“The Three Wisemen” are as common a Christmas figure as Shepherds and Angels, yet in reality they weren’t there the night Christ was born, and there could have been more than three of them. As we see in Matthew 2, they appear to come sometime later, possibly even a few years after His birth. The Scriptures call Him a young child. (Vs 11)
This story shows us God’s Love, and God’s witness through this special star, but it’s the Wisemen’s reaction to God’s Love that I would like to focus your attention on.
In the Visit of the Magi we see…
The Reason for Their Visit Vs 1-3
Their journey from the East was certainly a long one, but it was a journey unlike any other. They were following a star! Can you imagine explaining to your loved ones that you’re going off to follow a star wherever it leads!?
But they had a good reason for this trip. In verse 2 they simply explain to Herod that they have come to worship the newly born King of the Jews! What a lesson for us this season. Can you say that your one purpose is to worship the King of kings? I want this to be my one mission day in and day out: To Worship the Saviour!
The Rival to Their Purpose Vs 4-8
Herod is a perfect reminder to us of how Satan operates. If there is anything that he hates and will always oppose it is the Worship of Jesus Christ. Satan will do anything he can to prevent God’s people from really worshipping Him. Worship for himself is what Satan desires.
You’ll notice as you read Matthew 2 that Herod sought advice from the Bible for where the King should be born, and he even feigns a desire to worship this King himself. Yet he was full of deception. This is very much how Satan likes to deceive people. He knows the truth. He knows it well enough to distort it. He will pretend to have our best interests at heart. Beware, he is the deceiver.
Wouldn't you say that Satan has done quite a job on distorting the truth of the Christmas message? I mean it nearly disappears in the midst of wrapping paper, lights, presents, and parties! Please remember the goal of the Magi was to Worship the King.
When we lose sight of Jesus Christ we have just bowed to the Rival.
The Rejoicing in Their WorshipVs 9-11
I’m sure the Wisemen never dreamed that their stop at Herod’s palace would cause the death and destruction we see in the later portion of Matthew 2. What a horrible event. Herod’s true colors show, and so will Satan’s.
You might say that the Wisemen could have been a bit wiser if they would just have asked God for directions, but instead they stopped to ask Herod. But you’ll notice that the moment they leave the palace God shows them the star again. They are finally led right to the very place where Christ is. They made it!
What a time of rejoicing they had. They rejoiced because they had found Christ. He was their goal and He was their joy. They were also glad to give. Worship always involves giving. Is it wrong to say that worshipping Christ should cost us something? These Wisemen gave Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. All very costly items. I’m sure they gave in great quantities too. What can you and I give Him? Well, what does He deserve? Only Jesus Christ is worthy of our worship. Only He, who has given so much for us, deserves our all. What does Jesus want? — He wants you.
He wants you to know Him as your Saviour. To believe on Him and be free from your sin. He wants you to live for Him. Now and forever.
Give Him the worship He deserves. Refuse to allow anything to stand between you and Him. Give Him your heart and truly make this a season of worship.
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