Sunday School Lesson 5: The Faith of the Wise Men, Matthew 2:1-12, December 31, 2023.
Key Text: Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him (Matthew 2:2).
Five miles south of Jerusalem is Bethlehem (house of bread) of Judea, also called Ephrath. This Judaean city was the original city of Joseph’s ancestors and the birthplace of King David. Mary and Joseph traveled there from Nazareth and Jesus was born in a stable after they arrived there. We are told in the text that there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. These wide men (Magi) were among the Persians and Babylonian experts in the study of the stars. They came to Jerusalem seeking one whom they thought was to be born a king, on the basis of their calculation of the stars.
Such a phenomenon and seeking the birth of a new king would upset Herod. Herod quickly gathered his scribes and demanded an explanation of them. When they replied that the new king would be born in Bethlehem of Judea “for thus it was written by the prophet” v 5, they anticipated a fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies regarding the coming of the Messiah (Isaiah 9:6). Herod’s fear of a rival ruler caused him to question “what time the star appeared” v 7. He sent the Magi to Bethlehem, saying, ” Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also” v 8. The Magi was guided to the place by the star which went before them v 9. They found “the young child with Mary, and fell down and worshiped him” v 11, which indicated their recognition of the deity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). It can be assumed that the three gifts (ie., gold, frankincense, and myrrh) were in recognition of Jesus as King, Son of God, and Suffering Savior.
A special divine revelation in the form of a warning was given both to the Magi and to Joseph in the form of a dream. The wise men were warned not to return to Herod, and Joseph and Mary were instructed to ”depart into their own country another way” v 12 with the baby into Egypt where the holy family would be inconspicuous during their stay and would be welcomed by members of their own race. AMEN!
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