Jesus’ Rising Star

¹ Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, ² “Where is the newborn King of the Jews? We saw His star as it rose, and we have come to worship Him.” ³ King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. ⁴ He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” ⁵ “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: ⁶ ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a Ruler will come from you who will be the Shepherd for My people Israel.’” ⁷ Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. ⁸ Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the Child. And when you find Him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship Him, too!” ⁹ After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the Child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! ¹¹ They entered the house and saw the Child with His mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. ¹² When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. Matthew 2:1-12 (NLT)

The birth of Jesus the Christ (Messiah) in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod, was a unique universal event (Matthew 2:2; Luke 2:4-15). Through the birth of Jesus, God was fulfilling His promise made to Abraham to bless all people on earth - Jews and Gentiles (see Genesis 12:3; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 22:18; Acts 3:25; Galatians 3:8, 16). The glorious birth of Jesus Messiah affected people and governments worldwide (see Isaiah 9:6-7).

At the birth of Jesus, God directed wise men from eastern lands through a rising star in the east to come and worship Jesus (Matthew 2:2). These wise men, also called “magoi” in the Greek and usually translated “magi” in English, were Gentiles. The Old Testament book of Daniel used the term “magi” for royal magicians, astrologers or conjurers who served the King (e.g., see Daniel 1:20; Daniel 2:2; Daniel 4:7; Daniel 5:7). Many biblical scholars believe that these wise men from eastern lands first learned the Jewish Scriptures and their prophecies of the promised King of the Jews through Daniel, a Jew serving during the Jewish exile in Babylonia. The Old Testament prophecies foretold, “a Star shall come out of Jacob; a Scepter shall rise out of Israel” (Genesis 49:10; Numbers 24:17; see also Revelation 22:16). God sent a star to bring the wise men from eastern lands to the Messiah’s birth (Matthew 2:2).

Of the four Gospels, Matthew alone tells of the visit of the wise men (Matthew 2:1, 7, 16). The Gentile wise men came seeking the “King of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2; see also Matthew 27:11; Mark 15:2; John 1:49; John 18:33-37). Kingship belonged to Jesus from His birth as the promised Son of David (Matthew 1:1; see also 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Jeremiah 30:9; Jeremiah 33:15-16; Zechariah 9:9). Jesus is King (Daniel 7:13-14). This incident shows that people from other nations of the world, not just Israel, were anticipating the Messiah and King. The wise men’s visit emphasizes that Jesus came for all people and not just the Jews. The last words of Matthew’s Gospel spell out Jesus’ mission very clearly (Matthew 28:18-20; see also Matthew 24:14; Mark 11:17; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8; Romans 1:5). One day, this world will become Jesus’ Kingdom, and He shall reign forever and ever for all nations (see Revelation 11:15; Revelation 21:1-4).

When King Herod heard of Jesus’ kingship, he was troubled along with all Jerusalem (Matthew 2:3). Herod summoned the Jewish chief priests and scribes to inquire of them the location of the Messiah’s birth. The Jewish religious leaders told Herod that the Messiah (Greek “Christ” or “Christos”) would be born in Bethlehem, and the Messiah would shepherd God’s people (Matthew 2:5-6; see also 2 Samuel 5:2, 4; Micah 5:2; John 7:42). The promised Messiah would be Ruler, and He would compassionately care and shepherd God’s people (Matthew 9:35-38; see also Ezekiel 34:23; John 10:11-16; 1 Peter 2:25; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 7:17).

Then, the wise men left Jerusalem, and the star appeared to them again, standing over Jesus’ location in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:9). The wise men were filled with joy (Matthew 2:10). Entering the house where Jesus was with His mother Mary, the wise men threw themselves down and worshiped Him (Matthew 2:11; see also Isaiah 60:1-3). Then, the wise men opened their treasure and gave Him gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11; see also Psalm 72:8-11).

¹ In the beginning, the Word (Jesus) already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He existed in the beginning with God. ³ God created everything through Him, and nothing was created except through Him. ⁴ The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone. . . . ⁹ The One who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. John 1:1-4, 9 (NLT)

O come, let us adore Him

O come, let us adore Him

O come, let us adore Him

Christ, the Lord

References

New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Ross, Mark E. Let’s Study Matthew (Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2009).