To Follow the Star
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The magi from the east who followed the star to see Jesus are known to have been wise men. (Matthew 2.1)
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When reading Matthew’s account of the Christmas story, I often wonder about them. Who were these men? Where were they from? What was the purpose of their mission, and what does their story mean for us?
Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. Matthew 2.2
Historically, the word magi referred “to a class of Persian wise men” such as “priests, interpreters of special signs, and especially astrology.” The Scripture says they came from the east. As Persian wise men, it’s probable they “were interested in astrology (they followed a star) and they were from the east (the direction of Babylon/Persia).”1
This helps us know something about who they were and where they were from.
They saw His star.
Bible scholars tell us “there were significant Jewish centers of learning in Babylon at the time of the magi”.2 The Wise Men would likely have been familiar with Old Testament prophecy, such as a star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel (Num. 24.17).
We might call them stargazers, today. Scripture is vague, but it seems the magi had a serious interest in the stars. Couple this with their education in Jewish teaching, and we can see why God would impress upon the Wise Men the importance of traveling to see the babe born of a virgin.
God gave them His star to guide them.
They made the journey.
No doubt, it took some time to prepare. Imagine the Wise Men involved in meetings and discussion with a larger group of wise men, priests, and governing leaders—explaining the sighting of this star, what it might mean, and their compulsion to go.
It would have been a long journey, with a large traveling entourage—a trip undertaken on foot or by camel. In today’s terminology, think of this as an official visit by dignitaries from one nation to another. Their stop in Jerusalem to inquire of King Herod (the sovereign) lends itself to the image of a royal visit.
These were regal Wise Men sent on a mission to see the child born king of the Jews and pay him honor. (We know Herod, for his own reasons, made a request that they report back to him once they found the child.)
And the star went on before them.
They rejoiced at their arrival.
After they had heard the king [Herod], they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. Matthew 2.9
Theologians say this trip may have taken as long as two years. There were decisions to be made, a lengthy preparation time, and the journey itself. Then, there was the expected time spent in Jerusalem.
Finally, the Wise Men continued, following the star until it came to a standstill where the Child was. And when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. (Matthew 2.10)
The star led them to the Christ-child.
They fell down at the sight of Jesus.
After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground... Matthew 2.11a
Perhaps the Wise Men rejoiced, in part, because they had reached their destination (Matt. 2.10). They may have been relieved that they could now start on their way back home, avoiding a second encounter with Herod. Falling prostrate on the ground before Jesus, however, indicates something deeper.
One commentary says, “It is doubtful…these quasi-pagan religious figures” could understand “Jesus’s divine nature.” 3 While it makes sense that they would demonstrate honor before a king [royal, sovereign], I can’t help but wonder if they were unexpectedly overcome in the presence of Jesus.
They fell down in the very presence of the Star—God’s only Son.
And they worshiped Him.
…and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2.11b
When we read the second chapter of Matthew, it’s only natural that we wonder what it must have been like to stand or kneel before Christ. How would we react? What might we bring as an expression of worship in His presence?
Because the Wise Men hailed from a place of mixed pagan religions combined with Jewish influence, “their worship is probably far more than even they understand.” 4 Today, we have the benefit of knowing the rest of the story—that this truly was Salvation come to earth. Still, they came prepared, and laid their gold, frankincense, and myrrh before Him.
This was their purpose—to see the child and worship Him.
To follow the star and find the one born king of the Jews was the Wise Men’s purpose. This is God’s desire for all people, is it not? That we hear the story of salvation and turn our hearts toward Jesus in worship.
If you have not yet made the decision to follow Jesus, friend, you can do so today. What better time than Christmas—to follow the Star.
Merry Christmas!
Who Were the Three Wise Men in the Bible? by Alyssa Roat. Link effective 12-18-2024.
The NIV Application Commentary On the Bible. © 2024 Zondervan. (page 733)
Ibid.
Ibid.