Click the Banner back to Index
Click the Banner back to Index
|
FOCUS ONLY ON THE CELEBRANT
Matthew 2:1-16
December 25, 2023, Sunday - MBC Baesa
In this lesson we are going to look at the visit made by the wise men to see the baby Jesus. We will look at how they knew when to come and what their purpose was in coming to see the baby Jesus. We will also see a spiritual lesson concerning the subject of worship that can benefit and encourage us as we strive to worship the Lord Jesus Christ. How did the wise men know to worship the King of the Jews? Most likely these wise men come from a region close to Babylon. In Bible history, somewhere around 606 B.C. the Jews were taken captives in Babylon. We can rest assured that these Jewish people took the writings of Moses with them when they to Babylon. In Genesis 49:8-12 there is a prophesy about a king coming from the tribe of Judah. In Numbers 24:17 “there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel,“ there is a prophesy connecting the king of Israel to a Star. Remember the wise men saw his star in the east. In addition, remember that Daniel served both the king of Babylon and the king of the Medes and the Persians. During the time of Daniel in Babylon, he wrote a very famous prophecy about the 70 weeks prophecy in Daniel 9:20-27. If we understand that one week equals 7 years we can get close to the date of the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem riding on a colt the foal of an ass. With all these prophecies plus the fact that a priest could not begin his ministry until he was 30 years of age, and by believing the Word of God these wise men would therefore known within a few years of when to be looking for the star to appear. This serves as a clear explanation why Jesus could have been around 2 years old when these wise men came and why Herod exceedingly wroth had ordered that all the babies in Bethlehem from 2 years old and under killed after the wise men had told Herod what time the Star had appeared (Matthew 2:16 “ Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.”). I – THE AUTHORITY OF THE CELEBRANT—v.2, 5-6 Matthew 2:2,5-6 “Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.”
A. The Highest Authority —v.2, " he that is born King of the Jews?"; v. 6 “a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.”
The essence of the story is that Jesus is to be king of the Jews.
The King of the Jews is equated with the Messiah (Matthew 2:4 “And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.”).
Jesus did not assume His throne in His first advent, but rest assured Jesus will be the King of the Jews in His second coming for Jesus will return as King of kings (Revelation 19:16 “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords.”). Jesus will set His Messianic Kingdom and reign from His throne in Jerusalem.
It is a threat question of Herod the great, for Herod considered himself as “king of the Jews” (Matthew 2:3 “When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.”). It is not surprising to know that Herod was “troubled” (Matthew 2:3 “he was troubled,”.
While the nature was a witness to the Creator (Psalm 19:1-6 “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. 4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, 5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. 6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.”), God also had set eternity in their hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11 “He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.”). However, that is only natural revelation which not give salvation to man, that is contrary to the belief of some that the gospel is in the stars. What the wise men needed is the special revelation not a revelation of nature.
Notice when the magi ask the question “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” it indicates clearly that they had divine revelation from some source. These wise men could not simply have known about the born King of the Jews just for their own accord. What was the source? We cannot be sure where the magi got the source of the revelation. There are several prophecies that allude to Messiah as King and considering that Daniel was captive in Babylon in the east, and Daniel wrote his prophecies in Aramaic while in Babylon (Daniel 2:4-7,28 “Then the Chaldeans spoke to the king in Aramaic: “O king, live forever! Tell the dream to your servants, and we will declare the interpretation.” 5 The king replied to the Chaldeans, “The command from me is firm: if you do not make known to me the dream and its interpretation, you will be torn limb from limb and your houses will be made a rubbish heap. 6 But if you declare the dream and its interpretation, you will receive from me gifts and a reward and great honor; therefore declare to me the dream and its interpretation.” 7 They answered a second time and said, “Let the king tell the dream to his servants, and we will declare the interpretation. 28 However, there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will take place in the latter days. This was your dream and the visions in your mind while on your bed.”). Aramaic is the common language of the land (Daniel 12:4 “But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.”).
Surely it is possible that the magi or the wise men had access to Daniel’s prophecies which would have included predictions of a Great King.
