The inclusion of the Magi speaks to God’s love for the whole world
“A stir begins as soon as Christ is born. He has not spoken a word; he has not wrought a miracle; he has not proclaimed a single doctrine; but ‘when Jesus was born,’ at the very first, while as yet you hear nothing but infant cries, and can see nothing but infant weakness, still his influence upon the world is manifest. ‘When Jesus was born, there came wise men from the east,’ and so on. There is infinite power even in an infant Savior.” (Spurgeon)
The magi would have met Jesus some time after the birth of Jesus, and likely long after his sleeping in the manger. While they likely weren’t “at the manger” physically, we often see them in nativity scenes as reminders that they came to worship the newborn king. This passage in Matthew 2:1-12 highlights the themes of divine guidance, the pursuit of truth, and the recognition of Christ’s kingship. It speaks to God’s ultimate plan to bring salvation to all those who seek Him.
Wise men or astrologers from the east, likely Persia or Babylon, who were knowledgeable in astronomy and ancient prophecies. Stars were commonly believed in the ancient world to foretell significant events.
There are many different suggestions for the natural origin of this remarkable star. Some say it was a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn; some, other planetary conjunctions; others suggest a supernova; and some think of comets or a specifically created unique star or sign.
Whatever it was, it is significant that God met them in their own medium: He guided the astronomers by a star. This was also in fulfillment of Numbers 24:17: A Star shall come out of Jacob; a Scepter shall rise out of Israel. This was widely regarded by ancient Jewish scholars as a Messianic prediction.
Notice, it was His star: “The star was Christ’s star itself, but it also led others to Christ. It did this very much because it moved in that direction. It is a sad thing when a preacher is like a sign-post pointing the way but never following it, on his own account. Such were those chief priests at Jerusalem: they could tell where Christ was born, but they never went to worship him; they were indifferent altogether to him and to his birth.” (Spurgeon)
They were seeking the King, and their journey signifies a genuine pursuit of truth and a desire to worship the true King. The star they followed was a divine sign guiding them to the newborn King, showing God’s initiative in revelation. God used a sign familiar to them to show His truth.
“The tradition that the Magi were kings can be traced as far back as Tertullian. It probably developed under the influence of Old Testament passages that say kings will come and worship the Messiah…Psalms 68:29 says “Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee.”…“Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.” (Carson)
God spoke to these men in a Way that was familiar to them…the stars!
Matthew 2:3-8 tells us of Herod’s reaction – fear and disturbance at the news of a new king threaten his rule and security. Heros uses deception to get the Magi to find Jesus and pretend to acknowledge his kingship.
It is unfortunate when we let self-interest and fear distort our responses to God’s work!
Divine Guidance – the star continues to lead the Magi directly to Jesus, highlighting God’s faithfulness. Their response to Jesus – the Magi’s immediate worship and presentation of gifts signify their recognition of Jesus’ kingship, divinity, and sacrificial death.
The Magi’s Obedience and Departure – Matthew 2:12
God’s intervention through a dream to protect Jesus and the Magi from Herod’s deceit. The Magi’s obedience to God’s warning and their decision to return home by another route signify a transformation and a new direction in their lives.
Encountering Jesus can change the trajectory of your life.
Why would God make such an effort to call the magi “to the manger?”
We see now the fullness of God’s story from that was set out to Abraham: For ALL The nations to be blessed! Jesus would be for EVERYONE! If God sends a star to lead the wisemen, what does this tell us about God’s love? Who are you praying for to know Christ? This story reminds us that God is always at work to bring people know him. John 3:16 is a promise that we can hold on to!
The story of the Magi is a reminder of the universal call to seek and worship Jesus. It challenges us to pursue truth, recognize Jesus’ kingship, and respond with obedience and worship. And it reminds us that God’s love is for the whole world, who are all invited “to the manger.”
Wise Men and Women Still Seek HIM!
