The Mysterious Star of Bethlehem

Please turn in your Bible to Matthew 2:1-16 as we consider THE MYSTERIOUS STAR OF BETHLEHEM.

The birth of Jesus Christ is shrouded in mystery. There is the mystery of His origins which are from of old. There is the mystery of His person, the One who is uniquely fully God and yet fully man. There is the mystery of His conception. According to John’s gospel account there seems to have been some mystery as to where He came from. Then there is the mystery of prophetic fulfillment. Matthew chapter 2 deals with both mystery and suspense. The mystery relates to the mysterious star which was used to inform certain Gentile men of the birth of the King of the Jews. The suspense has to do with how the one who was called king of the Jews would respond to the news that a new king had been born.

As we journey through our passage this morning we will consider the mystery of kings, the star, and the various receptions of the One born King of the Jews.

This morning, since we have a lengthy passage, we will not read it all upfront as normal. But we will look at each verse as we come to it.

Let’s begin by considering

The Mystery of Kings

As we consider the Mystery of Kings, we will look at the kings and the wisemen. Let’s look first at

We Two Kings

This morning we sang an old Christmas Carol which was titled, WE THREE KINGS. This hymn was written by John H. Hopkins Jr. in 1857. While there is a lot of good stuff in the verses of this song, Hopkins was wrong about the amount of kings which are written about in Matthew’s historical narrative found in Matthew chapter 2. In truth there are only two kings which are mentioned. And the ones referred to as kings in that song, the Bible refers to as magi. More about this in a few moments.

First, let’s identify those whom Matthew referred to as kings.

Note that,

Matthew Referred to Herod as the King

Look at verse 1.

Matthew 2:1 NASB 95

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,

There were multiple men referred to as Herod in the NT, but only one had the official title of king. That one is known as Herod the Great, the first of the Herods mentioned in the Bible. His father, Antipater, was appointed by Julias Caesar as governor of Judea under the Roman occupation. Antipater then appointed his son, Herod, as prefect of Galilee. When the Parthians invaded Palestine Herod fled to Egypt, and then went to Rome. In 40 B.C. he was declared by Octavian to be the king of the Jews. The next year he invade Palestine, and after several years of fighting, he drove out the Parthians and established his kingdom.

Herod was not of Jewish decent, but was an Edomite (of the decent of Esau rather than Jacob). Because he was not accepted by the Jews he married a woman who was a Jewish heiress to the Hasmonean house.

Herod was a great warrior, orator, and diplomat. During a time of economic hardship he returned tax monies taken to the people so they could survive. He was also a builder. He built theaters, race tracks, and other structures. In 19 B.C. he began the reconstruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Herod was also cruel and merciless. He was jealous and suspicious of any who might contest his power. It was out of such fear that he had his brother-in-law (the high priest) drowned to death. He even had his wife, Mariamne, killed as well as two of his own sons. Five days before his death, a year or two after the birth of Christ, he ordered that the most distinguished citizens of Jerusalem be arrested, and then put to death when he died. That way there would be mourning after his death. (The above was paraphrased from MacArthur’s NT Commentary on Matthew).

Let’s look at verse 2 to learn who the second king is that is mentioned in our text.

Matthew 2:2 NASB 95

“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”

Note that,

This Second King was not Appointed King, He was Born King

Jesus the Christ is the second king mentioned in this text, although His name is not mentioned. It is interesting to note that while Herod was appointed king by the Roman Emperor, Jesus was born king. He and only He is the King of kings and Lord of lords.

The distinction between these two kings could not be greater. On the one hand, Herod was a tyrant who was much more like the big bad wolf. On the other hand, Jesus was the Gentle Shepherd who was as meek as a lamb. Christ’s meekness was part of the reason why when He came unto His own, His own did not receive Him. They were looking more for a tyrant who would be on their side, than for a loving Shepherd who would lay down His life for His sheep.

We should not mistake meekness for weakness. There was nothing weak about Jesus. He took on the religious establishment of Israel head-on for their great hypocrisy. And when He returns in His second advent, He will bring an end to all rebellion, and will rule with a rod of iron. But rather than rule with a tyrannical power, He will rule in true justice and righteousness.

Being the tyrant that he was, Herod was disturbed by the Magi’s claim that One had been born king of the Jews. Look at verse 3.

Matthew 2:3 NASB 95

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

As I stated earlier, Herod was not a Jew. He was not well acquainted with the Jewish Scriptures. So, he gathered together the biblical scholars from the religious elite and questioned them about where the Christ-child was to be born. Look at verse 4.

Matthew 2:4 NASB 95

Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.

While not intimately familiar with the OT Scriptures, he knew enough to recognize that these magi must have been referring to the long -awaited Jewish Messiah. And these scholars did not need to search the Scriptures to give an answer. (I wonder how many of us could go straight to the OT passage which details where the Messiah would be born?).

Look at verses 5-6.

