The Birth 0f Christ - a costly journey of the wise
The Gospel of Matthew records the birth of Christ, and in Matthew Chapter 2, we discover that wise men from the East saw His star when it rose, and they traveled to worship Him.
“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, 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.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
“‘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.’”
Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 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.” 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. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 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. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.”
Matthew 2:1-12
Some historians surmise that the wise men were from Persia, or modern-day Iran. This would mean that they traveled 800 to 900 miles, sitting on camels, and only guided by a star. It is likely the wise men were aware of the prophecy that provided the timeline for the birth of Jesus found in Daniel 9:24-27. They may have also been aware of the prophecy of Balaam about the “Star of Jacob” in Numbers 24:17.
Upon finding Him, they worshipped Him, gave Him costly gifts (perhaps this was provision for when Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus fled to Egypt), and defied the King’s orders to protect the one True King.
It’s probable that these men were considered wise in their own lands and among their people. Today, as we recount the birth of Jesus, we consider them wise because, if they knew the prophecies, they embraced the truth of God’s Word, and set out in faith on a long, hazardous, uncomfortable journey. God was faithful to guide them as they stepped out into the unknown.
The next wise choice they made was to recognize the King, rejoice at His birth, and worship Him sacrificially. They were not Jewish, but they honored Him, knowing that Jesus fulfilled the Scripture foretelling of the King of the Jews, and so they were willing to worship a newborn baby.
Because of their faith, they were guided to the exact location of the Messiah. Because of their wisdom in recognizing the King of the Jews predicted by Scripture, they also chose to value His safety. They willingly defied King Herod, risking their own safety to protect the true King.
Why do we retell this part of the birth of Jesus? Because it provides us an example of stepping out in faith without all of the answers, obediently following God’s instructions. It is an example of recognizing what is most valuable and responding in faith to what we value most, regardless of the cost or risk. It is an example of the tremendous blessing we are given, the awesome privilege of being in the Presence of the Savior as a result of obedience.
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus during Advent, we have to ask ourselves, “How far would you travel?” to worship the Savior. Identify what is of greatest value now, and set the priorities in advance for preparing to worship the King. Don’t let the busyness of the season rob you of what is most important.
Choose wisdom with the Wise Men.
Join us at the Reunion Church, a non-denominational Christian church in Peoria, AZ as we set aside time to prepare our hearts to worship and celebrate the birth of Jesus, and His soon return! Our December schedule of worship gatherings and special events is HERE.