By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph. D.
Professor of Biblical Studies, University of Mobile
WORSHIP THE KING
Matthew 2:1–12
Matthew called the men wise men, not kings. There were multiple visitors but not necessarily three. Based on the testimony of the Magi and the response by King Herod, the boy Jesus may have been up to 2 years of age (v. 16), not a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes. They also visited Jesus in a house. It’s amazing what we learn when we rightly divide the Word of truth!
Seeking the King (1–3)
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem …” How long after? It was long enough for them to travel from a distant land in the East to worship the King of the Jews. Since they came some time after Jesus was born, our family leaves the “three kings” out of the nativity scene at Christmas. We suggest setting them in another room, still seeking the King.
“Wise men from the East arrived in Jerusalem …” The star rose and provided for them enough general revelation to make their way to the city of the king. After all, why would the One born King of the Jews be anywhere other than in the presence of the king among the Jews?
“King Herod … was deeply disturbed …” Why would the king and all Jerusalem be bothered by this inquiry from the Magi? The answer is that he was an ethnic Idumean (an Edomite) and was granted the position as king of Judea as a political favor. He was not born with that title, and he had no room for another king in his kingdom.
Finding the King (4–8)
The scribes. Everyone in the city was talking about these foreign dignitaries and their strange request. Herod gathered the most learned religious men in the city to discern what the Scriptures revealed about the birthplace of the Anointed One. The scribes copied the sacred texts, and the priests studied the Scriptures for worship and community life so they should have known.
The Scriptures. God’s special revelation was required for them — and us — to find the King. One of the Minor Prophets held the answer. Micah 5:2 states that a ruler who would shepherd Israel would be born in Bethlehem Ephrathah of Judah. The Christ would be found in Bethlehem.
The secret. Herod held a meeting with the Magi to ascertain when the star first appeared and to send them on a secret mission: Find out exactly where the King was located. Herod’s mission for them was under the guise of personal worship, but his intent was to rid Judea of his competition.
Worshipping the King (9–12)
Going in. Once the Magi made their way to Bethlehem, they went into the house where Jesus was staying with Mary. Having found Him, they were filled with joy, bowing in humility to worship the King.
Giving gifts. They offered gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Gold is appropriate for a king, frankincense for a priest and myrrh for a prophet who warns of impending judgment. Each gift was fit for someone with an anointed role, and Jesus is the Anointed One.
Going home. The Magi discerned from a dream that they were not to return to Herod. They would have nothing to do with the massacre of the innocents that was about to take place.
Like the Magi before us, let us bow down, worship and offer our gifts to the King.
Share with others: