The Magi: Worshipers among Indifference and Hostility
Notes
Transcript
Intro
Intro
The Last Heroes. The last "Christmas Saviours" of this series are the Magi from the East.
Tradition. According to tradition, these Magi were three: Balthasar from Arabia, Melchior from Persia, and Gaspar from India.
According to the tradition of the Catholic Church, these Magi were also kings, each riding his own camel, each bringing a gift to the new born King: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Finally, the bones of these Magi from the East were buried in Cologne, Germany.
Although tradition is rich in detail, the Gospels are silent on many aspects concerning the Magi from the East: they, like the comet, appear in the biblical narrative and then disappear without leaving a trace.
Who are they? Scripture provides few details about the identity of the Magi. Indeed, during the deportation to Babylon, men like Daniel had the opportunity to share messianic prophecies with the Babylonian people.
Acts 2:9-11 (which mentions approximately 16 nations) also confirms that Judaism was present in many countries.
The Magi, through their dialogue with King Herod, reveal that it was a star, "His Star" (Matthew 2:2), that led them to the Holy Land.
In this regard, there is a prophecy that refers to a "star" in the book of Numbers 24:17
“I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel. He will crush the foreheads of Moab, the skulls of all the people of Sheth.
They were therefore scholars of the Scriptures and astronomers, wealthy men and Gentiles:
Magi were good and holy men, who sought for truth.
William Barclay (New Testament Scholar)
Why them? I chose the Magi for this final sermon because, unlike the shepherds, Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, and Elizabeth, no angel appeared to them.
A star in the sky was enough for these men to undertake a long, arduous, and dangerous journey.
Application. I hope that in all of us there is a willingness to follow divine signs, ready to meet the King even if the path ahead is not entirely clear and free of obstacles.
Sermon's outline. According to scholars, approximately 12-24 months passed from the birth of Jesus, when the Magi reached Bethlehem. The biblical passage highlights three reactions to the news of the birth of King Jesus:
The Priests’ Indifference;
Herod’s Hostility;
The Magi’s Adorartion.
N.1 - The Priests’ Indifference
N.1 - The Priests’ Indifference
“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
Indifference. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, the Magi immediately got to the point, revealing the reason for their journey: "Where is the King of the Jews?"
After answering Herod's question, the priests showed no concern for what was happening.
Regarding their indifference, I would like to consider two aspects:
1A. Knowledge of the Written Word (Matthew 2:5). The priests gave the correct answer regarding the coming of the Messiah. They cited two passages from the Old Testament:
Micah 5:2 ““But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.””
2 Samuel 5:2 “In the past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the Lord said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.’ ””
Although their knowledge of God's written Revelation was excellent, it produced no results.
Application. The greatest tragedy facing many Christians is the fact that they know the Bible, they know theology, but it is a knowledge that produces no passion, no change in their way of life.
It means knowing God's text, without knowing the God of the text.
James reminds us that:
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
The Magi, though possessing less biblical knowledge than the Pharisees, were willing to undertake a long and dangerous journey:
The magi had much less knowledge of the true God than did the Jewish leaders, but what they knew of Him they believed and followed.
John F. MacArthur
1B. Indifferent to the Incarnate Word (Matthew 2:5). The Incarnate Word is Christ. Although all the Old Testament books point to the Messiah, the priests are totally uninterested in its fulfillment.
The Pharisees and scribes knew the Messiah's birthplace and his ministry, but they were not interested in knowing the Messiah's identity.
Application. If knowledge of the Written Word leaves you indifferent to the Incarnate Word, what good is your knowledge?
What good is it to know how many animals entered Noah's Ark if we remain indifferent to the Ark of salvation, which is Christ Jesus?
What good is it to know the chemical composition of manna if we remain indifferent to the Bread of Life, which is Christ Jesus?
Scripture is Christ-centered; that is, the Old Testament points to Christ, and the New Testament is founded on Christ:
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.
The Magi asked for the King! The Greek proselytes asked Philip:
They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.”
Are you indifferent to the Incarnate Word?
N.2 - Herod’s Hostility
N.2 - Herod’s Hostility
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.
Hostility. The second reaction that Matthew highlights is Herod's hatred, the disturbance the king experienced upon receiving the news of the Messiah's coming.
In this regard, I would like to consider two aspects of Herod's hostility:
2A. The reason for the hostility (Matthew 2:8). The term "disturbed" means "to cause great mental distress, throw into confusion, shake together."
The reason for Herod's so much concern is that he wanted to be the sole king of Judea.
Herod tolerated no competition, as he wanted to remain the sole ruler.
Application. Many do not accept Jesus because they want to remain sovereign, king, undisputed emperor of their lives.
The Gospel message coincides with the dethronement of our ego, our plans, our desires, and total submission to His authority.
Why can't some accept Jesus? Simple: they want to remain kings and lords of themselves.
2B. The Degeneration of Hostility (Matthew 2:16). Matthew shows us how Herod's hostility turns into blind hatred, emphasizing its unstoppable degeneration:
Herod is troubled (Matt. 2:3);
Jerusalem is troubled (Matt. 2:3);
Herod deceives the Magi (Matt. 2:8);
Herod kills the children (Matt. 2:16).
Application. This degeneration of Herod's hostility highlights how it is impossible to simply remain hostile to King Jesus.
This hostility will turn into hatred toward the Gospel. Saying no to Christ means saying yes to lies, to hatred, to the world and its strategies.
N.3 - The Magi’s Adoration
N.3 - The Magi’s Adoration
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Adoration. In Jerusalem, we encountered indifference and hostility toward the Messiah, while the Magi from the East were ready to worship the Messiah, just as prophesied in Isaiah:
Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
I would like to consider two aspects of this adoration:
3A. Rewarded Adoration (Matthew 2:11). Months of searching, nights of traveling, and finally the child, the King, the Messiah, was found! What joy!
God honored the Magi's sincere and pure desire to meet the King.
Herod also tried to find the King, but his evil intentions prevented him from finding Jesus.
Application. If your intentions are pure, and you truly desire to worship the King, He will reward your faith. Unlike the Magi, you don't have to set out on a spiritual pilgrimage; simply seek the King with all your heart:
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”
3B. Emptying Adoration (Matthew 2:11). The Magi opened their treasures and gave them to King Jesus. They left their gifts at Jesus' feet.
Application. True adoration of the King, before giving you anything, takes away from you, empties you.
Like the Magi, true devotion leads you to leave at His feet the most precious things you possess.
Are you ready to empty yourself before the King?
Are we ready to "diminish" like John the Baptist?
Yes, Lord: our treasures open in your presence, and once we have emptied ourselves, you will fill us with your sweet presence.
Conclusion
Conclusion
The Magi. Indifference and hostility toward the King, but the Magi continued their search, and God honored them.
The Magi exalted from afar; the scribes murmured near at hand. The prophet showed his message, and Herod his wrath. The scribes showed their doctrine, the Magi showed their offerings. It is a marvel that to Him, the babe, they of His own house hasted with their swords, and they that were strangers with their offerings.
Saint Ephrem the Syrian
