Wise men from the east

Only Matthew records the visit of these wise men from the east. The word for ‘wise men’, Gk. magos, is of Persian origin, indicating that these men were Gentiles, and the fact they were given an audience with Herod suggests they were men of high standing and wealth. Although the record of scripture is brief what we do know about them is instructive and challenging.

Their desire. They came to Jerusalem asking, ‘Where is he that is born King of the Jews?’ There has been much speculation concerning the star they saw. This we at least can say, that whatever the means employed, a divine revelation had been given to them and they acted upon it. The journey they undertook must have been considerable, possibly involving several months of travelling, their one objective was to see the King. What a rebuke to the Jewish nation that it was Gentiles who brought to Jerusalem news of its Messiah’s birth. What a rebuke to the religious leaders who, informed of the fact, made no effort to find the King themselves. Would the wise men’s diligence in seeking after Christ, put us to shame in our day? In response to the demand of Herod as to where ‘Christ should be born’ the Jewish leaders quote Micah chapter 5 verse 2, identifying the place as ‘Bethlehem’ in ‘Judaea’. One commentator has perceptively said ‘It is strange how much these scribes knew, and what little use they made of it’, R. GLOVER. Could such a charge be levelled against us?

Their devotion. Two parties spoke of worshipping the new-born King: the wise men and Herod. With the former it was a genuine desire; with the latter, a mere pretence, Matt. 2. 2, 8. When the wise men saw the Child they did two things:‘they fell down and worshipped him’; and‘they presented unto him gifts’. Are these things true of us? As Christ is brought before us are our hearts always moved in adoration towards Him? Think of what things we can present to Him: our person, our praise, our possessions, Rom. 12. 1; Heb. 13. 15; Phil. 4. 18.

Their direction. ‘Warned of God they departed . . . another way’. They were in a world hostile to Christ so that other ‘way’ involved a path in separation from it, cp. Rom. 12. 2.