January 3, 2016
Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-12
1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2and 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.”
3When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
6“ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ”
7Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8He 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.”
9After 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. 10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11On 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. 12And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
Questions for Reflection:
Yesterday we looked at Herod’s life and his role in this narrative. Today, let’s take a look at the Magi. From our Christmas traditions (like nativity scenes and songs), what are we often taught about the Magi? How many were there? What were their roles in their government? Compare that to what the Bible tells us about the Magi. How many were there? Tradition has taught us that there was three magi, hence the three gifts. However the Bible does not teach how many magi came from the east. More than likely, their traveling party was extensive including aides and security.
The magi were more than likely religious scholars that studied ancient texts and the stars. There were copies of the Jewish texts throughout the east as the Jewish people had carried them into exile. More than likely the magi were from Persia or Babylon. They were familiar with the texts and were expecting the king of the Jews. How did they respond to the sign of his birth (the star)? Compare their reaction to Herod’s.
Scholars believe that this event took place close to two years after the birth of Jesus (hence Herod’s later command to kill all the infant boys two and under). Can you imagine the scene when the magi arrived at Joseph and Mary’s house? Young toddler Jesus playing with toys while these scholars come in and bow down and worship him. The toddler exploring these strange gifts while Joseph and Mary ask him to stay out of them. What would Joseph and Mary have done with the gifts?
What can we learn from the magi’s example? How do we respond to the presence of the Christ? If we are followers of Jesus, we are told that His Spirit lives within us. How should this inspire our worship? For the magi, the gifts were a part of their worship. Do you think of your giving as an act of worship? What “treasures” do you give to the Lord? How can your giving become a greater act of worship?