Three things to learn from the Magi

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The wise men of the nativity story have much to teach us…

…despite their fairly brief appearance on the pages of scripture. Not the least of which is the reason for the name of our Bible study. (Pop over to Facebook for a video explanation on that.) A short reading of of Matthew 2 reveals much about these men, even though it leaves a good bit unsaid. Three things for us to learn:

Know the Word.

These men — and we don’t actually know how many there were, we know only the number of gifts — obviously knew the Old Testament prophecies well enough to set out on a long journey in response to them. Perhaps their knowledge was as a result of Daniel’s or Esther’s influence in Persia from long before? They arrived in Jerusalem looking for the King of the Jews (a logical, but errant, assumption to find Him in the Jewish capital). Matthew 2:2 reveals their knowledge. The chief priests, then, in 2:5, quote Micah’s prophecy directly (Micah 5:2). The Magi knew enough to respond; the priests knew the very words of the prophet. We, too, must know the Bible well enough that we can readily recognize truth, and act upon it. 

Be singularly focused.

Scripture is silent on what the Magi left behind in the east. But we know that they traveled far from their homes to Jerusalem, possibly 1000 miles. Upon their arrival in Jerusalem, they learn their journey must take them instead to Bethlehem, at which point the star guides them directly to the home of Jesus. These “wise men” didn’t allow detours to derail them. Likewise, you and I must be steadfast in our determination to find Jesus this Christmas. Our culture won’t make it easy: there will be much to distract us, but we must persevere unwaveringly in our search for Him whose birth we celebrate.

Bring worship.

Some Biblical scholars suspect the wise men were astrologers given their note of the “star in the east”, which may tempt us to discount them. But astrology was a credible science in that day and their purpose is plainly stated:

Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2, emphasis mine)

We can infer from their choice of words (king of the Jews) that these men were gentiles, not of the Jewish lineage. Yet they came to worship the Christ. Were these the first of the Gentiles to worship the One who came to justify not just the Jews but all nations?

Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. — Galatians 3:7-9

The Magi bowed before the king of the Jews, and opened their treasures to Him (Matthew 2:11). They presented Him with gifts as an act of worship and reverence. Christmas is undoubtedly cause for celebration and joy. But do we sometimes forget that it is — above all — cause for worship? Would you consider joining me in praying on our knees or prone for the remainder of Advent? Perhaps the change in physical posture will nudge our hearts to worship more readily.

Thanks for sharing the journey with me; may we become wiser with each step toward Him.

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