The Coming Kingdom: Matthew 2.1-23 (1)
Pray Psalm 119.105, 106.
Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
I have sworn and confirmed
That I will keep Your righteous judgments.
Sing Psalm 119.105, 106.
(Slane: Be Thou My Vision)
Your Word a lamp is to brighten my way.
LORD, from Your pathway let me never stray!
I give my word now as I have before:
Your righteous Law I will keep evermore.
Read Matthew 2.1-23; meditate on verse 2.
What seems to have been unique about this star?
Preparation
1. Who were these men?
2. Why had they come to Jerusalem?
Meditation
We don’t know how many Magi made this journey, though we traditionally think of them as three, each one bearing a different gift (v. 11). Magi were “wise men” and would have had access to a royal court. Further, they would have required the permission of that court to take such a long journey and be away for some time. We can only wonder about the anticipation that would have taken hold in that Gentile court upon their return.
The Magi would undoubtedly have access to Hebrew Scriptures, which the Hebrews would have brought with them to Babylon. They may have been alerted to the star from pondering Numbers 24.17, which promises a Star to rise and rule in Israel, Who would destroy the enemies of God’s people. My sense is that this star was a special star, neither a comet nor the close juxtaposition of two planets, as is supposed by some. God could make the star and the light it emitted as surely as He could turn water to wine by merely thinking (Jn. 2); and He could just as easily have faded it out when its work was done. There is no need to try to shoehorn this star into a secular or scientific mindset. Greater wonders lie ahead in this gospel, and we need to consider them from God’s perspective, not man’s.
The Magi came “from the East”—where they were, not the star—to Jerusalem, for this was the capital of Israel, where they might expect to find the newborn King. Matthew pinned their visit to the historical record, following accepted historiographical protocol, by referencing the ruler current at the time. They came to worship the King, literally, to bow on their knees before Him, a sign of honor and submission. Perhaps they read Psalm 72 as well?
Treasure Old and New: Matthew 13.52; Psalm 119.162
This beautiful, bright star got the attention of Magi from the East—a faraway land from Jerusalem and Bethlehem. It is interesting to note that it did not get the attention of anyone in Israel.
Jesus had already been brought to Jerusalem with Mary and Joseph for her purification and atonement, thirty-three days after His birth (see Lev. 12.1-8). “Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, ‘A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons’” (Lk. 2.22-24). (We can perhaps assume His circumcision took place in Bethlehem 8 days after His birth).
The point being, if Herod the king had even known about Jesus’ birth—as The King of the Jews—he could certainly have destroyed Him upon His recent visit to Jerusalem.
We remember also that this was when Simeon and Anna both drew attention to Him with their praise, adoration, and declarations of His glory.
Simeon, in the temple, took Jesus up in his arms and said: “For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel” (see Lk. 2.25-32).
And Anna “gave thanks to God, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Lk. 2.38).
None of this was done quietly or in secret.
Ergo, no governmental or temple leader in Jerusalem was even expecting His arrival.
Says a lot about the religious leaders of the day. What about ours?
And the Magi. How wise were they? Couldn’t they have discerned that Herod might be just the tiniest bit upset about a certain Someone Who could be coming to usurp his power? Weren’t the kings in the East as maniacal as those elsewhere? Just thinking out loud here.
But God. His timing is always perfect. Jesus was saved from the murderous hands of a power hungry king.
However, because of the “wise” men’s visit, and Herod’s hatred, all the male children in Bethlehem, two years old and under, were summarily killed—which had also been foretold by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted, because they are no more” (Matt. 2.18; Jer. 31.15).
But the star. How majestic. How quiet. How forceful. How bright.
Indeed, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” (Ps. 19.1).
The Great I AM is “The Bright and Morning Star” (Rev. 22.16).
This star drew nigh to the northwest,
O’er Bethlehem it took its rest,
And there it did both stop and stay,
Right over the place where Jesus lay.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.
(anonymous, 13th century)
Reflect.
1. Why do you suppose no one in Israel seems to have seen the star?
2. Do you find sometimes, as you’re reading Scripture, that you feel like you just “miss” important things? Explain.
3. How can you improve your ability to see Jesus in all Scripture (Jn 5.39)?
We must learn of Christ by attending to the word of God, as a light that shineth in a dark place, and by seeking the teaching of the Holy Spirit. And those in whose hearts the day-star is risen, to give them any thing of the knowledge of Christ, make it their business to worship him. Matthew Henry (1662-1714), Commentary on Matthew 2.1, 2
Pray Psalm 119.107-112.
What’s “in your hand” for this day? Offer it to Jesus in detail. Seek guidance from the Light of His Word. Rejoice to feed on His testimonies.
Sing Psalm 119.107-112.
(Slane: Be Thou My Vision)
I am afflicted and sorely distressed;
O LORD, revive me that I may be blessed.
Teach me Your Word, LORD; my thanks I proclaim.
Off’rings of praise I declare to Your Name!
Daily I take up my life in my hand,
working to keep to Your gracious command.
Let not the wicked turn me from Your way;
I from Your precepts, O LORD, will not stray.
I take Your Word as the joy of my heart,
my trust, my heritage, my special part.
I bend my heart to fulfill all Your Word,
always, forever, to serve You, O LORD.
T. M. and Susie Moore
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment to give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Cor. 4.15).
Other columns of interest: This week: The Read Moore podcast pushes on through our readings from Joy to Your World!. Our Crosfigell teaching letter continues its brief series on the early 6th-century Irish saint, Coemgen. The ReVision column considers how to grow the divine economy. Check out our other excellent writers. Click here to see all the other columns and writers available to you.
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Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. For sources of all quotations, see the weekly PDF of this study. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter.
