Who Were the Magi

Introduction

As was depicted in the monologue (Chasing Starlight) a few moments ago…I imagine that there were indeed some wisemen who did not travel to see Christ.

I am sure there were a variety of reasons. This is totally hypothetical, but totally reasonable as well.

But it introduces for us the subject of the wise men and invites us to consider who they were and what the significance of their visit was all about.

Over the years, the Wise Men, their identity, their significance, and such has seemed to grow in almost fairytale like fashion to the point that much of what we recognize today is not entirely accurate.

If you have been around Hephzibah for any length of time, you have probably heard me talk about it multiple times and in multiple settings.

But, I like to dig this message back out every few years as new people to come along and even for those of us who already know, it only reinforces the wonder of who God is and the significance of these men.

This may not be new to some of us, but I do pray that even though it may not be new, the refresher and the reminder provokes and promotes awe, wonder, and worship in our hearts as we celebrate the birth of our Savior together today.

Outline

Big Idea:

The Magi of Matthew

The History of the Magi

Herod and the Magi

Jesus and the Magi

Sermon Body

The Magi of Matthew

Matthew 2:1-12. (Vs. 6 - Micah 5:2)

Matthew 2:1–12 ESV

1 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, 2 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.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “ ‘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.’ ” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 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.” 9 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. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 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. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Verse 6 is cited from Micah 5:2.

Micah 5:2 ESV

2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.

The Visit of the Magi is only mentioned in Matthew. Why?

Because Matthew’s specific purpose in writing was to reveal the kingship of Christ.

Matthew 1:6 - Genealogy - The list of generations all include kings of Israel. Jesus is of the royal line.

Matthew 3 - John heralded the coming of Christ as others would herald the coming of a king.

Matthew 4 - Satan’s temptation included other kingdoms.

Matthew 5:3 - Kingdom - Matthew’s point, Christ is King.

The magi coming has to do with the kingship of Christ.

The History of the Magi

Who are they?

There is a great deal of legend and myth around them while very little is actually said. There is never mention of the exact number of them that came.

Magi is the name of the ancient tribe of people who were priests to the Medes (The Median People).

Magi were priests to the Mede people.

Who were they?

The magi were not kings but political advisers.

Jeremiah 39:1-3 - Nebuchadnezzar’s empire Vs. 3 - Nergal Sharezar - a high official or chief of the Magi sat in the key office of the court of Nebuchadnezzar at the beginning of the great empire.

Acts 13.

Vs. 6 - Paphos: Jewish Sorcerer (Magi)

Vs. 8 - Elymas - A sorcerer (Magi)

Daniel 1:19-20.

Vs. 20 - Magicians (Magi)

2:1-2 - Vs. 2 Magicians (Magi). Vs. 10

5:11-12 - Daniel becomes chief of the Magi in the court of the king.

9:24 - The most unbelievable prophecy in all of the OT tells of the exact day that Jesus would walk into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

The magi knew when the Messiah was coming.

Daniel’s influence on the magi can be seen throughout all history

The Megastonis - The upper class of the magi, possessed the job of selecting and training kings.

The magi were king makers. They came because of a 600 year old prophecy foretelling the coming of Christ.

There were not three of them. We do not know the exact number but it is likely there were far more than just three.

They did not come alone. They came with an Arabian escort to protect them.

They did not ride camels but Arabian steeds and were white. They were priests.

Herod and the Magi

Matthew 2:1-4.

Herod was troubled and all Israel with Him.

Do you see why He was troubled?

The magi were powerful, influential, and notable people. They were coming to worship a king that was born. This would be troubling to any king and people.

Jesus and the Magi

They came to worship Jesus. You don’t worship kings. They knew that THIS king was more than any mere king. They knew who Jesus was and they came to worship Him.

Worship is an expression that naturally takes places when the creature recognizes his creator.

They presented three types of gifts.

Gold - Gift of a king - Picture of royalty

Frankincense - Picture of Worship. Frankincense does not grow in the East. It had to be imported.

Myrrh - Shows up three times in Christ’s life. Birth, death on the cross, and burial. Myrrh speaks of suffering. It smells beautiful but only smells when it is crushed. Speaks of His sacrifice.

Conclusion