Matthew 2:5–6 NASB 95

They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; For out of you shall come forth a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”

Being the tyrant that he was, Herod was not happy that a child was born who may present a challenge to his rule as king of the Jews. Therefore he made plans to kill all of the boys in Bethlehem two years old and younger. Though he made his plan of action, it could not thwart God’s predetermined plan of redemption. Let’s turn our attention to

The Eastern Wise-Guys

Note that,

Matthew Likes to Point Out the Prominent Place Certain Gentiles Have in the Unfolding of God’s Redemptive Plan

One of the fascinating things about this account is that God chose to reveal His plan (in part) to those who were not among the covenant people of God. Just who were these eastern wise-guys? The answer is that we do not know. Based on the gifts which they brought some have supposed that there were three magi, but our text does not address their number. If you think about it, one person is capable of giving another person three gifts. We often experience that at Christmas time. The value of the gifts which they brought seems to indicate that these were men of wealth. Other than that, the only clue we have to who they were is the reference to them being magi from the east.

D. A. Carson wrote, “The “Magi” (magoi) are not easily identified with precision. Several centuries earlier the term was used for a priestly caste of Medes who enjoyed special power to interpret dreams. Daniel (Dan 1:20; 2:2; 4:7; 5:7) refers to magoi in the Babylonian Empire. In later centuries down to NT times, the term loosely covered a wide variety of men interested in dreams, astrology magic, books thought to contain mysterious references to the future, and the like. Some Magi honestly inquired after truth; many were rogues and charlatans (e.g., Acts 8:9; 13:6, 8; cf. R.E. Brown, Birth of Messiah, pp. 167–68, 197–200; TDNT, 4:356–59). Apparently these men came to Bethlehem spurred on by astrological calculations. But they had probably built up their expectation of a kingly figure by working through assorted Jewish books (D. A. Carson, “Matthew,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 8 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1984), 84–85.)

These men had a specific goal in mind — to worship the One born king of the Jews. This should be the attitude of all of mankind. One day it will happen that all of mankind bows the knee to Christ. But if a person waits until then to do so, they will have waited too long.

Let’s move on to consider what it was that brought these eastern wise-guys to the vicinity of Jerusalem in the first place. Let’s look at

The Mystery of the Star

As we consider the mystery of the star we will look at the history of the star and the identity of the star. Let’s look first at

The History of the Star

Note that,

Due to the Babylonian Exile, Magi From the East Came Under the Influence of the Jewish Scriptures

Since there was a strong Jewish population living in places such as Babylon, and throughout the Medo/Persian empire, it is plausible that magi were well acquainted with the Jewish Scriptures. Daniel, one of the Jewish exiles, became the chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon. And being the godly man that he was, he may have had a positive impact on a specific group of magi.

One prophecy they may have been familiar with was a prophecy from another Gentile named Balaam. When Balak, the king of Moab hired Balaam to curse the children of Israel, God turned his attempted curses into blessings. After a number of such attempts Balaam uttered this as a part of an oracle:

Numbers 24:17 NASB 95

“I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; A star shall come forth from Jacob, A scepter shall rise from Israel, And shall crush through the forehead of Moab, And tear down all the sons of Sheth.

It is possible that these eastern wise-guys were looking specifically for this star — although I take the star to be a metaphor for Christ.

Let’s move on to consider

The Identity of the Star

Note that,

Attempts to Identify This Star are Mere Speculation

There have been various attempts to identify this star which brought the eastern wise-guys to search for the One born King of the Jews. Some have suggested a planetary alignment with Jupiter and Saturn. Others have suggested a super nova — now we might be getting into our resident space fiction author’s territory? Some have suggested it might have been Haley's comet which made an appearance around that time frame.

All such speculations are in regards to natural phenomena. While God has certainly used natural phenomena to do His bidding, my personal belief is that this was an example of supernatural phenomena. I believe that what these eastern wise-guys took for a star was actually the Shekinah Glory of God leading them to the place of Jesus’ birth.

Let’s move on to consider

The Mystery of Reception

The greatest mystery in this account is the various receptions which the characters of this historical narrative gave to the announcement of the birth of the One born king of the Jews. In truth these receptions mirror the only ways in which a person can receive the good news of Christ.

First, let’s look at

The Hostile Reception

Herod’s reception of the gospel was extremely hostile. He wanted to quash the good news rather than receive it with open arms. This chapter shows three specific hostile steps which Herod took in regards to this good news.

First, Herod reacted to the announcement from the magi by doing research. Now, understand that research is not a bad thing. I do research every week as I seek to prepare to present God’s Word to you. But Herod’s research was for the purpose of destroying the child who had been born king. He was jealous to the core — remember he had two of his sons killed because he worried they might usurp his throne.

Look again at verses 3-4.

Matthew 2:3–4 NASB 95

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.

Herod didn’t have the advantage of Google, where he could get on his internet browser and quickly check things out. He had to call in the biblical professors from Jerusalem to ascertain where this child was supposed to be born. He most likely tried to cover his paranoia, but I don’t think he fooled anyone.

Second, Herod interviewed the eastern wise-guys to determine when the child would have been born. Remember, they did not have the luxury of our current modes of transportation. It would have taken them several months to travel to Jerusalem. Look at verses 7-8.