Daniel 7:13-14 “I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days (God the Father), and they brought him near before him. 14 And there was given him (The Messiah) dominion, and glory, and a kingdom (Clearly indicating Jesus would be the King over this Kingdom), that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”
Daniel 7:27 “And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.”
Listen to a song written by Hussey “King of my life I crown Thee now—Thine shall the glory be; Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow, Lead me to Calvary.”
Jesus is King of our lives, so we must serve Him all of our lives.
Another phrase here that shows us that Jesus has the highest authority is in verse 6.
Matthew 2:6 “And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel."
This is the first of four fulfilled prophecies in Matthew.
1. Matthew 2:6 fulfilled in Micah 5:2
2. Matthew 2:15 fulfilled Hosea 11:1
3. Matthew 2:18 fulfilled Jeremiah 31:15
4. Matthew 2:23 is said to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets. However, there is no specific prophecy or prophecies that can be definitely linked to Matthew 2:23.
This prophecy in Matthew 2:6 “shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel,” which combines Micah 5:2 and II Samuel 5:2 emphasizes Matthew’s conviction that the King who brings the kingdom is a Shepherd King (because of the word “Governor”).
Herod was not disappointed. Herod had the answer as to where Christ would be born.
1. The place - “And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princess of Juda:”
Herod asked the chief priests and scribes where the Messiah would be born. So, these religious leaders knew but did not practice Scripture. Then they told Herod that Christ would be born in Bethlehem, and they quoted Micah 5:2 to confirm their claim. Now the size of the place specified “least among the princess of Juda.”
a. The size. The size of Bethlehem was so small that sometimes it was left off the list of towns of that area
(refers to Judah). But God does not reject small. Size is not the criteria for service but character is. Take care of your character, God will take care of your calling. Regardless of how obscure you may be. He can make a small Bethlehem into a significant place.
b. The site. "In the land of Juda." This information would identify what Bethlehem was spoken of in Scripture. It
would also tell Herod that it was close by his location so he could quickly and cruelly end this opposition to his rule. There was another Bethlehem in the north in Zebulon so Herod needed to know which Bethlehem.
2. The Product – “a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.”
This passage is the passage quoted as an answer by the chief priests and scribes to the inquiry of Herod. This answer contained some important truths about the Person who was born in Bethlehem.
a. The position. “Governor”. The person caught on that passage that was born in Bethlehem was called “Governor.” The word “Governor” signifies the ruler, that Christ will be King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 19:16 “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords.”).
b. The purpose. – “shall rule my people Israel.” It was Jesus Christ, not Herod, will be King of the Jews. (Matthew 2:2). Now, the word “rule” could be translated shepherd. This prophesied rule will be a much better rule than Herod’s oppressive rule. However, the people vote for Herod because Herod does not disturb but tolerate their sinning.`
c. The Passiveness – “shall come.” The chief priests and scribes knew the answer where is the place when the King of the Jews shall be born but these religious leaders did not go.
1. Disinterest – These religious leaders were disinterested in the birth of the real King of the Jews, since they were not interested in Christ because they do not want Christ.
2. Detachment – These religious leaders had no application to their information. They do not apply the right information that they know. There are lot of religious leaders today who had conviction and no rebuking, even they are popular and eloquent with information. Truly Jesus has an highest authority because He was prophesied as King kings and Lord of lords.B.
B. The Biblical Authority —v.5, “In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet.”
Some passages that shows us the biblical authority for Jesus as the King of the Jews, and ruler.
Micah 5:2 “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”
Genesis 49:8-12 “Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee. 9 Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? 10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. 11 Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's colt unto the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes: 12 His eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk.”
Numbers 24:17 “I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.”
The chief priests and scribes answered to Herod “In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet.” Interestingly, these religious leaders did not answer, that they will go back to their scriptural scrolls to check what place the King of the Jews will be born. These religious leaders know the answer to Herod’s inquiry several times (Matthew 2:4 “And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.”). It is sad to know that these religious leaders know the answers but fail to communicate and much less even believe the truth. The chief priests were to teach the people and they clearly know the facts (Ezekiel 44:23 “And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.”) but there was a problem they do not to Bethlehem. The Bible has no record about these religious leaders going to Bethlehem. These chief priests and scribe are ready and know the answer, and show that they were acquainted with the letter of Scripture but refuse to go and never went to Bethlehem to seek for the coming Savior. Shocking! These religious leaders’ unbelief pictures the Jewish unbelief concerning the prophecy of the birth of Jesus Christ was literal, that the Messiah was to be an individual not the entire Jewish nation, and that their Messiah was to be a King who would ruler over them. Jesus Christ has authority biblical based because it is written in the Scriptures.
