THE EARLY YEARS

STRANGE VISITORS FROM FAR, FAR AWAY


After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came 
to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in 
the east and have come to worship him." When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all 
Jerusalem with him  (Mt. 2:1-3).

Have you ever received news that you did not want to hear?  Perhaps a call from the doctor?  Maybe a letter 
from the IRS?  Possibly a call from your preacher?  All of us who have years under our belts have received 
these types of calls.

But what if the call was supposed to be one of excitement and eager anticipation?  Would you take it as bad 
news?  That's how it was taken some two thousand years ago.

The Jews had long anticipated the coming of God's Messiah.  From prophecies in the Psalms, Isaiah, Daniel, 
Malachi and other scriptures, a tradition of beliefs had developed regarding the coming "anointed one"—"King 
of the Jews."  And first century Palestine was ripe with rumors of the Messiah's impending arrival.

However, when the news came, it came from an unusual source and with even more unusual reception.  
Matthew tells us that "Magi" from the east were the first to announce the birth of the Messiah publicly to the 
Jewish establishment.

Magi?  Wise men?  Who were these strangers from the east?  And what about their amazing story, of seeing a 
star in the night sky which confirmed the birth of the Messiah?  Mystery continues to surround the identity of 
these sages from the east.  All we know is that they had been given a special revelation about the birth of 
Jesus and had come in search of him—that they might worship him.  Worship a baby?  Worship a human 
being?  Isn't God the only one worthy of worship?  Exactly the point!  Wise men still seek the Lord's Messiah 
that they might worship him.

While mystery surrounds the visit of the Magi, disappointment surrounds the response of the Jewish 
leadership.  Matthew 2:3 states, "When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with 
him."  Disturbed?  Troubled?  Why?  What was it about the Magi's announcement that upset Jerusalem?  

Simple!  When God interrupts our lives, He really interrupts them.  Herod and the Jewish leaders had a good 
thing going.  Rome had granted Judea a certain level of autonomy.  Herod was rebuilding the Temple into the 
most prestigious one in the world.  Times were prosperous.  And the last thing Jerusalem needed was God to 
ruin the progress.

I suspect many of us can empathize with Herod and the Jewish authorities more than we realize.  As the old 
saying goes, "Religion is fine; when taken in moderation."  Unfortunately, Jesus offers no such middle ground.  
Either you bow to him in worship, or you join with those who seek to destroy him (like Herod).  There is no 
other option.

While Herod and the Jews were disturbed by the announcement of the Messiah's birth, that dim light would 
soon burst into a flaming firestorm that would change the landscape of Jerusalem forever.

Jesus' birth may have been announced by a star; but his life would soon shine as bright as the sun!  Have you 
seen his light?

See you next week!