Matthew 2:1-12, A Tale of Two Kings

Introduction

Good morning! Please open your Bible with me to Matthew 2. By God’s grace, we once again have the great joy and privilege to continue our study of Matthew’s Gospel. This morning we will be looking specifically at Matthew 2:1-12. As always, we first want to read the passage. Then, pray and ask the LORD to bless our time together in His Word.

READ MATTHEW 2:1-12

PRAY

As I was studying this passage I was reminded of the importance of contrast. Contrast is a helpful and sometimes powerful thing in many ways. Most often it enhances our visual clarity by increasing the distinctions between objects and other things around them. We see this at work in photography for instance. A photographer will make or enhance a photo by sharpening the clarity of what they want us to focus on in contrast to everything else around it or in the background being blurred.

We see contrast at work in nature. It is wonderful, on a clear dark night, to be able to look up at the sky and see with increased clarity the stars and planets, billions or more miles away, shining brightly for us to gaze in awe and wonder. We even appreciate the value of contrast in ordinary ways that enable us to spot things that need to be picked up and put away. Like the puzzle pieces that sometimes litter my living room floor and I step on them because they blend in with the carpet. It would be nice if they were a different color!

You get the point. Contrast helps us to see things more clearly. In seeing more clearly, we can savor and marvel at the beauty that is seen. The darker the night sky, the better we’re able to see the stars and enjoy their beauty. That’s why stargazing has always been better in more remote places than amidst city lights. Clarity also helps us determine how we ought to act in response to what we see. If only those puzzle pieces on my living room floor were a different color, they wouldn’t be missed when we’re cleaning up.

We see an example of how contrast can help us see clearly and act rightly before us this morning. In our passage this morning, Matthew gives us another glimpse of the majesty and glory of King Jesus. He does so, against the bleak and frightening backdrop of Herod the king, who reigned in the days of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. So, as we consider the text before us this morning, I want the evident contrast of these two kings––Herod and Jesus––to help us see all the more the glory of Jesus and as a result lead us to…

MAIN POINT––Rejoice and worship Christ the King.

Two Different Kings

When we left off last week at the end of chapter 1, Jesus had been born. Matthew picks up here in chapter 2 sometime after Jesus had been born. It is likely that quite some time had passed. Perhaps upwards of a year or more, meaning that Jesus was perhaps anywhere from 12 to 18 months old at this point. Regardless of Jesus’ age, Matthew provides us a general time stamp for these events––during the days of Herod the king. More on him in a moment.

It was during these early days of Jesus’ life we’re told that wise men (or more accurately, Magi) traveled from the east to find Jesus. Real quick, who are these guys? Early on, Magi referred to the Persian priestly caste. However, by this time its meaning had broadened to include a variety of practices. Some were known to be magicians, astrologers, and dream interpreters among other things. As a group they were quite prominent throughout western Asia.

Though we can’t pinpoint their origin with exact certainty, it seems probable these Magi traveled from as far away as Persia or Babylon––modern day Iraq and Iran. This would have been quite the trip. Depending on where they had come from––whether Persia or Babylon––they would have travelled anywhere from 500 up to 1,000 miles to get to Jerusalem. This was no small journey, especially in those days. At a minimum it would have taken weeks. But given the nature of travel in those days it was probably several months of travel.

After their long difficult journey, the Magi arrived in Jerusalem with one thing on their minds. They came all that way wanting to know––“Where is he who has been born king of the Jews.” That wording is very important. They didn’t ask “where is he who has been born to be king”––as if it were some distant destiny yet to come. The one they were searching for was born king. A real and present reality in that moment. Christ’s birth was not the birth of one who had great potential to be somebody someday. Christ’s birth was a declaration that “the King is here!”

Matthew records some interesting details here for us. We learn what prompted the Magi’s trip. They say they saw his star when it rose. More than that, such a sight gave them the determined purpose to make such a journey, why? To worship the newborn King. Now many have tried to explain this via natural occurrences. Maybe it was a planetary convergence, or a really bright shooting star, or a super nova, among other things. But such natural explanations do not do justice to what is going on here.

These were not foolish men who would have endured such a journey for a natural occurrence. Clearly there was something peculiar, spectacular even, about this star they saw. That seems to be all the more confirmed for us when later on the star, as it’s referred to, appears again and goes before them, guiding them to the place where Jesus was (v. 9). This is no natural phenomenon. It is supernatural.

Such a thing ought not be difficult for us to believe given that we worship a God who spoke all creation into existence. He who created the stars and guides the galaxies above is more than capable of wielding the universe to make His Son known and worshiped. Imagination aside, whatever this was, whatever it looked like, these Magi knew something significant had happened. And Matthew for sure wants us to know the significance of this moment.

Matthew’s aim is for us to clearly see that Jesus is the long awaited Messiah. The promised Deliverer and Son of David. In doing so, he makes reference to a number of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. Here we have one of those references. It is a reference to what was prophesied by Balaam way back in Numbers 24:17.

Now, if you know anything at all about Balaam, you remember that he was not a good prophet. He was a prophet for hire that merely prophesied for his own selfish gain. He was hired by the Moabite king, Balak, to curse Israel during their wilderness wanderings. Despite his ill and selfish intentions, God compelled Balaam to bless Israel instead of cursing them. It was in one of his oracles of blessing that he says, “a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel”. Words which were widely understood to refer to the coming Deliverer.

Though the Magi were gentile astrologers, perhaps from Babylon, there was enough of a Jewish presence throughout the region that many non-Jews, especially the likes of the Magi were familiar with such passages. The Magi would have seen this “star” and recollected such OT prophecies like the one uttered by Balaam. They knew the significance of what was happening and knew they had to find the one born king––and worship Him. Upon their arrival to Jerusalem, the contrast of kings begins to unfold for us.

Self-Serving King

As the Magi arrived and were making their search known, word reached Herod about these men from the east. It created quite the stir. Here we begin to get a real glimpse of Herod and what he’s all about. When he hears about these men who came from far away in the east who are searching for the one born king of the Jews, the text tells us that Herod was troubled. We can understand more fully why he was troubled as we become more acquainted with who he was.

Specifically, this was Herod I, or Herod the Great. He was actually not Jewish, but Idumean, meaning he was from the region of Idumea which is the Greek name for Edom. The people of Edom were descendants of Esau, not Jacob. He had no claim to the throne as a descendant of David. Rather, he came to power over Judea by appointment of the Roman government in 37 B.C. to bring stability in the region. Which he did to an extent.

Herod was in many ways a gifted leader. This was most apparent in his accomplished building projects. He oversaw the restoration of the temple there in Jerusalem among many other projects. But he was also known for paranoia about keeping power to himself. He was a self-serving king. He was very fearful of any rivals, real or perceived, whom he thought might overthrow him. He was so fearful and suspicious, he had put to death members of his own family––including his wife and two of his sons. Herod’s rule over Judea was a reign of terror.

Herod is hearing word about one born King and his natural suspicion takes over. Word of a rival king leaves him troubled. And, because of the nature of his reign, as the text tells us so too, all Jerusalem was troubled when they heard about the Magi’s search for this king. Just put yourself in the shoes of your typical resident in Jerusalem living under such a ruthless reign, you can understand their fear. “Herod’s gonna lose it when he hears of this!” “Heads are gonna roll!” An occasion of joy, for many, had sadly become an occasion of dread and terror.

As the rest of the passage unfolds, Herod’s selfish intentions become clear. He knows what all of this means as he inquires about where the Christ was to be born. And rather than rejoice at that, he is troubled. If you’ve ever read Tolkien’s book, The Return of the King, or seen Peter Jackson’s movie adaptation of it you can imagine what this might have looked like. Aragorn is the rightful king of Gondor, which is currently under the rule of a steward, Denethor––who is not at all excited about the prospect of the King's return to the throne. He rages against the thought.

I couldn’t help but think of Psalm 2 as I studied this passage––

Psa. 2:1 ¶ Why do the nations rage

and the peoples plot in vain?

Psa. 2:2 The kings of the earth set themselves,

and the rulers take counsel together,

against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying,

Psa. 2:3 “Let us burst their bonds apart

and cast away their cords from us.”

Psa. 2:4 ¶ He who sits in the heavens laughs;

the Lord holds them in derision.

What the Psalmist makes clear there is that resistance to the King of kings is futile. The LORD’S Anointed will rule. We understand the Psalm 2 dynamic at play here. But, lest we think this is a reality only in the hearts of sinful leaders, we must be honest and examine our own hearts. When confronted with the sovereign rule of King Jesus over all, do we bow the knee and submit every aspect of our lives to his rule? Or, do we merely pay lip service to His Lordship while secretly trying to maintain a certain level of autonomy and power over our own lives?

I have found, through observation and a number of interactions, that many people are favorable to Jesus to a point. People will broadly admire his teachings and his example. But as soon as you make clear that He is God the Son Incarnate, King of kings and Lord of lords, ruler over all the universe before whom every knee will bow, the tone of the conversation changes. “You mean to tell me that Jesus has a claim over my life?” Yes, He does.

Why do people fear Jesus? Why do they scoff at the notion of His Lordship over their lives? Because the rule and reign of Jesus threatens our own self-rule. We think we can do better. We think we know better. The bent of our sinful nature is aimed at autonomy and self-rule. We wish to be the Captain of our own destiny. This goes all the way back to the Fall of man in the garden and how the serpent tempted Adam and Eve to sin against God––“you will be like God.” Fallen, sinful man does not want to be ruled, not even by a good and perfect King.

We see this most clearly in the hearts of unbelievers, but there are still remnants of this resistance even in our own hearts. Whenever you read God’s Word, or hear it preached, and it confronts you in any area of indwelling sin, how do you respond? Do you bristle against it, not wanting to acknowledge His Lordship over that area of your life? Or do you humble yourself in further repentance and faith, desiring to bring every area of your life under His rule?

Like Herod’s rule in Judea, our own sinful self-rule is a destructive terror that wreaks havoc on our own peace and joy. There is no freedom to be found in harboring sin and maintaining some feeble sense of autonomy away from Jesus’ authority over our lives. True freedom, peace, and joy, is found in Christ alone––in glad submission to Him and His authority over us. He is a good and gracious King. We do well to fully surrender to Him.

Shepherd King

Having heard the news, Herod began to gather information. And it is in the information that he gathered where we get a glimpse of the kind of King Jesus is in stark contrast to Herod. Rather than a kind of self-serving king, Jesus is the Shepherd King

Herod summoned the chief priests and scribes, asking them where it was the Christ was to be born. The chief priests were among the leaders concerned with oversight of the temple and the worship activity therein. The scribes were the official interpreters of the Old Testament. Two groups who were most familiar with the Scriptures and prophecies that had been given. They knew that the Christ would be born in Bethlehem of Judea. Which was not far away––only about five or six miles south of Jerusalem.

There in verse 6 we’re given a reference primarily from Micah 5:2. Now, if you were to go to Micah 5:2 you’ll notice there are some differences between what is written there and what is recorded here in Matthew 2:6. Which has caused some to try and use this seeming discrepancy to call into question the reliability of the Bible. But that is only because they don’t understand common conventions of that day in writings such as this one.

When you examine and compare the reference in Micah 5:2 with what Matthew gives us here it becomes apparent that Matthew, according to common writing practices, is applying the Micah prophecy to its fulfillment here in the birth of Jesus. He provides the reference and its interpretation together. This is Matthew’s way of clearly showing that Micah’s prophecy is fulfilled here in Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. Let me walk you through that real quick.

In Micah 5:2, the place referenced is Bethlehem Ephrathah. When Matthew says “Bethlehem, in the land of Judah” he is simply updating Ephrathah to Judah as it was better known in that day. Same place, clearer reference for his readers. This distinguished it from another town, Bethlehem in Galilee and it reiterated Jesus’ claims to the royal tribe of Judah and David’s line.

Then, when you look at Micah 5:2 he speaks of Bethlehem as insignificant, whereas Matthew reverses that to say it is by no means insignificant. Matthew’s interpretive application comes into focus. Bethlehem, a place that had little significance for so long, would now bear great significance as the birthplace of the Messiah.

The next part is an allusion to the shepherd theme seen in Micah 5:4, but its words are drawn from 2 Samuel 5:2 where David’s kingly role is described as the shepherd of Israel. This addition of the words from 2 Samuel 5:2 make all the more clear Jesus’ status as the son of David, born in the city of David, to rule like David as a shepherd over the people of God. This allusion provides us great clarity in contrast as to what kind of King Jesus is versus the self-serving king, Herod.

Jesus is a King who shepherds His people. Which is to say that He is the kind of King who looks to the good of His people. What’s more, He is such a good Shepherd that He ultimately laid down His life for His people. Because of the good and gracious Shepherding rule of King Jesus, your greatest need has been met––the forgiveness of your sins. Where the cares of this world leave you weary and drained, Jesus provides you rest––nourishing, restoring, and sustaining your soul.

Even amidst all the difficulties and challenges of life in a fallen world this side of eternity, we have no reason to fear anything that comes our way. The presence of Christ with us provides comfort. When we consider all that Christ has done for us, and grasp it rightly, we can say confidently as David did––my cup overflows; surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Now, Herod’s instructions to the Magi here demonstrate how crafty and desperately wicked he was. He had no intention of worshiping Jesus. That much is already clear in the reality that he was troubled. It’s made all the more clear when the Magi are warned in a dream not to return to him as well as what we see next week when he ordered the slaughter of every male child two years and under. His rule was ruthless and selfish. And to be clear, the chief priests and scribes are complicit in Herod’s guilt here as well.