Our passage teaches us like these religious leaders that there may be knowledge of Scripture in the head, while there is no grace in the heart. Likewise, let us all beware of having confident and satisfied with head knowledge. Head knowledge is an excellent thing, when it is rightly applied. But a man may have much of head knowledge and yet perish in eternity. These chief priests and scribes have knowledge of the Scriptures but they did not apply what they know, they missed that Jesus Christ not only have highest authority but also has a biblical authority that is based from Scriptures as written by the prophets.
Notice the words in our text in verse 5 “it is written by the prophet.” In Greek “grapho” from root graph which primarily means to scratch on or engrave as on an ornament, reports, letters, etc. In English “Graph, graphic, etc. It means to engrave or inscribe with a pen or stylus characters or letters on a surface which can be wood, wax, metal, leather, stone, parchment, dirt, paper, etc. “Grapho” is in the perfect tense which indicates that the Word of God was written down at a point in time and stands written. It is still in force, still relevant to your life. So when it says that the King of the Jews was written it indicates that God’s Word was written down at a point when Jesus was born and stands written. Jesus has Biblical authority.
The phrase “it is written” is frequent in the Gospels (Matthew 4:4; Matthew 4:6; Matthew 4:7; Matthew 4:10; Matthew 11:10; Matthew 21:13; Matthew 26:24; Matthew 26:31; Mark 1:2; Mark 7:6; Mark 9:13; Mark 14:21; Mark 14:27; Luke 2:23; Luke 3:4; Luke 4:4; Luke 4:8; Luke 4:10; Luke 7:27; Luke 19:46; Luke 24:46; John 6:31; John 6:45; John 12:14).
The words “It is written” or it stands written occurs 76 time in the Bible and four uses are in the temptation of Christ, 3 times by Jesus and once used by Satan the tempter (Matthew 4:4; 6, 7, 10).
Illustration: When we are still a child and our parents told us to do something and we asked them “why?”, our Parents answer usually “Because I said so”. Now, why are we commanded to be holy? Because God said so. The famous saying is “God said it, I believe it, that settles it.” This sounds good but is not accurate because the Word of God is true, therefore regardless of whether we believe it or not. It is more accurate to say “God said it, that settles it.” Every complaint or excuse should be put a stop because it is written. Jesus sets the suggestion of Satan next to the statement of Scripture. Therefore, the important principle that we need to learn is that we should always lay the Word of God besides the subtle seduction of Satan. The best way to show a stick is crooked is not to argue about it or spend time denouncing it, but to lay a straight stick alongside the crooked stick. “It is written” should decide every controversy, settle every doubt and overcome every difficulty. So, there should no doubt and difficulties that Jesus is the King of the Jews. Jesus authority is biblical.
Notice the word “Prophet”. In Greek “prophetes” from “prophemi” literally to tell beforehand in turn from “pro” means before, in front of, forth, on behalf of; and “phemi” means speak, tell. Prophet primarily is a forth-teller or one who speaks out God’s message, primarily to their own generation, usually always calling the people to God’s truth for them at that moment, often using the phrase “Thus saith the Lord.” The prophet is one who speaks before in the sense of proclaim, or the one who speaks for in the Name of God.
The Biblical prophets foretold the future with 100 percent accuracy. And so, if they were correct on the first coming of Messiah, they will be correct on His second coming and on the coming of the antichrist. In sum, forth-telling dealt with current events and fore-telling with future events, but in both the goal is the same -- to call us to trust the Lord and submit to His will for our lives, living in conformity with His Word.
Do you lack confidence in the Bible? Spend some time examining its many fulfilled prophecies. I predict you’ll be convinced that it truly is God’s Word, and that you can rely on it for everything in your future.
