What Child Is This - Wise Men

Daniel Norman

What Child Is This • Sermon • Submitted 6 years ago

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Introduction

What Child Is This? - Wise Men

Well today is our last day in our Christmas Series based on the words composed in 1865 by the Englishman William Chatterton Dix. Specifically we have been focused in on the question found in the title of this famous carol: “What Child Is This” Within the lyrics we have encounter several different characters and character traits that have helped us to answer this all important question.

Wise Men

Within the lyrics we have encounter several different characters and character traits that have helped us to answer this all important question.

This morning we are going to look at some characters that are not mentioned by name in the carol, but their actions of worship and generosity lead the lyrics of the third stanza where it says, "So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh…

"So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh…

"Video: What Child Is This? - Wise Men

Tension

around the world consider the annual question posed during the Christmas season: What child is

this? Within the lyrics of this famous Christmas carol about the baby Jesus who was born in the

manger in Bethlehem, people encounter characters and their actions which help answer the inquiry

We don’t find the story of the men called “wise” with the rest of the Christmas story in the Gospel of Luke, but they make their appearance in Matthew's gospel. From the start of chapter two, we are introduced to these men and discover some details about their origins and intentions. As we understand who these wise men were, we can begin to see a reflection in them of some of the attributes of the Christ Child that they came to seek.

posed in the title of the song. Although wise men or magi specifically are not mentioned as

characters in the carol, their notifiable actions of worship and generosity lead the lyrics of the third

stanza.

"So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh…"

I will begin reading their story at the beginning of , p 807 in the Bible in the chairs:

start of chapter two, we are introduced to these men and discover some details about their origins

The wise men make their appearance in Matthew's gospel account of the Christmas story. From the start of chapter two, we are introduced to these men and discover some details about their origins and intentions. As we understand who these wise men were, we can begin to see a reflection of some of their attributes found in the life of Jesus. Let us allow their lives to help us understand "what child is this."

and intentions. As we understand who these wise men were, we can begin to see a reflection of some

of their attributes found in the life of Jesus. Let us allow their lives to help us understand "what child

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.

is this."

"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, 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.'"

men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the

Matthew 2:1–2 ESV

When looking to discover who these men are, we have very few things to go on. The most that we have is that they were “from the east." Depending on where Matthew was composing this text, "from the east" could mean a variety of places, but these men were most likely Gentiles from Arabia.

Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.'"

According to the text, the wise men came "from the east." Depending on where Matthew was

composing this text, "from the east" could mean a variety of places. Most likely these wise men were

For a Jewish Christian living in the Holy Land, "from the east" would refer to places on the east side of the Jordan River. That is still how someone living in this area would describe it. Those who lived in the Holy Land in the first century would have referred to the Jordanian desert areas that connect with the deserts of Arabia as "from the east." The Arabian deserts and Arabian Peninsula include areas such as modern day Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Jordan.

Gentiles from Arabia. For a Jewish Christian living in the Holy Land, "from the east" would be a term

that referred to places on the east side of the Jordan River. It meant that in the first century to

Jewish Christians just as it does today. Those who lived in the Holy Land in the first century would

There are other evidences that make us think that they are from this general region of the world as well. We could look at the gifts that they offered “the one born king of Jews”.

have referred to the Jordanian desert areas that connect with the deserts of Arabia as "from the east."

The Arabian deserts and Arabian Peninsula include areas such as modern day Saudi Arabia, Yemen,

Matthew 2:11 ESV

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.

Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Jordan.

says,

One of the strong indicators that these wise men came from that general region of the world is linked

This was a very personal quest for these wise men so it makes good sense that the gifts were personal in nature as well. They were probably brought as tokens of the best that their homeland had to offer.

to the types of gifts they came to lay before Jesus at his birth as part of their intentions to worship

this newborn king. says,

"And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and

The Bible speaks in other places of the reputation of the Arabian Peninsula for the mining of gold. When royal caravans came from far and near to bring gifts to the wise King Solomon it is written that they offered gold from the regions of Ophir and Sheba which were located in the Arabian Peninsula. Even as far back as the book of Job, this region is noted for being a source of gold. (cf. ; ; ; ).

worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense

and myrrh."

These wise men likely were carrying this gold from the place it was mined: most likely Arabia.

