Matthew 2:9 NASBS
After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was.
Matthew 2 Exerpt from The Preacher’s Commentary
The Witness of the Wise Men
It is believed that the magi came from Persia and were a tribe of priests. Herodotus says that the magi were originally a tribe of Medians who had tried to overthrow the Persian Empire but failed and became among the Persians a priestly tribe much like the Levites in Israel. These magi became the teachers of the Persian kings and were skilled in philosophy and science. They were known as men of holiness and wisdom and were interpreters of dreams.
As was common in those ancient days, such men of science and wisdom studied the stars, believing in astrology. They held that a man’s destiny was influenced or settled by the star under which he was born. If some spectacular phenomenon appeared in the heavens, it impressed them that God was breaking into the natural order and announcing some special event.
Much speculation has been made as to what brilliant star these ancient magi saw; whether it was some supernova, or whether it was a brilliant comet such as Halley’s Comet, or whether it was a brilliant conjunction of planets such as Saturn and Jupiter. At least the Scripture tells us that there was a brilliant star that appeared, and the magi, seeing this star, were convinced of an act of God in which the entry of a great king was being heralded to the world.
There was a general expectation in the world at that time of an imminent messianic announcement. This is found in the writings of Josephus, the writings of wise men in the Middle East and in Greece, and in the writings of Roman historians. It is reflected in the writings of Virgil, the Roman poet, in what is known as the Messianic Eclogue, where he even hailed Augustus the Roman emperor as the savior of the world. At the time Jesus Christ was born there was a general expectation of an act of God to bring a person into the world who would deliver man from his bondage and limitations.
The magi represent Gentiles coming from distant areas of the world to worship the Christ. In view of our thesis that Matthew presents the gospel of salvation history, introducing the Son of God as King of kings, as a ruler of a new kingdom which extends far beyond the borders of national Israel, we note that at the very beginning of the Gospel there is a relationship to the Gentiles.
Apparently the wise men took some length of time after the birth of Christ to arrive at Bethlehem. There is no indication that they found Jesus in the stable or in the cave. It may have been all of two years until they actually arrived and found the young child, Jesus.
At least we discover that Herod’s attempt to destroy Christ included all of the boy children two years and under. In verse 11 we read that “when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother.” This reference of finding them in a house, and reference to a young child rather than to a babe are further indications of the elapsed time from the birth of Christ until the occasion when the magi arrived.
This is how I imagine the wise men finally arriving at Jesus’ house:
As the wise men followed the radiant star, its shimmering light illuminated their path through the dark night. The air was crisp and carried a sense of anticipation. The sound of their footsteps echoed softly against the silence of the night, as they made their way towards the humble dwelling where Jesus lay.
Upon entering, the wise men were greeted by a gentle warmth that enveloped the room. The soft glow of candlelight danced upon the walls, casting a tranquil ambiance. The scent of frankincense and myrrh filled the air, their fragrance intertwining with a hint of straw and wood.
As the wise men approached Jesus, a profound sense of reverence and awe washed over them. They knelt before Him, their hearts filled with humility and adoration. With hands outstretched, they presented their precious gifts, symbols of their devotion and recognition of His divinity.
In that sacred moment, a profound peace settled upon the room. The weight of the world seemed to rest upon the tiny shoulders of the newborn child. His presence exuded wisdom beyond His years, and His name, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace, resonated deeply within their souls.
With hearts brimming with joy and gratitude, the wise men departed, carrying with them the message foretold by the prophet Isaiah. The promise of an everlasting government and unfailing peace echoed in their minds as they ventured forth, knowing that the zeal of the Lord of hosts would bring about the fulfillment of this divine plan.
And so, the star continued to shine brightly in the night sky, guiding others to the life-changing truth that God had sent His son to save humanity from sin. The story of the wise men’s visitation and their encounter with the infant Jesus would forever be etched in history as a testament to the enduring love and mercy of God.
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