In a changing world you can trust God's unchanging Word.
It has been estimated that there are 333 prophecies in the Old Testament that are fulfilled in the Messiah. Clearly the fulfillment of all 333 in one Man would be literally impossible based on chance alone.
We therefore say that Jesus not only has a highest authority as King of the Jews but also he had biblical authority for it is written by the prophets.
II – THE ATTITUDE TOWARD THE CELEBRANT—v.11 A. Following Attitude —v.9 “went before them”
Matthew 2:9 “When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.”
After hearing King Herod, the wise men went their way. These magi at this time were doubtless by the deceiver Herod and these magi had all intentions of returning as indicated by the fact that God had to give them a specific warning not to return to Herod.
The wise men saw the star in the east. This is not just “a” star, not just “any” star, but was “the star”, identified as a specific star by use of the definitive article “the”. The magi recognized something about the “the star” that identified it as “His star” (Matthew 2:2 “Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”). So, these wise men went on the short journey to Bethlehem. The wise men or magi knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that this was “His star”. How did they know?
Notice the words “went before them.” In Greek “proago”. The phrase “went before them” is in the imperfect tense picturing the star as going on and on in front of them toward it’s target. The magi knew the town was Bethlehem but the star was directing them to the specific location of the Child.
The supernatural light of God gave direction to the wise men in their search for Jesus. Today that same supernatural light comes from God’s Word and gives light for those seeking Jesus.
Proverbs 6:23 “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:”
Psalms 119:105 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
John 5:39 “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”
The fact that “His star” gives direction to the wise men so the wise men reflects the attitude of a follower. God used His star to lead and direct the wise men, today God uses His Word to direct us and lead us into the place of God’s will. This is the right attitude toward the celebrant. How about you? Are you obedient to Jesus in His Word, His will and His ways, who is the reason of the holiday.
Notice the words “till it came and stood over where the young child was.” Passages like this should simply cause us to pause and worship Jesus who created the stars, Job 9:9-10 “Which maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers of the south. 10 Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number.”; Job 9:9-10 “na siyang gumawa sa Oso at Orion, at sa Pleyades, at sa mga silid ng timog; 10 na gumagawa ng mga dakilang bagay na di maunawaan, at mga kamanghamanghang bagay na di mabilang.” When we get glimpses into God’s mysterious omnipotent workings as in this passage, I am always reminded of the words of Job in Job 26:14 “Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?”; Job 26:14 “Narito, ang mga ito ay mga gilid lamang ng kanyang mga daan; at napakahinang bulong lamang ang sa kanya'y ating napapakinggan! Ngunit sinong makakaunawa sa kulog ng kanyang kapangyarihan?”
The words “stood over where the young child was.” Is the idea that the star hovered over where Jesus was. Let us focus on Jesus, remain in His will and stay faithful in His Word. Be obedient. Have an obedient attitude toward the celebrant. Have a following attitude in remembering the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.
When you found Jesus, don’t try to get away from Him and follow anything that will contradict His Word.
As the wise men follow His stars, let us follow those who follow Christ, a Paul said (I Corinthians 11:1 “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”
B. Joyful Attitude —V.10 “they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.”
When the wise men saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Notice the words “When they saw the star”. Specifically, it was the star, His star.
Why did the wise men rejoice? The wise men rejoice because the star signaled the goal of their long journey and the anticipation of seeing Jesus brought them unspeakable incomparable joy.
The hope that we as believers one day sooner see our Savior Jesus face to face ought to stir in our hearts exceedingly great joy today. Seeing Jesus face to face is the goal of our Christian life’s journey. That is sure hope not hope so. Are you downhearted, are you in despair? Then tell your soul to hope in God (Psalm 43:5 “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”). Always be reminded of your future appointment with Jesus the Lover of your soul. Listen to the exhortation of Peter in I Peter 1:13 “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” Therefore, as genuine believers in Christ should prepare our minds for action, be strong in our spirit, fix our hope completely on the grace to be brought unto us at the coming of Jesus Christ. We need to obey Paul’s command in Colossians 3:2-4 “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” We need to heed the exhortation to fix our eyes on Jesus as the writer said in Hebrews 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Keep on looking unto Jesus and hoping surely one day we will see Jesus face to face that give us joyful attitude.