Biblical writers give astute readers clues to the origin of much of the mined gold in biblical times

Not only that, but the remaining gifts of frankincense and myrrh are even stronger evidence that these wise men likely were from Arabia. Both of these gifts are harvested from trees that primarily grow in southern Arabia. The wealthy people of the Arabian Peninsula would have been in the possession of these localized treasures and the reputations of these areas would have been well known to the Christians that Matthew is writing to here.

such as Ophir and Sheba which were located in the Arabian Peninsula. (cf. ; ;

Chronicles 29:3-4; ). More than the gold, the remaining gifts of frankincense and myrrh are

the real evidence that these wise men likely were from Arabia. Both of these gifts are harvested from

trees that primarily grow in southern Arabia. The Arabian Peninsula dwellers who were wealthy

would have been in the possession of these localized treasures. Those in the early church likely

would have been aware of these realities.

It is also important regarding prophecy fulfillment to trace the origins of the wealthy wise men back to Arabia. The words of speak of a prophetic future glory of Israel that ultimately gets fulfilled in the person of Jesus.

to Arabia. The words of speak of a prophetic future glory of Israel that ultimately gets

fulfilled in the person of Jesus.

behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise

Isaiah 60:1–6 ESV

1 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. 2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. 3 And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. 4 Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip. 5 Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult, because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. 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.

upon you and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light and kings

to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together,

they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the

hip. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult, because the

The ancient lands of Midian, Ephah, and Sheba all are located in the Arabian Peninsula. The first two are tribal lands in the north with Sheba found in the south. The gifts mentioned in the Isaiah prophecy are consistent with the gifts the wise men brought to Jesus mentioned in the Matthew account. These gifts were carried from their origins in Arabia.

abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. 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."

The ancient lands of Midian, Ephah, and Sheba all are located in the Arabian Peninsula. The first two

are tribal lands in the north with Sheba found in the south. The gifts mentioned in the Isaiah

prophecy are consistent with the gifts the wise men brought to Jesus mentioned in the Matthew

account. These gifts were carried from their origins in Arabia.

We even have a very early Commentary on the birth of Jesus that affirms that the wise men were from Arabia. As early as 160 A.D., a Palestinian Christian named Justin Martyr recorded a conversation with a Jew named Trypho. The conversation in book form called Dialogue with Trypho, still survives today, and it includes these words inscribed by Justin:

A.D., a Palestinian Christian named Justin Martyr recorded a conversation with a Jew named Trypho.

The conversation in book form called Dialogue with Trypho, the Jew, which still survives today,

"The wise men from Arabia came to Bethlehem and worshiped the child and offered to him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh."

includes these words inscribed by Justin: "The wise men from Arabia came to Bethlehem and

gold and frankincense and myrrh."

The location of Arabia is mentioned as fact in Justin Martyr's writings in five different places. We also have confirming information from other early scholars such as Tertullian around 200 A.D (155-240 A.D.) and even earlier from Clement of Rome somewhere before 100 A.D. (35 - ?100 A.D.).

worshiped the child and offered to him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh." The location of

So those of us who love ancient history, maps and commentaries we are probably eating all of this up, but what about the rest of us. Why should we care about the origins of these ancient travelers? Isn’t it enough just to celebrate their destination? Why worry about where they started as long as we remember that they ended on their knees in front of the Christ child?

Well of course that is the most important part of their story, but there are things that we can learn from the origin and intentions of these men. Especially when digging deeper into the answer to our question of: What Child is This?

So those of us who love ancient maps and history are probably eating all of this up, but what about the rest of us. Why should we care about the origins of these ancient travelers? Isn’t it enough just to celebrate their ultimate destination, the home of the Christ child. Why does the place where they begin their journey matter?

As we work to unpack the significance of these visiting wisemen we will be skipping around a bit in and out of different books of the Bible but we will be beginning in , if you want to turn there it is on page 886 in the Bibles in the chairs. Let’s pray and then we will dive in.

Arabia is mentioned as fact in Justin Martyr's writings in five different places. Such information

Truth

The first comparison that we are going to identify this morning between the wise men and the Christ Child is found in their arrival into the Christmas story.

and how does their origination What do the origin and gifts of the wise men have to do with answering the question: What child is this?

1. They Came A Great Distance

regarding an Arabian origin of the wise men also is asserted by Tertullian and Clement of Rome.

