Matthew 2:1–12, 16

Bible Studies for Life
Assistant Professor of Religion, Department of Religion, Samford University

RESPOND TO GOD’S GIFT
Matthew 2:1–12, 16
After recounting Jesus’ genealogy and birth (Matt. 1:1–25), Matthew continues to show the significance of Christ’s Advent with the wise men’s visit to Jesus (Matt. 2:1–18). Like Joseph in the previous passage, the wise men are obedient to God’s direction. Their joyful reverence for Jesus stands in sharp contrast to Herod’s evil reaction.

Seeking the Gift (1–6)
Matthew begins his Gospel by describing Jesus as “the son of David, the son of Abraham” (1:1). In the second chapter, he refers to David’s hometown, Bethlehem, where his messianic descendant has been born (1, 3–6). This messianic rule is not a reality at Jesus’ birth, however. Herod has functioned for more than three decades as Rome’s designated “king of the Jews” (1). Yet the strange visit of Gentile sages to Jerusalem, Judea’s capital, indicates that God is about to depose those in power. In fact, the wise men have been anticipating these developments; after sighting His star, they travel to pay their respects to the newborn “king of the Jews” (2).
In addition, the wise men’s actions foreshadow recurring themes throughout Matthew’s Gospel. First they anticipate the contrast between Jesus’ rejection by Jerusalem insiders, on the one hand (Matt. 13:54–58; 21:23–27; 23:1–39; 26:1–27:66), and Jesus’ acceptance by Gentile outsiders, on the other hand (Matt. 8:5–13; 28:16–20). Second, the wise men exemplify an attitude of openness to God’s plan. They are willing to follow God’s direction, even if it takes them into unexpected, uncharted territory.

Rejecting the Gift (7–8, 16)
Unfortunately seeking God’s Kingdom is not the goal of those with entrenched positions of power. In fact, Herod and others in Jerusalem are afraid when they hear about this momentous birth (v. 3). Herod’s motives are clear when he consults the wise men secretly to learn the when and where of Jesus’ birth. After the wise men visit Jesus, they are warned about Herod’s plot in a dream (v. 12) and are obedient once again, avoiding him in their return. Herod responds in an evil rage, ordering the slaughter of countless boys in an attempt to kill Jesus. There is precedent for Herod’s paranoia. He reportedly ordered the deaths of his brother-in-law and wife. Herod’s irrational rage also resembles Pharaoh’s massacre at Moses’ birth (Ex. 1:15–22). Moreover Herod’s murder of the innocent foreshadows Jesus’ fate in Jerusalem many years later (Matt. 27:1–56).

Careful reflection on Jesus’ rejection by the powerful should warn us against prejudice. We should view Jesus’ persecution in terms of power and tradition, not as a premise for prejudice against particular people. Christians have used Jesus’ rejection as a rationalization for the abuse of Jews over several centuries. This shameful, sinful behavior was chastised by the apostle Paul (Rom. 9–11) but often tragically ignored. Christians using the Jewish rejection of Jesus as a basis for prejudice would be similar to African-Americans citing the Jim Crow era as grounds for stereotypes about whites. We should keep in mind the ability of power and tradition to blind us so that we cannot see when God may be moving in our midst.

Worshiping the Gift (9–12)
The wise men model selfless worship when they encounter Jesus. First they simply appreciate the magnitude of the moment, as they are “overjoyed beyond measure.” This shows the importance of meditating on God’s gift in Christ. Second the wise men offer their gifts as expressions of their reverence. Centuries earlier, the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon with many valuable presents, acknowledging his accomplishments with the Temple and his palace (1 Kings 10:1–12). We now know One who is greater than Solomon and the Temple (Matt. 12:6, 42). Further the best expression of our faith today may be through giving to the most unfortunate among us (Matt. 25:31–46).