“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem … Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘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 2:1-2
The Bible is vague on the details of the Magi who came across deserts guided by a bright star. Our Christmas hymn has trained us to think there were three of them. But it’s likely there were far more, given how much of a stir they caused arriving in Jerusalem. They were men of great wisdom and intellect, keen researchers who interpreted the movements of the stars.
They combined their knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures with a reliance on astrology. We are not to look to the stars for meaning (we have the entire Bible for that!), but here is God meeting these seekers where they are, using His power over the heavenly bodies to direct them to His Son. Amazing!
God is willing to meet those who genuinely seek Him. He will take even our impure motives and uncertain beliefs and point us to His Son. Think of it: the infant Son of God directs the stars to draw people to Himself. Do you see the love of God for His creation? God so loved the world, Jesus would later say, that He offered His Son for the redemption of all those who believe.
They combined their knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures with a reliance on astrology. We are not to look to the stars for meaning (we have the entire Bible for that!), but here is God meeting these seekers where they are, using His power over the heavenly bodies to direct them to His Son. Amazing!
God is willing to meet those who genuinely seek Him. He will take even our impure motives and uncertain beliefs and point us to His Son. Think of it: the infant Son of God directs the stars to draw people to Himself. Do you see the love of God for His creation? God so loved the world, Jesus would later say, that He offered His Son for the redemption of all those who believe.
Scripture Focus
Matthew 2:1-6, 9-10
Insight
The gospel is not only for people who are like you. It’s for a beautifully diverse kingdom made up of believers from every nation, tribe, and tongue.
Bible In A Year
- Jonah
- Proverbs 21
- 3 John
