Ok, let's assume that they did come across the Messianic prophecies and saw fit to honor its fulfillment; what then prompted them to follow a star to find this heralded king? Whatever the cause, they had faith in their hearts that this star shinning brighter than all the others in heaven would bring them to their desired destination. "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." (Matthew 2:9b-10)
This is all well and good, but then the wise men depart from the scene never to be heard of again. What was the purpose of their trek? Were their lives changed by completing this journey?
Not all of our questions about these emissaries from the east but this is what we know from their cameo appearance: the coming of the Christ was expected not just by Israel but by all people. Like it says in the Christmas carol "Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till he appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices..." The whole world was waiting expectantly for a savior to come. In this light, it is not surprising at all that these men, strangers to everyone else involved in this story, would show up at the house of the infant Messiah. More than this, they knew his worth before they set eyes on him as evidenced by the expensive gifts they bought in preparation of meeting him. God has chosen to reveal himself in surprising and mysterious ways all throughout history; it is no marvel then that he would have revealed himself to and called these men just as he has called everyone else.
"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:
This is all well and good, but then the wise men depart from the scene never to be heard of again. What was the purpose of their trek? Were their lives changed by completing this journey?
Not all of our questions about these emissaries from the east but this is what we know from their cameo appearance: the coming of the Christ was expected not just by Israel but by all people. Like it says in the Christmas carol "Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till he appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices..." The whole world was waiting expectantly for a savior to come. In this light, it is not surprising at all that these men, strangers to everyone else involved in this story, would show up at the house of the infant Messiah. More than this, they knew his worth before they set eyes on him as evidenced by the expensive gifts they bought in preparation of meeting him. God has chosen to reveal himself in surprising and mysterious ways all throughout history; it is no marvel then that he would have revealed himself to and called these men just as he has called everyone else.
"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
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