Who are These People and What Are They Doing in
Who are These People and What Are They Doing in My City? Matthew 2: 1-12 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.
INTRODUCTION: We today on one two-part question: Who are these people and what are they doing in my city? This question was generated by trying to understand Herod’s response to the visit of the magi. I. WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE . . . A. Herod: Seeing the visitors through his eyes: The sudden appearance of visitors from a nation to the East must have given Herod some concern. B. The Magi: Three problems with common theories related to the identity of these seekers (false ideas presented through the years) 1. The number? The fallacy of the three 2. They are not kings (They were wise men (astrologers, spiritual men, government advisors, powerful men). Here is part of the legend (not fact) that surrounds these men: Legend has added to the story that the names were Caspar, Balthasar, and Melchior as in Ben Hur and also that they represent Shem, Ham, and Japhet. A casket in the Cologne Cathedral actually is supposed to contain the skulls of these three Magi. (Word Pictures in the New Testament by A. T. Robertson) 3. The error that they visited the manger (Probably one to two years later when Jesus was a toddler – the family was then in a house (v. 11a). 4. Possibly (or probably) they are: a. Men who had been schooled both in astronomy and astrology and other disciplines that were popular in their culture. a. Known for their wisdom and knowledge b. Advisors to kings – they were king-makers (choosing and guiding the kind)
b. Possibly (and more like probably) men who had been influenced by hearing the teaching of the Old Testament. How? c. The answer may be found in the life of Daniel: (1) The wise men and Daniel – the dream of Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2) (2) Daniel’s influence: Mighty spiritual influence – he rose to prominence in two world powers (of the 4) – Babylon and Medo-Persian Empire. (3) Their knowledge of Scripture (vv. 3-6) 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.’” 5. Men were spiritual seekers – (Jeremiah 29: 13) NOTE: We often quote Jeremiah 29: 11-12 and omit verse 13. We emphasize the blessing without the seeking: 11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. 6. These Gentile seekers were closer to the truth than the Jews (Christ had been born in their land and they were totally unaware
– a total lack of spiritual sensitivity (like a lot of people who celebrate Christmas without Christ) – Like having a birthday party and enjoying the person who is celebrating their birthday! II. . . . AND WHY ARE THEY IN MY CITY? A. Their arrival: What would it look like? 1. Pictures show three men on camels – they probably rode impressive horses (a symbol of strength in Scripture). 2. More than likely, they would be accompanied by a large entourage (Servants and soldiers). B. The reason for the visit (vv. 5-6) 1. They understood Scripture and were seeking the King of the Jews prophesied in Micah 5: 2. 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.’” 2. What led up to this journey? a. Influence of others (Under teaching of Scripture through Daniel and others)(already mentioned) b. Their knowledge of the Word of God c. The drawing of the Holy Spirit (They became persons of peace – seekers of spiritual truth) D. The focus of the visit: 1. Wonder 2. Worship (adoration) 3. Sacrifice (giving of gifts) (Giving is always a part of our worship)
INTRODUCTION: We today on one two-part question: Who are these people and what are they doing in my city? This question was generated by trying to understand Herod’s response to the visit of the magi. I. WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE . . . A. Herod: Seeing the visitors through his eyes: The sudden appearance of visitors from a nation to the East must have given Herod some concern. B. The Magi: Three problems with common theories related to the identity of these seekers (false ideas presented through the years) 1. The number? The fallacy of the three 2. They are not kings (They were wise men (astrologers, spiritual men, government advisors, powerful men). Here is part of the legend (not fact) that surrounds these men: Legend has added to the story that the names were Caspar, Balthasar, and Melchior as in Ben Hur and also that they represent Shem, Ham, and Japhet. A casket in the Cologne Cathedral actually is supposed to contain the skulls of these three Magi. (Word Pictures in the New Testament by A. T. Robertson) 3. The error that they visited the manger (Probably one to two years later when Jesus was a toddler – the family was then in a house (v. 11a). 4. Possibly (or probably) they are: a. Men who had been schooled both in astronomy and astrology and other disciplines that were popular in their culture. a. Known for their wisdom and knowledge b. Advisors to kings – they were king-makers (choosing and guiding the kind)
b. Possibly (and more like probably) men who had been influenced by hearing the teaching of the Old Testament. How? c. The answer may be found in the life of Daniel: (1) The wise men and Daniel – the dream of Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2) (2) Daniel’s influence: Mighty spiritual influence – he rose to prominence in two world powers (of the 4) – Babylon and Medo-Persian Empire. (3) Their knowledge of Scripture (vv. 3-6) 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.’” 5. Men were spiritual seekers – (Jeremiah 29: 13) NOTE: We often quote Jeremiah 29: 11-12 and omit verse 13. We emphasize the blessing without the seeking: 11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. 6. These Gentile seekers were closer to the truth than the Jews (Christ had been born in their land and they were totally unaware
– a total lack of spiritual sensitivity (like a lot of people who celebrate Christmas without Christ) – Like having a birthday party and enjoying the person who is celebrating their birthday! II. . . . AND WHY ARE THEY IN MY CITY? A. Their arrival: What would it look like? 1. Pictures show three men on camels – they probably rode impressive horses (a symbol of strength in Scripture). 2. More than likely, they would be accompanied by a large entourage (Servants and soldiers). B. The reason for the visit (vv. 5-6) 1. They understood Scripture and were seeking the King of the Jews prophesied in Micah 5: 2. 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.’” 2. What led up to this journey? a. Influence of others (Under teaching of Scripture through Daniel and others)(already mentioned) b. Their knowledge of the Word of God c. The drawing of the Holy Spirit (They became persons of peace – seekers of spiritual truth) D. The focus of the visit: 1. Wonder 2. Worship (adoration) 3. Sacrifice (giving of gifts) (Giving is always a part of our worship)
