The Gospel of Matthew provides a vivid portrayal of both the acceptance and rejection of Jesus. Chapter 2 describes how Gentile magi embrace Jesus in contrast to the regional king who not only rejects Him but also actively opposes Him.
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, magi from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star in the east and have come to pay him homage” (Matthew 2.1-2).
The magi are thought to have been astrologers or magicians, holding a position of high regard in the Gentile world, yet viewed with suspicion by Hebrews and Christians who rejected the practice of magic.
It’s noteworthy that the New Testament doesn’t shy away from addressing topics that could pose challenges for the Church. This openness stems from a commitment to truthfulness, indicating that the inclusion of such subjects is driven solely by their authenticity.
Good News and Bad News
What was such good news to the magi, that they would travel from Babylon to Jerusalem, was equally bad news for King Herod, who was very protective of his throne.
When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him, and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.
They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet:
‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah,
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” (Matthew 2.3-6)
Throughout the Gospel of Matthew, we find instances where he connects prophecies from the Old Testament to what is being fulfilled through Jesus. This particular quote comes from Micah 5:2.
Possibly of more important interest for readers today is the idea that God’s light comes to some of the darkest places. One of the things I have frequently done is pray for God’s light to shine in the dark places of human lives or in regions of the community where I live.
While the light of God’s news is good news to many people, it comes into conflict with those who are content to live with the status quo or who use their power to oppress others. In this instance, they try to snuff it out.
A Moral Politician
I recently listened to a podcast from Germany discussing the war in Ukraine. The interviewee mentioned a Green Party politician in Germany, describing her as not only a politician but also as someone with strong moral principles.
It might strike us as unusual to acknowledge that there are still politicians who possess moral integrity.
Herod was never accused of being moral.
Then Herod secretly called for the magi and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared.
Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage” (Matthew 2.7-8).
In contrast to Herod’s intentions, the three magi rejoiced when they located Jesus. They presented him with the honor due to a king and gifts befitting royalty.
When they had heard the king, they set out, and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen in the east, until it stopped over the place where the child was.
When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.
On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2.9-11).
Years ago, I read a story about the common American response to Jesus. Some people accept him. Not too many people are violently opposed to him, but many people are apathetic.
They say such things as, “Sure, I believe in Jesus,” but their lives reflect very little of his touch.
We do well to follow the example of the magi and to give him our very best.
God Communicates
The comedian Lillie Tomlin once said that when people talk to God, we call it prayer. When they say that God talks to them, we call it schizophrenia. The truth is, a personal relationship is both give and take. We speak to God, and He speaks to us.
In the instance of the magi, God spoke to them through a dream and warned them to go back to their homeland immediately.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road (Matthew 2.12).
Several years ago, I was awakened in a dream by a missionary friend of ours who said, “Bob, pray for me.” It was the middle of the night, but I got up and spent a fair amount of time praying for her.
I sent her an email shortly after that and asked, “What’s going on?” She didn’t tell me what was going on, but said it was very important that someone prayed for her and God answered that prayer.
That’s just one simple way that God communicates with us. If we’re listening and responsive, He will frequently let us know what He is up to so we can respond.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross and I discussed this passage on YouTube today. It can be found on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 