Magi from Far to Near Matthew 2: 1-12 Page 890

Who were the Magi? We do not know much about them -this is the only reference to them Clues from Herodotus (5th century BC) and Daniel: Priests from Persia (Iran) and wise men from Babylon (Iraq) Wise men, enchanters, magicians, diviners (Daniel 2:27) Zoroastrian astrologers from Persia

Who were the Magi? Gaps in our knowledge filled in by tradition: Melchior, king of Persia Caspar, king of India Balthazar, king of Arabia Isaiah 60:3 “Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.”

Art from 6th Century

Art from 12th Century

Art from 19th Century

Magi’s Journey: Why to Jerusalem? Hellenistic belief that birth and death of great men heralded by a star Homage to a king was a common motif (c.f. Queen of Sheba) Still Jews living in Babylon, who were looking for the Messiah God’s leading of these magi – the first Gentiles to visit this Jewish baby

Magi’s Journey: Where is King of the Jews? This question disturbed Herod – of Jewish ancestry, ruthless, and appointed King of the Jews Herod asked where was the Messiah to be born? Bethlehem, “for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel” (Micah 5:2) Bethlehem is five miles south of Jerusalem

Magi’s Journey: Joyful Conclusion Magi were overjoyed to see the star again They bowed down and worshipped Jesus Presented their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh

Journey of God’s people God chose Abraham for a special relationship, lived out by faith through following generations Jewish people were to glorify the one and true God, demonstrate this to the nations around, and welcome foreigners who wished to join them Prophecies that more foreigners would join them: Psalm 102:21-22, Isaiah 56:6, 60:1-6, Jeremiah 3:17, Joel 2:28,32

Journey of God’s people Jesus’ public ministry, though initially to the house of Israel, attracted foreigners Canaanite woman (Matthew 15:28), Roman centurion (Matthew 8:12) “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 8:10-11)

Journey of God’s people Joel’s prophecy found fulfillment: “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Acts 2:17, 21 quoted from Joel 2:28, 32) Holy Spirit broke out on Jews and non Jews, all those who followed the Messiah.

Our Journey Kingdom of heaven has come near to us This was a favourite theme of Jesus’ teaching: “From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’” (Matthew 4:17) Still preaching this between his resurrection and ascension (Acts 1:3) A present reality, available to us now

Our Journey Repent – change our mind, our way of life and orientation – an invitation As we draw near to Jesus, he draws near to us Magi travelled from afar to worship Jesus Many Jews changed their mind about the Messiah and found a common faith with many Gentiles who also believed

Each of us may discover that heaven has come to earth in the presence of God’s only Son Let us follow the magi and draw near and worship