.
• Are we competing with the Lord for control like Herod did
• Or; are we standing on the promises of God like the Magi who knew what God has said in His Word and were willing to follow and obey
Some may ask, “How could people who knew the predictions of the Messiah still do what they did?” But what about us; we know who Jesus is; so do we give Him His rightful position of King sometimes in our life?
According to Ecclesiastes 3:11, God has placed a God-shaped vacuum within the hearts of every person throughout eternity.
People search and search for something to fill that hole; but, nothing in the world seems to satisfy, except Jesus!
Jeremiah 29:13 you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. NKJV
May we seek Jesus with all our hearts, then worship like the Magi did, and never lose the awe of who Jesus really is.
