Matthew 2:1-8
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Read Matthew 2:1-8 keeping in mind that the Greek word for “wise men” is “magi” - royal astrologers from the land of the Medes and Persians.
Centuries before the birth of Jesus, God stirred the heart of Cyrus, king of Persia, to issue a decree that the Israelite exiles in Persia should return to Jerusalem to rebuild the “temple of the Lord.” (Ezra 1:1-3). Now, all these years later, these magi (or magicians) are led from Persia to the birthplace of Jesus by a star they recognize as a sign that the king of the Jews has been born.
God’s perfect will and ways have a way of coming to pass regardless of whether humans cooperate or not, and the story of the magi is proof. Israel was meant to be “a blessing to all the families of the earth (Genesis 12:3),” but Israel turned inward and became more focused on their enmity with other nations than on their God-given mission to bless the nations. The people of Israel ended up in exile, held in captivity by first the Babylonians and then the Medes and Persians.
But God’s plan was not thwarted, and now these Persian magi are drawn to the birthplace of the perfect Israelite where they will experience the blessing that overflows through Jesus, the king of the Jews.
What do you think or how do you feel about the idea of these magicians from Persia (now Iran) being drawn to Jesus? How does this story expose God’s heart for the nations? Talk with Jesus about this.
Read Matthew 2:1-8 again noticing King Herod’s response.
Although Herod was often called King Herod, he was never given the official title of king, and though he was a Jew, he had been appointed by the Roman government to rule over the regions of Galilee and Perea as a tetrarch, or governor. It’s easy to see that Herod had a lot to lose if a rightful king were to come along, so of course the message of the magi disturbed him.
The king the magi are seeking is not an ordinary king, and Herod realizes that right away. This king is the Messiah who was promised throughout the Old Testament Scriptures. And even though he knows this, Herod’s first and only response is the preservation of his power and position. Like the magi, Herod is also drawn to find Jesus, but for entirely different reasons.
Stop to remember how you were first drawn to Jesus.
How much do you value knowing Jesus? Speak to him about your thoughts and feelings and then get quiet and simply listen.
What do you sense Jesus wants you to remember or do from this time of meditation?
What will you do to take a first step in that direction?
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