Notice the words “they rejoiced with exceeding great joy”
The word “rejoiced” in Greek chairo means to enjoy a state of gladness, to be delighted.
The word “Exceedingly” in Greek sphroda, an adverb meaning extremely, greatly, very much.
The word “Great” in Greek megas which means out of the ordinary in degree, magnitude, or effect.
The word “joy” in Greek chara is a feeling of great pleasure, of inner gladness, or of delight, an emotion evoked by a sense of well-being and a deep feeling of happiness and contentment.
It is almost as if they could not experience a greater degree of joy. So as stated above their “over the top” joy was because of their anticipation at their imminent meeting with the real “Star”, the King of the Jews!
The reaction of these Gentile magi recalls a similar reaction of the Jewish shepherds.
Luke 2:10 “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
Luke 2:20 “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”
On the other hand, Herod was not rejoicing instead Herod was trouble and was scheming. Likewise, evil people are too busy doing evil to rejoice and to know joy. The joy of evil unsaved people in the world is hallow, unreal, superficial but when God gives joy, it supersedes anything the world has to offer. The wise men knew tremendous joy because Christ was their focus. Christ is the key to true joy. There is no true joy apart from Jesus.
When the loving followers of Jesus see signs of His appearance, they rejoice with exceeding great joy.
C. Humble Attitude —v.11 “fell down”
Matthew 2:11 “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.”
The first recorded worshippers were poor Jewish shepherds and now we see rich Gentile wise men, giving us a foreshadowing of Jesus’s life purpose to be the Savior of the world, both Jews and Gentiles.
Notice the words “And when they were come into the house” It would seem that the overcrowded situation which existed in Bethlehem when Mary and Joseph had first arrived was now dissipated. The family had now found a house to live in. instead of their initial accommodation when Mary in Luke 2:7 “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” It may have been many weeks or months since the birth of Jesus, even up to two years.
We see again one of the errors of Christmas traditions because most nativity scene have Shepherds who were at Jesus birth in a manger and three kings who visited the infant Jesus in a house. The proof that Jesus is not infant but a child is supported by the reaction of Herod. After Herod inquiring diligently what time the star appeared to the wise men, Herod ordered all the young children in and around Bethlehem up to two years of age to be slain (Matthew 2:7, 16 “Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.”).
Notice the words “they saw the young child and Mary His mother” Interestingly that there is no mention of Joseph at this visit. (Luke mention Joseph and the visiting shepherds in Luke 2:15-16).
Let us have some comparison of some words:
Notice the words in V. 11 “Child” in Greek paidon and not brephos (often used of a literal baby)
The word used to describe the shepherds visit to the baby (brephos) wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger (Luke 2:12). Luke adds that the shepherds came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph and the baby (brephos) as Jesus lay in the manger (Luke 2:16).
The distinction of two visits to Jesus:
1. The Magi see the child (paidon) in the house (oikia) by following a sign (His star)
2. The Shepherds see a baby (brephos) in the manger by seeing the sign of a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
This contrast between the magi or wise men and the shepherds would support the premise that while the shepherds saw the new born baby Jesus, the magi saw the child Jesus, sometime after His birth. The fact, that Herod chose the age of 2 years and younger to be killed supports that the magi did not visit Jesus as a newly born infant but later as a young child. How much later we cannot say for sure but it could be days, months or even up to 2 years.
Again, notice the words in verse 11 “fell down”. The words fell down is described as to throw oneself to the ground as a sign of devotion before high-ranking persons or divine beings. Falling to the ground is what you do to acknowledge someone (in this scene is the young child Jesus) are high and you are low. The magi or wise men are falling on their faces before Jesus, throwing their kisses toward Him in a gesture of reverence and respect (in Greek “proskuneo”).
Note after they fell down the magi “worshipped him.” It says they “worship Him”, not Mary who is not to be worshipped and the Scriptures never describes as being worshipped. Respect yes, Mary was to be revered to a certain degree, but never worshipped.