Where they came from

What do the origin and gifts of the wise men have to do with answering the question: What child is

As we have already spent some time this morning looking into the background behind who these wise men were, we can say with some confidence that they traveled a great distance before their arrival at the home where the Christ Child was.

this? First, consider the comparison of origins of the wise men and Jesus that led to a pair of arrivals.

We also know the background behind who Jesus is, and to a much greater extent we know how he came a great distance to have been there to meet the wise men that day. While Jesus did not come "from the east" like the wise men, He did come to dwell among us from His previous position of being "with God…from the Father." He traveled all the way here to draw near to humanity and embody Immanuel: God with us.

We also know the background behind who Jesus is, and to a much greater extent we have confidence in the fact that He came a great distance to have been there to meet the wise men that day. While Jesus did not come from a direction on the map like the wisemen came "from the east", He did come to dwell among us from His previous position of being "with God…from the Father." He traveled all the way here to draw near to humanity and embody Immanuel: God with us.

You ever been at a regional conference, wedding or training of some sort when the MC is looking for the “person who has traveled the farthest to be with us tonight”? Jesus wins that one every time!

The wise men traveled a great distance before their arrival at the manger. Likewise, Jesus came a

The wise men traveled a great distance before their arrival at the manger. Likewise, Jesus came a great distance to draw near to humanity and embody Immanuel: God with us. While Jesus did not come "from the east" as did the wise men, He did come to dwell among us from His previous position of being "with God…from the Father." Thus, the child in the manger is the one who, like the wise men, made an arrival in Bethlehem from some distance. Notice how John records such origins of Jesus regarding location of His whereabouts in the opening verses of his gospel.

John’s approach to his Gospel is probably the most unique out of the 4, but lets listen to how he describes Jesus’ entry into our world. He says of Jesus in :

great distance to draw near to humanity and embody Immanuel: God with us. While Jesus did not

John 1:1–2 ESV

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God.

come "from the east" as did the wise men, He did come to dwell among us from His previous position

of being "with God…from the Father." Thus, the child in the manger is the one who, like the wise

men, made an arrival in Bethlehem from some distance. Notice how John records such origins of

John 1:9–12 ESV

Jesus regarding location of His whereabouts in the opening verses of his gospel.

John 1:9–14 ESV

9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

in the beginning with God…The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the

John 1:14

world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know

John 1:14 ESV

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive

him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God…And the Word

became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from

the Father, full of grace and truth." ,,

The wise men came from a long distance, but we know that Jesus came from much further.

What Child Is This? He is the one who has come from a great distance to “become flesh and to dwell among us”

2. They Came From Great Wealth

This might be hard aspect of the Christmas story to accpet, but the reality is that Jesus came to seek and save Wealthy Arab Gentiles bearing gifts just as much as Jewish working class shepherds bearing …evidence of their daily routine (smell). Yes Jesus was born into a working class family, but his heritage was anything but poverty. This is another thing that the wise men and Jesus had in common.

When considering the Christmas story, it is important to remember that Jesus came not only to seek and save Jewish working class shepherds who did not always have much money but also came for Gentile Arabs who were wealthy and came bearing gifts to the Messiah. This mention of wealth and gifts brings us to the second comparison between the wise men and Jesus.

and save Jewish working class shepherds who did not always have much money but also came for

Just as it is inferred that the wise men were from a position of wealth, likewise, Jesus came from a place of means. He is the God who stepped out from the riches of heaven and into the poverty of a lowly manger in a Bethlehem stable.

Gentile Arabs who were wealthy and came bearing gifts to the Messiah. This mention of wealth and

We understand that these wise men were from a position of wealth and privilege, but couldn’t we say this even more so when it comes to Jesus?

It is a striking picture to imagine what it must have been like for the young couple to recieve visitors like these wisemen. Can you imagine the excitement of a royal caravan from a distant land entering into the little town of Bethlehem. They march through the streets and people stop and stare, wondering “What are they doing here? Are they lost?”

Then they very intentionally turn up a particular dirt road to arrive at the humble home where Joseph Mary and their new born child are staying. What a vivid contrast between the humble beginnings of new life in a working class family and the caravan of three kingly figures arriving to offer him extravagant gifts.

I am sure this scene seemed an extravagant and over the top affair from the perspective of the neighbors, but in truth it was nothing compared to the extravagance that Jesus was used to.

gifts brings us to the second comparison between the wise men and Jesus. Just as it is inferred that

We might notice the significance of these wealthy men riding their camels full of bling into the lowly setting of a stable, but what about the significance of Jesus stepping out from the riches of heaven and into the poverty of a lowly manger in a Bethlehem stable.

