A Wise Decision
Scripture Readings:
Matthew 2:1-12
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
6 “ ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ”
7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
Philippians 2:9-11
Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Commentary:
A Wise Decision (Tre Wiggins)
When we read about the wise men in the account of the birth of Christ, there’s no telling how we’ve been trained to view them. Perhaps we’ve always thought about them as religious men who were eagerly awaiting the coming of the Messiah (there were many of these people, for certain!), but this wasn’t the case for the wise men “from the east.” They would have probably been familiar with OT prophecy, having interaction with Jews in Babylon, knowing the Jews were looking for a Messiah; But these Magi were far from God-fearers.
In fact, being from the east tells us a lot about these characters. These men were experts in mysteries and were likely magicians and astrologers (which is at least one explanation for God giving them a star to follow!). One theologian describes them as “modern day satanists.” This is what it meant to be from the east. If you’ve ever heard anything about eastern spirituality, not much has changed!
Yet, in God’s sovereignty, His intention in bringing these astrologers who dabbled in dark magic was to show that even the worst of sinners can be saved. Those who are participants in the kingdom of darkness will ultimately bow down to the King of the Light. That’s what Scripture testifies to, as these Magi brought gifts to this Infant Messiah. Ultimately, “every knee will bow,” (Rom. 14:11). But this story is an encouragement that it is still not to late for even the most egregious sinners. Christ has come with power to save them all. Even you and me.
Prayer & Reflection:
Father, I thank you that Christ has come to save me from my sin. Just as I was not too far from you to save me, I trust that you can save others in my sphere of influence. Would you use me to share the good news of the gospel with someone today? Thank you for your saving power!