There is a warning here for us to heed. Isn’t it something that the chief priests and scribes––those most familiar with God’s Word––didn’t seek to go and find Jesus themselves to worship him? I mean think about it. If there was anyone you would expect to be falling all over themselves to find the Messiah they were supposed to be eagerly waiting for it should have been them, right? But they don’t. Herod and all the religious leaders should have been racing to Bethelehm with the Magi to fall at the feet of Jesus in worship. Instead, they feel threatened.

Contrast that with these Magi––Gentiles outside of God’s covenant people––who probably travelled hundreds of miles through many dangers in order to find and worship King Jesus. That’s simply amazing! Shame on those religious leaders, right? They had become so complacent and indifferent to God’s Word and God’s promises therein that they missed the joy and excitement they should have had at the coming of the King they should have longed for.

Loved ones, don’t mistake familiarity with and knowledge of God’s Word for true devotion to the LORD. He did not come into the world just for us to know about him intellectually. He came so that we would know Him and that in knowing Him we would love Him, treasure Him, and have life in Him. Such that every aspect of our lives would be joyfully devoted to Him and His glory.

Do you love and long for the King the way these Magi did? Or does your heart toward the King reflect the indifference of the chief priests and scribes; or the troubled disdain of Herod? Are you that eager to gather with others and worship King Jesus? Or do other things interest you more?

Rejoice and Worship

There’s only one right response and it is seen in the Magi as they come to Bethlehem. Once again, we’re given this extraordinary account of the star not only appearing, but seemingly guiding the Magi to where Jesus was. And the sight of the star that guided them, provoked an overwhelming sense of great joy––v. 10, “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.”

Their joy is all the more evident and expressed when they finally laid eyes on the child. It says, “they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him.” What better response to Jesus is there than that? In their joy and worship, we learn also that they presented him with the finest of gifts––gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Once again, even in the gifts given, there are echoes of the past and their ties to the Son of David.

Many of Matthew’s original readers, familiar with their Old Testament, would be reminded of multiple passages. All of which called to mind, again, this is the promised Son of David, the Shepherd-King. For example––

Psalm 72, where David’s son, Solomon seeks the Lord’s blessing on his reign:

v. 10, May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands

render him tribute;

may the kings of Sheba and Seba

bring gifts!

v. 15, Long may he live;

may gold of Sheba be given to him!

May prayer be made for him continually,

and blessings invoked for him all the day!

Isaiah wrote in Isaiah 60 about the future glory of Israel:

v. 6, A multitude of camels shall cover you,

the young camels of Midian and Ephah;

all those from Sheba shall come.

They shall bring gold and frankincense,

and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord.

There is even the account in 1 Kings 10 of the Queen of Sheba visiting King Solomon with fine gifts, including gold, as she marvelled at his wisdom and the prosperity happening under his rule.

Beyond the probable ties to some of these Old Testament references, one thing is unmistakably clear. These were gifts fit for a King. The Magi finding the newborn King was an occasion for joy and celebration and worship. They didn’t give these gifts to Herod. They reserved the finest gifts for the newborn King they found in Bethlehem, the city of David. They gave Him the best they had to offer. What an appropriate response to King Jesus!

Can you say the same about your devotion to and love for Jesus? Does the person and work of Christ evoke this kind of rejoicing and worship in you? The kind of joy and worship that says, “here have the very best I have to offer! I’ll give you everything I have. Have it all. It’s yours. You are worthy!” That’s what it means to worship––to declare in word and deed the worth-ship of another. He deserves our adoration, devotion, and deference to Him. No holding back.

Does that describe your own joy and commitment to King Jesus? Is He of such supreme value to you that there is nothing in this world more precious to you than Him? Is that evident in your commitment to both private and public means of worship? Would others who know you well, be able to say through observation that you are one who delights to worship King Jesus at all costs? That there is no greater joy in your life than to live in glad submission to and worship of the King?

Conclusion

God providentially and sovereignly acted to warn the Magi of Herod’s deceptive and destructive plan. So, they departed and went home another way in order to avoid making the child’s whereabouts known to Herod. For now, he would be kept safe, though danger would come again as we’ll see next week. But Herod’s rage against the true King was powerless to stop God’s providential care of Jesus. God’s plans in the sending of His Son would not be denied, not even by the murderous plans of a tyrant.

Where Herod’s reign was one of fear and trouble for the people, the true King, Jesus, brings joy and glad worship to the hearts of those who are drawn to Him. Where many in our day, like Herod, are repulsed by the supreme rule of Jesus over all, my hope for everyone here is that we all would see the supreme rule of Jesus as an occasion to…Rejoice and worship Christ the King.