Again, when the wise men “fell down” it is a sign of humble attitude. Because of their humility they worship the young child Jesus.
III – THE AIM OF THE CELEBRANT—v.11 For the lesson we will break this into 3 sections which are worship, giving, and being used of God.
A. Worship the Celebrant—v.11 "and worshipped him"
The primary purpose of the wise men’s visit was to worship the king of the Jews (Matthew 2:2, 11)
Matthew 2:1,11 "Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 11 And when they were come into the house they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.”
This was their primary purpose and this should be one of our primary purposes in life as well (Psalm 29:2 “Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.”).
If we are going to worship God we must do it in spirit and truth (John 4:24 ”God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”).
Wise men today worship not only the Child of Bethlehem, but also the Man of Calvary.
The word “worshipped” (bow down) in Greek “proskuneo” from “pros” means before and “kuneo” means kiss or adore. “Proskuneo” means to prostrate one’s self, to kiss the hand towards one due of reverence, to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of reverence by kneeling or prostration to express respect. therefore, to worship and show respect.
Example: When Jesus Christ was born into this world, Jesus was attended and worshipped by angels.
Luke 2:13 “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God,”
The root word “kuneo” may be related to “kuon” which is the Greek word for dog and which then could be picturing a dog licking his master’s hand.
In the ancient oriental especially Persia, now today’s modern Iran, the mode of salutation between persons of equal rank was to kiss each other on the lips. When there is a slight difference of rank, they kissed each other on the cheek. When one was much inferior than the other, the inferior fell upon his knees touched his forehead to the ground or prostrated himself, and as he was bowing down he would be throwing kisses toward the superior. The mode of salutation between the inferior and the superior one that is intended by the Greek writers in the use of the verb “Proskuneo.” The word “worship” or “proskuneo” used by Matthew in Matthew 2:2; Matthew 2:8; Matthew 2:11; Matthew 4:9; Matthew 4:10; Matthew 8:2; Matthew 9:18; Matthew 14:33; Matthew 15:25; Matthew 18:26; Matthew 20:20; Matthew 28:9; Matthew 28:17.
According to the gospel of Matthew, the only place in Scripture where their story is found, the magi showed up later possibly after weeks, months of even years, after Jesus born in a manger. Jesus was no longer in the manger in a stable at the inn, but in a house (Matthew 2:11 “And when they were come into the house,”).
As we realized that the magi’s visit happened later some time after Christ’s birth helps us to be reminded as we begin a new year. Jesus is always worthy of worship. When the holidays are past and we head back to life’s everyday routines, we still have Someone to celebrate.
Jesus Christ is Immanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23), in every season. Christ has promised to be with us “always” (Matthew 28:20 “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”). Because He is always with us, we can worship Him in our hearts every day and trust that the Lord Jesus will show Himself faithful in the years to come. Just as the magi sought Jesus, may we seek Jesus too and worship Jesus wherever we are.
Psalm 95:6 “O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.”
B. Giving gifts to the Celebrant —v.11 "they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts" As a part of their worship, they brought gifts unto Jesus. They brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These are all valuable gifts of this day.
As a part of worship, we should give the very best we have also. This doesn’t just include money but our time, energy, talents, whatever it is that we have we should give our best to the Lord.
Notice the phrase “they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts”
Their treasures implies that they gave their best. Always be reminded of the clear principle, if we would seek to wholeheartedly, lovingly and rightly worship Jesus, we will unreservedly offer Him our best.
The Magi were showing by their gifts that this King of the Jews was their greatest treasure. We are reminded that in Christ in Colossians 2:3 “In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” In time and eternity Jesus Christ is our greatest Treasure. The worship of the wisemen was associated with voluntary giving of expensive gifts fit for a King.
Notice the words “they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.”
All of these gifts are full of Old Testament symbolism. The gold symbolic of Christ’s deity, royalty or kingship, emphasizing that Jesus is a king; frankincense is the symbol of Christ’s purity for the fragrance of His life and His intercession because frankincense was part of the special scent burned on the Altar of incense within the Holy place and the smoke penetrated into God’s presence in the Holy of Holies itself, and the myrrh symbolizes Christ’s sacrifice and death (since it was used for embalming).
