Matthew 2:1-12
The Search of the Wise Men (vv. 1-8)
- They consulted the politicians
- They consulted the academics
- They consulted the religious
The Success of the Wise Men (vv. 9-12)
- They were joyful
- They were worshipful
- They were obedient
More to Consider
The exact identity of the Magi is impossible to determine, though several ideas have been suggested. They have been given traditional names and identified as representatives of the three groups of peoples that descended from Noah’s sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. More likely they were Gentiles of high position from a country, perhaps Parthia, northeast of Babylon, who were given a special revelation by God of the birth of the King of the Jews. This special revelation may simply have been in the sky, as might be indicated by their title “Magi” (specialists in astronomy) and by the fact they referred to a star which they saw. Or this revelation could have come through some contact with Jewish scholars who had migrated to the East with copies of Old Testament manuscripts. Many feel the Magi’s comments reflected a knowledge of Balaam’s prophecy concerning the “star” that would “come out of Jacob” (Num. 24:17). Whatever the source, they came to Jerusalem to worship the newborn King of the Jews. (According to tradition three Magi traveled to Bethlehem. But the Bible does not say how many there were.) Louis Barbieri, Dallas Theological Seminary
The visit of the Magi is an indication that the Gentiles will someday worship the King when the kingdom is set up on earth (Isa. 60:6). Their experience is a good lesson in finding the will of God: (1) they followed the light God gave them; (2) they confirmed their steps by the Word of God; and (3) they obeyed God without question and He led them each step of the way. Note that they went home by “another way” (v. 12). Anyone who comes to Christ will go home another way and be a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17). Wiersbe, W. W. (1992). Wiersbe’s expository outlines on the New Testament (pp. 17–18). Victor Books.
