Matthew 2:1-12

The Magi Visit Baby Jesus

2 "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him."

3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.

5 They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:

6 'AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH, ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.'"

7 Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him."

9 After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

12 And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.

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This is the Word of the Lord ... It is meant to change the way that we think, and the way that we live.

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Commentary by Bob Pardue

The Magi Come To Worship Jesus

Who Were The Magi?

The Magi were well known astronomers and scholars. These men were powerful in the effect that a word from them could make or break even a king. In other words, they were well educated about what went on in the heavens and thus, the star.

Herod Is Aware Of The Messiah Prophesy

The chief priests and teachers of the law were aware of Micah 5:2 and other prophesies about the Messiah. The Magi's news troubled Herod because he knew the the Jewish people expected the Messiah to come soon (Luke 3:15).

With that said, Herod was not in the line of David so many Jews hated him already. He knew if this child was allowed to grow it would mean trouble for him. His goal at this time was to put down a possible revolution which could take away his kingdom and his life.

Herod, like many kings of the day, was paranoid that someone was always plotting to overthrow him so he became ruthless to those he suspected and to any who opposed him.

Most Jews expected the Messiah to be a great military and political deliverer, like Alexander the Great. Herod's counselors would have told Herod this. Add this information to his paranoia along with some realistic warnings and you have a recipe for disaster.

No wonder this ruthless man took no chances and ordered all the baby boys in Bethlehem killed.

On the other hand, God had other plans. The details of God's plan are in the verses above about the dream, the flight to Egypt, etc. so I won't go into detail about these.

I would like to mention that no matter what Herod planned to do to crush a power coming into being, God is in control and His will is final! Some would call this coincidence or chance but I believe that God will work His plan in all situations. No king on earth is powerful to curtail what God wants to do.

How about your life? Are you listening to what God has planned for you or are you a wandering generality?

Love in Christ

- Bob

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This article about the visit of the wise men to baby Jesus in the Christmas story may be freely reprinted or distributed in its entirety in any e-zine, newsletter, blog, or website. The author's name, bio, and website links must remain intact and be included with every reproduction.

Bob

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