We don’t have time to go into all the details of it this morning but if you want to get a glimpse of the kind of wealth, glory and power that Jesus came from then you should read , and 21. In these chapters God gives John a picture of his throne room and extravagant glory that surrounds him at all times. Anything here on earth would pale in comparisson!

the wise men were from a position of wealth, likewise, Jesus came from a place of means. He is the

God who stepped out from the riches of heaven and into the poverty of a lowly manger in a

But the throne room of God is not the only place where God has resources…in fact there is nothing in our world that God does not sovereignly rein posses. In the Psalms we read:

Bethlehem stable. The scenes from , and 21 each speak to the wealth, glory, and power

In the Psalms we read:

we can see the wealth of God right now here on earth qually, this is the same God of whom the Psalmist writes and speaks of His wealth.

that surrounded Jesus in heaven. Equally, this is the same God of whom the Psalmist writes and

speaks of His wealth.

"The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein."

Psalm 24:1 ESV

1 The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,

We thought that the gifts of these kings from Arabia were extravagant, but God already owns every created thing on this earth. When we understand this, then we can see how the most valuable thing that was given that day was not the items, but the act of worship they were given in. That should speak to how we “worship” shouldn’t it?

would be significant. God owns them and more.

Psalm 50:10 ESV

10 For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.

Remember we talked about how one of the ways in which the Bible talks about being wealthy is by counting someone’s livestock - well God’s ranch spans over a thousand hills and forests.

We thought that the gifts of these kings from Arabia were extravagant, but God already owns every created thing on this earth. When we understand this, then we can see how the most valuable thing that was given that day was not the items themselves, but the act of worship they were given in. That should speak to how we “worship” shouldn’t it?

God lacks no resource on this earth. It is all His, and in it’s diminished state (because of our sin) it is nothing compared to the wealth of his Kingdom in heaven.

Whether in His throne room of heaven or among the earth He created as we previously read in John's

Whether in His throne room in heaven or on the earth that He created, the Christ child is the Lord. He is the One who created all things and as such is in possession of all things, to do and allow what He wills. Of course this concept goes well beyond our earthly idea of “Wealth” but it can begin there.

What Child Is This? This child, like the wise men, came from a place of the greatest wealth, power and influence.

3. They Came To Show Great Generosity

gospel passage, this child in the manger is the Lord. He is the One who created and owns all wealth.

in that they both come from a place of means and have access to wealth.

3. They Came To Show Great Generosity

Thus, this child is like the wise men in that they both come from a place of means and have access to

wealth. These characteristics we see mirrored in Jesus and the wise men help us understand glimpse

by glimpse who this child in the manger truly is. Does the generosity of the wise men reflect an

One of the fastest ways to find the wise men in any nativity scene is to look for the guys carry gifts. They typically looks like one treasure chest, one ornate bottle and then the other one. Of course we can’t be certain about how the gifts were wrapped, but what we do recognise is that these gifts were very generous. It is doubtful that Mary and Joseph would have ever expected that one day they would posses these kinds of things. They were the kinds of gifts that were fit for a King, which makes sense because these “three kings” were looking for a newly born King.

attribute of who this child in the manger is? He, too, is one full of generosity and a good giver of

My family and I watched the classic “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas”, I imagine most of us have seen this traditional movie so you probably all know how the story ends with the Grinch realizing that he can’t stop the celebration of Christmas, even if he steals all the presents and decorations.

And there is a good message there because Christmas can become too “commercialized” or “self -centered” if we let it. So there is reason for caution when it comes to having the wrong kind of focus on the gifts, but I am convinced that the giving and receiving of gifts is a fitting way to celebrate Christmas.

Just because something can be done the wrong way, doesn’t mean it can’t be done well.

gifts.

...but I believe that the giving of gifts is a fitting way to celebrate Christmas. Just because it could be done in a selfish or commercialized way doesn’t mean it can’t be done well. One of the ways that we can redeem that aspect of Christmas is to make sure that we give thoughtful and generous gifts like the wise men did. They were recognizing the arrival of the King of all Kings with their thoughtful and generous gifts, and I think that when we do that it can be a fitting reflection of that.

