Seeing the Light

 

DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

SEEING THE LIGHT

Matt 2:1-2

2:1 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 in the east and have come to worship him."

NIV

We do not know how long this has been since the time of His birth, but we know that they were still in Bethlehem so not too much time has passed. Since Luke brings into the account of the shepherds and their experience with the host of angels and they're coming into town to find the baby still wrapped and, in the manger, it makes sense the three magi were coming somewhat about the same time. From other sources we are learning this manger may well have not been in a barn as we think of barns or stables. However, for now, let us simply consider the event of these three magi, or as the Greek word means, oriental scientist or by implication, a magician. We always seem to portray them as wise men.  What is interesting is this concept of the star in the east and that it was the reason they came to worship this one they came to understand as the king of the Jews. It is interesting investing all the ideas of the scholars of old in regard to who these magi were and what they saw and why they came to worship Jesus. One of the most interesting thoughts was that these three men were from Ur in the Chaldeans, where Abraham came from. This idea also suggests these men were from one of the scattered tribes of Israel and were learned men of Jewish heritage and thus knew of the prophetic texts concerning the Messiah of Israel. It is also interesting that a star is spoken of in the book of numbers. It is recorded that a star will come out of Jacob, a scepter will rise out of Israel. The point to all this still comes to the fact that men came from a far distance to worship who they came to understand as the king of the Jews. Considering they stopped to ask King Herod where the king of Jews had been born, seems a little strange, but at the same time points us to the truth that there can be no human leader that should be worshipped, but the only the true King of kings, Jesus is worthy of worship and praise. It is also interesting that many of us have come from a far place, a city of darkness and death, and have traveled out of that darkness across the cross, a bridge, into the city of light and life. Our journey was not much different than those magi, in the sense they saw the rising star, the light of Christ, and traveled to worship Him. When we lived in the darkness, we too saw that light of Jesus, somehow, we were made aware of that light and we were drawn to it, to find the King of kings, to kneel before Him and worship. We will see more of this narrative concerning these three and their worship, but for now let us simply be thankful that we saw that star in the east, that light from heaven pointing us straight to Jesus.