Matthew 2:7–8 NASB 95

Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.”

Not understanding God’s redemptive plan, Herod was planning on offering the Child as a sacrifice to his god of greed and power. The magi were not fooled by Herod’s lie regarding wanting to worship this Child. In fact, God warned them not to return to Herod. Look at verse 12.

Matthew 2:12 NASB 95

And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.

Joseph, the step-father of Jesus was also warned in a dream to escape with the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Look at verse 13.

Matthew 2:13 NASB 95

Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him.”

Thus, God preserved His redemptive plan.

Herod’s third step was genocide. Look at verse 16.

Matthew 2:16 NASB 95

Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi.

Herod was a brutal tyrant. What he did was even more despicable than what the Hamas terrorists did in October since it was specifically targeting the One born King of the Jews.

There is still a lot of hostility in the world today towards Christ and His followers. The persecution in our own land which prides itself on religious freedom is on the rise. But in other lands, it has been much more brutal — especially for Christians who live in Islamic ruled lands.

Sometimes hostility is more subtle. People just avoid those whom they regard as religious fanatics because of their commitment to Christ and His ways. Or they harass those who preach and teach the true Word of God. In our society today hostility to Christianity is seen in scheduling events and functions during Sunday morning worship time.

Hostility towards Christians shouldn’t surprise us, because Christ warned about such on multiple occasions. One such occasion was when He was sending the twelve out two by two to minister in the cities of Israel.

Matthew 10:16–22 NASB 95

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues; and you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.

We’ve been considering the hostile reception to the gospel. Now let’s consider

The Indifferent Reception

You might be wondering where I see indifference in this text. It is seen in the chief priests and scribes. Look again at verses 4-6.

Matthew 2:4–6 NASB 95

Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; For out of you shall come forth a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”

Bethlehem was only about five miles from Jerusalem. You would have thought that these biblical scholars would have been anxious to journey there to see the One who had be born king of the Jews. But the did no such thing. They were indifferent.

The majority of people in our society today are not hostile to the gospel, but rather, they are indifferent to it. They are just to busy or too self-focused to take the time to contemplate the truth of the gospel message. It is just not important enough to them.

Ultimately, both those who continue in their hostility and those who continue in their indifference receive the same penalty — judgment — eternal separation from God. Both alike will spend eternity in the Lake of Fire.

The third, and only positive response to the good news of Christ’s birth is exemplified by the wisemen.

The Worshipful Response

Look at verses 9-11.

Matthew 2:9–11 NASB 95

After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

When they left Herod’s presence the Shekinah Glory of God led them to the specific location where the Child was now living. And the outcome was that they rejoiced in God’s directing of their way, and they worshiped Christ.

How do you respond at this time of year to the reminder of the birth of Christ? Are you hostile to the message? Are you indifferent to the message — after all you’ve heard it all before? Or do you respond in worship?

As I mentioned earlier, Herod intended to put the Christ-child to death to save his kingdom for his own political agenda. But the Father had a different plan than Herod. His intention was that the Son, Jesus Christ, would die as a sacrificial lamb to save His people from their sins. The true story of Christmas is not about the manger or the wisemen, it is about the cross, it’s about my sin, it’s about how Jesus came to be born once so that we could be born again. It’s about God’s love nailed to the tree, it’s about how every drop of blood that flowed from Him when it should have been me. It’s about the stone that was rolled away so that you and I could have real life someday. It’s about the cross.

Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father,

I come before You filled with gratitude for the birth of Your Son, for had He not become man then I would not be redeemed from sin and corruption. I thank You for the riches that I have in Christ Jesus — I’ve been chosen in Christ to stand before You as one who is holy and blameless — not because my own righteousness, but because of Your Son’s! Further, I have been adopted into Your family as a son, I have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, I have obtained an inheritance, and have been sealed with Your Holy Spirit. And so have all those who have placed their faith and trust in Your Son, whose birth we celebrate at this time.

Lord, I pray that we would worship Your Son with exceeding great joy. I pray that we would offer to You the sacrifice of praise. I pray that we would offer to You our bodies as living sacrifices. I pray that we would not be conformed to this world but that we would be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

Father, I pray for any who have never placed their faith in Jesus, that You would send conviction, that You would send enlightenment, that You would call and draw them to Jesus Christ. I pray that You would destroy any mental strongholds, and remove any obstacles which keep them from embracing Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

I pray these things in Jesus name. Amen.

Closing Song: #196

O Come, Let Us Adore Him

O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,

Christ the Lord.

We’ll praise His name forever,

We’ll praise His name forever,

We’ll praise His name forever,

Christ the Lord.

We’ll give Him all the glory,

We’ll give Him all the glory,

We’ll give Him all the glory,

Christ the Lord.

For He alone is worthy,

For He alone is worthy,

For He alone is worthy,

Christ the Lord.

O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,

Christ the Lord.

May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith; and may you be rooted and grounded in love, may you be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.

Amen.