Matthew 2 - Persian Astrologers Bring Infant Jesus Gifts!
Read Matthew 2
2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
In chapter 2 of Matthew we read of the Magi (traditionally called "wise men"), who came from the east to worship Jesus. Interestingly, most conclude they were Persian astrologers, which again underscores the theme of the many unlikely characters were involved in the early life of Jesus. King Herod learns of the possibility of the Messiah being born and tries to figure out where this will happen. The teachers of the law tell Herod that according to the prophecy in Micah, Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. So Herod sends the Magi there so that he can "worship him". Right! When the Magi find the infant Jesus, they offer gifts of gold, frankincense and myrhh. But having been warned in a dream, the Magi go home on a separate way. Herod is furious and issues a decree to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who are 2 years and under.
We see from an early age in Jesus' life that those in power and authority will fear Jesus and try to get rid of him. They are threatened by him even as a little infant. The Persian astrologers came to worship Jesus, but Herod wants to kill him. Herod's search for Jesus leads Mary and Joseph to go to Egypt for a time, and then go to Nazareth in Galilee, to fulfill the prophecies that he would be called out of Egypt and raised as a Nazarene. We can only imagine how thrilling it was for Mary to have these men visit and give Jesus birthday gifts. I am sure it was a confirmation for her of the special nature of her son.
So Jesus' life begins with lots of irony. Born of virgin. Born in a manger. Worshipped by foreigners, but despised by Jewish leaders in power. Grows up in a rural and obscure town called Nazareth. What does this mean for us? God used unlikely people in unlikely places to reveal his plan of the salvation of the whole world. I think God continues to use unlikely people to do his bidding. And throughout the story God protects those who are walking according to His plan through dreams, angels and for Christians today the Holy Spirit. Where is God calling you to trust in His plan for your life as unlikely as it might seem? LIke the Magi, the shepherds and Mary and Joseph, God will guide you, keep you safe and keep you on the right path.
2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
In chapter 2 of Matthew we read of the Magi (traditionally called "wise men"), who came from the east to worship Jesus. Interestingly, most conclude they were Persian astrologers, which again underscores the theme of the many unlikely characters were involved in the early life of Jesus. King Herod learns of the possibility of the Messiah being born and tries to figure out where this will happen. The teachers of the law tell Herod that according to the prophecy in Micah, Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. So Herod sends the Magi there so that he can "worship him". Right! When the Magi find the infant Jesus, they offer gifts of gold, frankincense and myrhh. But having been warned in a dream, the Magi go home on a separate way. Herod is furious and issues a decree to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who are 2 years and under.
We see from an early age in Jesus' life that those in power and authority will fear Jesus and try to get rid of him. They are threatened by him even as a little infant. The Persian astrologers came to worship Jesus, but Herod wants to kill him. Herod's search for Jesus leads Mary and Joseph to go to Egypt for a time, and then go to Nazareth in Galilee, to fulfill the prophecies that he would be called out of Egypt and raised as a Nazarene. We can only imagine how thrilling it was for Mary to have these men visit and give Jesus birthday gifts. I am sure it was a confirmation for her of the special nature of her son.
So Jesus' life begins with lots of irony. Born of virgin. Born in a manger. Worshipped by foreigners, but despised by Jewish leaders in power. Grows up in a rural and obscure town called Nazareth. What does this mean for us? God used unlikely people in unlikely places to reveal his plan of the salvation of the whole world. I think God continues to use unlikely people to do his bidding. And throughout the story God protects those who are walking according to His plan through dreams, angels and for Christians today the Holy Spirit. Where is God calling you to trust in His plan for your life as unlikely as it might seem? LIke the Magi, the shepherds and Mary and Joseph, God will guide you, keep you safe and keep you on the right path.
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