One of the ways that we can redeem that aspect of Christmas is to enjoy giving thoughtful and generous gifts in ways that will honor the recipient. This is what the wise men did. They were recognizing the arrival of the King of all Kings with their thoughtful and generous gifts, and I think that when we do that it can be a fitting reflection of that.

On of the things that I loved to see this past Christmas was how excited my children were to have me open the gifts that they had either picked out or personally made for me. I felt loved and valued in their excitement over the opportunity to give something to me in this way.

I know that Jesus is honored in that because not only does good gift giving reflect the generosity of the wise men, but it also reflects the truth that in Jesus we have recieved the greatest gift ever given. Listen to some of ways that the Bible describes the gift given to us in Jesus:

Not only does good gift giving reflect the generosity of the wise men, but it also reflects the truth that in Jesus we have recieved the greatest gift ever given. Listen to some of ways that the Bible describes the gift given to us in Jesus:

you remember the Does the generosity of the wise men reflect an attribute of who this child in the manger is? He, too, is one full of generosity and a good giver of gifts.

What child is this? He is the one who would give the ultimate gift. He was born to give His life as a ransom for many. Notice these scriptures that speak to this attribute of Jesus as a generous giver that exceeds even the generosity and gifts of the wise men.

and He too continued to be generous to us while he was here on earth. Listen to these descriptions of Jesus the gift giver:

ransom for many. Notice these scriptures that speak to this attribute of Jesus as a generous giver

that exceeds even the generosity and gifts of the wise men.

Galatians 1:3–5 ESV

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

, NLV

our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to

1 John 3:16 ESV

16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen."

John 14:27 ESV

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

"We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you."

our lives for our brothers and sisters." , NLV

Philippians 4:13 ESV

13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you."

Mark 10:45 ESV

45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

"I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength." , NLV

"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom

John 13:14–15 ESV

14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.

for many."

"If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's

And of course...

feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you."

John 3:16 ESV

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

The list of gifts Jesus gave to his followers is long. He has the heart of His Heavenly Father.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should

What child is this? He is the most generous giver, and we see the wise men echo this in the giving of their gifts.

not perish but have eternal life."

What child is this? He is the one who gives and is generous in ways that we see the wise men echo as they gave their gifts. And the reason they could find their way to the place where Jesus was located to give their gifts is because of the guidance the star gave them along their journey.

4. They Came To Seek Something Great

These wise men were from a culture and place that valued the night sky and had developed a study of the stars and the planets to a fine art. It had specific meanings to those who took time to notice. The wise men believed that significant movements in the heavens were connected and had special meanings with events that took place on earth. As we have been focused on over the past couple of services, these men saw an interconnectedness of the Spiritual and the Physical.

John 6:38 ESV

38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.

as they gave their gifts. And the reason they could find their way to the place where Jesus was

tells us

Jesus came to obey God the Father and the Wise men were looking to do the same thing. These wise men were from a culture and place that valued the night sky and had developed a study of the stars and the planets to a fine art. It had specific meanings to those who took time to notice. The wise men believed all in the heavens were connected and had special meanings with events that took place on earth. They saw the interconnectedness of the Spiritual and the Physical.

New Testament scholar N. T. Wright described their position as this:

located to give their gifts is because of the guidance the star gave them along their journey.

As New Testament scholar N. T. Wright has said,

homelands. These wise men were from a culture and place that valued the night sky and had

developed a study of the stars and the planets to a fine art. It had specific meanings to those who

As New Testament scholar N. T. Wright has said,

took time to notice. The wise men believed all in the heavens were connected and had special

meanings with events that took place on earth. As New Testament scholar N. T. Wright has said,

"When something important was happening on earth you could expect to see it reflected in the heavens. Alternatively, a remarkable event among the stars and planets must mean, they thought, a remarkable event on earth."

heavens. Alternatively, a remarkable event among the stars and planets must mean, they thought, a

remarkable event on earth."

So when the heavens declared Jesus' arrival with a star in the sky, the wise men followed it from their homelands, believing that God was guiding them to the one worthy of their gifts and their worship.

The question that this brings to mind however is: “How did these Gentiles from far off in Arabia know anything about the birth of a Jewish King?” Or maybe more important than that - “Why did they care?”

The question that this brings to mind however is: “How did these Gentiles from far off Arabia know anything about the birth of a Jewish King?” Or maybe more important than that -“Why did they care?”