Notice the word “presented” in Greek “Prosphero” refers to the presentation of an offering, in this case the presentation of magi's gifts. This first use of prosphero in the New Testament in giving an offering to Jesus in the atmosphere of worship and reverence is in striking contrast to the use of prosphero as He was being Himself offered up as an offering to God (John 1:29 “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”) and they approached Him and brought (“Prosphero”) sour wine up to the mouth of the Lord Jesus (John 19:29 “Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.”)! The first "offering" at His birth to Him in a Cradle, the last offering at His death, to Him on a Cross! Oh my!
Although Psalm 72:10-11 was written for Solomon but it looks beyond Solomon to One far greater than Solomon, it is about the worship of the Messiah.
Psalm 72:10-11 “The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. 11 Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.”
Notice the word “gifts” in Greek “doron” that which is given or granted free character of the gift which is voluntarily transferred by one person to another person without compensation and here in this passage it refers to a gift presented as an act of worship and devotion. Almost all 17 uses of “doron” refer to offerings to God except Ephesians 2:8; Revelation 11:10.
It is strange thing to realize that most of us give gifts to everyone but the One whose birthday we celebrate? Let us ask ourselves “What am I going to give to the Lord Jesus this Christmas?” If you are not sure when you died you will go to heaven, then you have to repent from your sins and trust Christ as your Savior, the thing that God desires most from you is heart that believe Jesus died for your sins, was buried and was risen from the dead so you can be saved from your sins. And if you already repent from your sins and by grace through faith on Christ you are saved, then the most wonderful thing you can do this Christmas is to present to God the one gift God most desires to receive from you, that is to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God (Romans 12:1 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”). Our bodies are to be used for God’s purposes. Since, we as believers in Christ have accepted the free eternal gift of salvation from our Savior Jesus Christ, so it is very reasonable that we should in return present ourselves to the heavenly Father. When we give ourselves to God, we give the very precious Christmas present that truly fits the occasion. Let us give your all to Christ; God gave His all for you.
As followers of Jesus, we must be careful to guard our hearts from greed during this holiday season. As we live in a society that has secularized Christmas, that’s not easy to keep our hearts from greed. If you find yourself caught up in the greed of Christmas, take a moment to sit quietly. In your mind’s eye, walk with the wisemen to the Christ-child. Bow before Him and offer Him the gift of your love and worship. Instead of a greedy Christmas this year, let’s make it a worshipful one.
C. To be used of the Celebrant—v.12-15 Matthew 2:12-15 “And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. 13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. 14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: 15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.” The wise men may not have known just how important their gifts were at the time but as we see in the passage they were just what Mary and Joseph needed to get to Egypt to avoid having Jesus killed by Herod.
While the intent of the gifts was pure worship, there is another possible benefit of the expensive gifts from the magi, because the gift of gold was useful for Joseph and Mary that would soon in the following months have to take the Christ Child to Egypt to escape the murderous designs of Herod. The gifts of the magi would have provided funds needed to make the trip to Egypt and back and provide for living expenses and to maintain his precious charges there. True worship enables the work of God to go forward.
That is the evidence that the heavenly Father knew what those needs would be, and met those needs by anticipating all the needs of His children. If you are a believer concern for the program of the kingdom of God and will obey the warnings and instructions that God gives, and without doubt but with courage to take step of obedience, God will prove to you that He will become responsible to meet and shoulder or take charge of all costs.
When our purpose is to worship God in spirit and in truth and we give him the very best we have, we never know how God will use what we give. But rest assured God can do great things with what we give him (2 Corinthians 9:6 “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)”
Your giving will be used by God to bless you, others and God’s work of ministry. God used the magi’s worship and gifts to Jesus with a purpose to warn Joseph then led him to depart and get away from the evil and deadly threat of Herod that the Savior will not be killed so that at the cross Jesus will be crucified and died for the sins of the world. May our gifts and offerings be used of God to reach more souls by the power of the gospel. Let us support the gospel ministry and missionaries around the world by our givings.
|