Guided By A Star To The Savior! Matthew 2:7-12
7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. Since we know later that Herod killed all the boys 2 years old and under, it points to the fact that the Magi started their journey two days ago. We know that if that the assumption is that they came from the area around Persia, it would have been a long journey.
The journey to Jerusalem from Persia would have been at least a thousand miles. A long, dangerous and perilous jouney into a foreign land. Travelling by camel at that time it would have taken many months. But what was it that guided them to Bethlehem from such a great distance. What was the 'star of Bethlehem' as mentioned in Mathew's gospel? - garvandwayne.com
8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” We see the cunning nature of King, as he sends them to search carefully for the child so he may worship him. The last thing he wants is for anyone to be worshipped except for him. Note we don't see the response of the wise men, perhaps showing they weren't going to be Herod's pawns. The word for "carefully" also can mean "exactly'. Herod wanted to pinpoint the possible king's position perfectly. Also it is interesting that he sends them to Bethelehem, though the magi never said directly this is where the star was leading him. Bethlehem was six miles from Jerusalem It shows Herod was acquainted with some of the passages surrounding the Messiah. I.e. Micah 5:2 which says,
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans[a] of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times.”
9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. Maybe the star paused during the interplay with Herod, but now it rose again to guide them. The context seems to suggest that the star had led them in the direction of Jerusalem which they found quite easily, and now the star leads them to the specific place of Jesus' birth.
When they arrived there, it was important that they should be directed to the very place where he was, and the star again appeared. It was for this reason that they rejoiced. They felt assured that they were under a heavenly guidance, and would be conducted to the new-born King of the Jews. - Barnes
Importantly the star led them EXACTLY to the place where Jesus was born. They were clearly guided by the God, who supernaturally directed the celestial bodies to show them the way. And we think Google maps is good. Literally the star stopped and stood. It was obedient to the Creator's commands.
10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. After such a long journey you can only imagine their excitement as they saw the clear direction of the star. If they were indeed astrologers this was their gold mine. It confirmed all their preconceived notions that the stars and planets could lead one to the truth.
11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. This is where we get the notion of there being "three wise" men because there were "three gifts". Obviously this is not conclusive as to their number, though it doesn't rule it out either.
More important was the fact they not only gave him gifts but worshipped him. Perhaps the supernatural nature of God's leading them to child led them to believe he was no ordinary king. While God is pleased with all of our gifts, our worship of Him means the most to him. We were made to worship God and nothing else.
We see here three different responses to Jesus; one may say that all people respond in one of these three ways.
· Herod displayed an open hatred and hostility toward Jesus.
· The chief priests and the scribes were indifferent toward Jesus, all the while retaining their religious respectability.
· The wise men sought out Jesus and worshipped Him – even at great cost.
12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. Rather than doing Herod's bidding to reveal where Jesus was born so Herod could, "worship him!", they are obedient to go back to their country covertly.
Thus did the providence of God watch over these devout Gentiles, as well as over Jesus and his parents, and would not suffer their honest simplicity to be abused, and made a prey of by the crafty designs of Herod. For into what grief and perplexity would they have been brought, had they been made even the innocent instruments of an assault on the holy child! But God delivered them, and guided their way. For while he was waiting for their return, they had time to get out of his reach, before his passion rose, which might have been fatal to them. Benson
The irony of this story cannot be lost. Here we have these Gentile astrologers most likely coming from Persia/Babylon, where many Jews were deported, coming back to be the first worshippers of the Son of God. Those who sought Jesus found him, and those who were more interested in self preservation than seeing God revealed in a little baby born were duped.
Many today are like Herod. They want to use Jesus for their own interests. Or, they are threatened by those who worship him. Wise men and women still seek Him today. After all he wants to be found and will he use the stars to guide us.
How did God guide you to His Son? When you look back can you see how God guided you to the manger to see the baby? Perhaps it wasn't a star but other supernatural means. How do you offer your gifts back to God in light of the greatest gift He has given to you? Remember the greatest gift we can give him is our worship, both with our lips and our lives!
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