To the best of our knowledge, these Gentile men of power, means, and intellect must have heard about the Messiah through telling and retelling of the story by their ancestors. Their ancestors would have heard this story from faithful Jews who had been exiled in Babylon in the days of Daniel and Jeremiah.

something significant had happened on earth. All along their journey toward Jerusalem, they had

been inquiring where the King of the Jews had been born. As we read their story in Matthew's gospel,

we learn they now were within a few miles of their destination. These Gentile men of power, means,

and intellect had come from afar to worship and pay homage to this newborn king they likely had

heard about due to the centuries-old retelling of the story of a coming Messiah. The story had been

conveyed through the ages by faithful Jews who had been exiled in Babylon and remained scattered

abroad after their exile ended. Such stories of Jewish exile go back to the days of Daniel and

Jeremiah.

How interesting it is to consider how the the sovereignty of God has worked through all of this. That the Jews who were conquered and exiled in Babylon, would then become the mouthpiece of the story of the Messiah that brought these Wise Men from the East to worship Him. They were living in some of the darkest days of God’s people, and yet their testimony of their hope in the coming Messiah echoed on long past their pain. Even into the story of the Messiah’s birth.

sovereign leadership of God nearly six centuries before the birth of Christ would be the mouthpiece

of the story of the coming Messiah that would be told throughout much of the world over the coming

I guess we never really can tell who, how or when someone might be impacted by our testimony of Jesus. All the more reason to be faithfully testifying right now.

I guess we never really know who will be impacted or how when we tell others what we know about Jesus.

generations. After the exile was lifted, many of the Jews decided to continue living in that area

You see the telling of stories from diverse cultures was a part of the educational process that wise men from that day engaged with and absorbed. The wise men were students of philosophies, cultures, and religions as well as the sky. So when a new star starts shining brightly in the sky, they took notice. These Gentile - or Non Jewish - wise men would follow the star and seek out this one born King of the Jews just as the prophecies had foretold.

because they had gotten married, had families, and made a life for themselves in that land. (cf.

The telling of stories from diverse cultures was part of the educational process that wise men from that day engaged with and absorbed. The wise men were students of philosophies, cultures, and religions as well as the sky. Now a star was shining brightly in the sky. It was a sign in the heavens they must follow that led to the One who had been foretold throughout the generations. Yes, Gentile wise men would follow the star and seek out this one born King of the Jews just as the prophecies had foretold.

) Yet, throughout the centuries that followed the end of exile, the stories of the coming

Messiah were still passed on to all who were within earshot, including the generations of the wise

men in that region and beyond.

Centuries after the Jewish exile had ended, the wise men mentioned in Matthew's gospel likely had heard all the stories with all the prophecies that stemmed from the stories of these ancient Jews concerning a coming Messiah. The telling of stories from diverse cultures was part of the educational process that wise men from that day engaged with and absorbed. The wise men were students of philosophies, cultures, and religions as well as the sky. Now a star was shining brightly in the sky. It was a sign in the heavens they must follow that led to the One who had been foretold throughout the generations. Yes, Gentile wise men would follow the star and seek out this one born King of the Jews just as the prophecies had foretold.

heard all the stories with all the prophecies that stemmed from the stories of these ancient Jews

concerning a coming Messiah. The telling of stories from diverse cultures was part of the

educational process that wise men from that day engaged with and absorbed. The wise men were

students of philosophies, cultures, and religions as well as the sky. Now a star was shining brightly

in the sky. It was a sign in the heavens they must follow that led to the One who had been foretold

throughout the generations. Yes, Gentile wise men would follow the star and seek out this one born

King of the Jews just as the prophecies had foretold.

As they followed the star, the wise men were fulfilling the promise that records for us during the Jewish exile in Babylon:

the new born king. As they followed the star, the wise men were fulfilling the promise that Jeremiah

Jeremiah 29:13 ESV

13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

29:13 records during the Jewish exile in Babylon centuries earlier.

And they did seek him, and they found him.

"You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."

And they did seek him, and they found him.

As we are talking about comparisons here between the wise men and Jesus, listen to how Jesus later describes himself and his mission:

What child is this? He is the one who, like the wise men, came to seek something. Notice how Jesus later described who He was as recorded in Luke's gospel.

And seek the newborn king is what these wise men "from the east" were doing on their journey that

Luke 19:10 ESV

10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

led them to Jerusalem. What child is this? He is the one who, like the wise men, came to seek

something. Notice how Jesus later described who He was as recorded in Luke's gospel.

