“We Have Seen His Star” Matthew 2 The Desire of Ages 6 “We Have Seen His Star” Matthew 2 1

Childhood and Youth of Jesus from Nativity to Manhood Presentation at the Temple (Luke 2:22-38) Visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-11) Return of the Magi (Matthew 2:12) Flight to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-18) Return to Nazareth (Matthew 2:19-23; Luke 2:39-40) First Passover (Luke 2: 41-50) Youth and Young Manhood (Luke 2:51-52)

God Chooses Whom He Wills The class of the wise men (philosophers, astrologers) The source of their knowledge Nature (stars) Balaam Old Testament Scriptures (LXX) Specific guidance A mysterious light A strange star (the angels) Better understanding of prophecies They expected better interpretations among the Jews Instead: ignorance, fear, contempt Herod’s wiliness and brutal character The source of Jewish resistance to Christ Contempt for the way God made it known They wanted to remain the sole exponents of truth Everything else was “fanatical” The special protection of Christ Angels directed Joseph to Egypt Angels directed him back to Nazareth

Question Was it gospel order that the Lord chose the worldly philosophers to point out the way to the Savior? (ie. Shouldn't the Lord have used the appointed priests?)

The Wise Men – Parallels Balaam He was a prophet of God even though he was not a part of the Israelites. His prophecy was a light to the Gentiles, especially in view of the fact that Israel never fulfilled its mission. The disciple who healed in Jesus’ name He was not to be rebuked as some thought. This was to teach the disciples not to be narrow-minded. The disciples of Apollos Even though they did not have all the light they shed around them whatever light they had. These and certainly other examples show that the Lord works at times also through others than His specially chosen people in order to reach the Gentiles. Even though they are not His main spokesmen, they have light in proportion to their willingness to receive it. When God’s professed people are backsliding, these may have even more light because they cherish what they have.