These Gentile wise men worshiped this Jewish king of kings who came as the promised Savior of all who are lost in world. This child in the manger was the Messiah and king of Jews and Gentiles alike.

"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."

4. They Came To Seek Something Great

The wise men reflected another of the characteristics of the child in the manger. Both were seekers.

eagerly seeking the newborn King of the Jews. They likely were asking everyone they met about the

Christ child. Eventually, they found their way to Jesus and were overwhelmed in the presence of this

One whom they had been seeking for so long on their journey "from the east."

The emotions of the wise men were running high as Matthew records in his gospel.

"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. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with

Matthew 2:9–11 ESV

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.

great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell

Matthew may give his readers a clue in verse 11 that has been a point of discussion concerning the characters of the wise men being at the Nativity scene. The verse states they went "into the house" where they saw Jesus and Mary. This helps us understand that some time likely had passed since Jesus was born in the manger. They now probably were living in a house in Bethlehem. Although the wise men likely were not present the night Jesus was born, they now were standing in his presence with his mother close. And they were overwhelmed with emotion as they fell on their faces and worshiped Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and

He came an incredible Distance

frankincense and myrrh."

Matthew may give his readers a clue in verse 11 that has been a point of discussion concerning the

characters of the wise men being at the Nativity scene. The verse states they went "into the house"

He came from incomprehensible Wealth

where they saw Jesus and Mary. This helps us understand that some time likely had passed since

Jesus was born in the manger. They now probably were living in a house in Bethlehem. Although the

He came an showed unprecedented Generosity

wise men likely were not present the night Jesus was born, they now were standing in his presence

with his mother close. And they were overwhelmed with emotion as they fell on their faces and

worshiped Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

He came to seek something Great: The salvation of His People for His Glory and our Good.

These Gentile wise men worshiped this Jewish king of kings who came as the promised Savior of the whole world. This child in the manger was the Messiah and king of Jews and Gentiles alike.

whole world. This child in the manger was the Messiah and king of Jews and Gentiles alike. Luke's

gospel account records this truth within the words of Simeon who also saw the baby Jesus shortly

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after he was born. Simeon's words concerning what child this was gave credence to the worship the

Gentile wise men were offering to the newborn king they, too, had just seen with their own eyes.

Simeon said,

Luke 2:30–32 ESV

30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel." Luke

Luke 2:30-32

What Simeon said on that day affirmed what the wise men had been the first to do as Gentile worshipers of Jesus. Jesus was the one King who was worthy of worship for the Gentiles and the Jews. He was the One who offered salvation for all peoples of all nations. He was the One who would tell His disciples in Galilee after his resurrection and just before His ascension:

2:30-32

What Simeon said on that day affirmed what the wise men had been the first to do as Gentile

worshipers of Jesus. Jesus was the one King who was worthy of worship for the Gentiles and the

Jews. He was the One who offered salvation for all peoples of all nations. He was the One who would

Matthew 28:18–20 ESV

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Landing

tell His disciples in Galilee after his resurrection and just before His ascension:

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples

of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

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teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always,

to the end of the age."

The wise men were the first Gentiles to worship Jesus. They would not be the last. Jesus was the child who was born to be worshiped by all people in all nations for all times. It is what the wise men experienced.

It is part of the answer to the question the Carol asks: What child is this?

The wise men were the first Gentiles to worship Jesus. They would not be the last. Jesus was the

He is the One who is worthy of worship by all people, of all places and races and nations.

He is the One True Savior of the entire world that is worthy to seek and to worship.

He is the One not impeded by distance to be born as the One to give His life that we may receive forgiveness of sin and the gift of life everlasting.

May we do as the wise men did.

child who was born to be worshiped by all people in all nations for all times. It was what Simeon

May we seek Him, bow before Him, worship Him, and give Him the gifts of our lives as we go and tell other about Him.

said. It is what the wise men experienced. It is part of the answer to the question the Carol asks:

What child is this? He is the One who is worthy of worship by all people, of all places and races and

people. He is the One True Savior of the entire world that is worthy to seek and to worship. He is the

One not impeded by distance to be born as the One to give His life that we may receive forgiveness of

sin and the gift of life everlasting. May we do as the wise men did. May we seek Him, bow before

Him, worship Him, and give Him the gifts of our lives as we go and tell other about Him.

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