"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the King, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east and are come to worship him.' "
Saturday evening, December 17, at 6:00 and Sunday morning, December 18, at 11:00, the music and drama ministry of First Baptist will present "Searching For The King", a Christmas musical. It is based on the above scripture found in the Book of Matthew.
Who were these "wise men" and where were they from? What were they after? What did they get? These are intriguing questions without easy answers. Their name is Magi and that is not an easy word to translate. An ancient writer Herodotus claims they were originally a Median tribe. The Medes were part of the Empire of the Persians....they had become a tribe of priests. They became in Persia what the Levites were in Israel. They were instructors and teachers of the Persian kings. They were seen as men of holiness and wisdom. (Barclay)
What about the star? In those days astrology was a study followed by most men. The skies were there in clearness and order. They named the various groupings of stars. They could "see" characters in the stars. Many believed their destinies were settled by the star he was born under. The universe was orderly and dependable. Suddenly a brilliant star never before recorded appeared in the sky. It's movement and direction seemed to call for them to follow it. God was breaking into His orderly universe with something special. This entrance of the star spoke to these wise men, telling them a special king was being born into the world. The beckoning star called for these men to follow it's beam to the place of birth. Since they were going to meet a King they must bear kingly gifts. But what would the gifts be? Gold, a kingly gift was taken. Frankincense was a gift for a priest. They were impressed to take that. Myrrh was a gift for one who is to die. It was for embalming. Knowing nothing of what would eventually happen they carried the right gifts as they followed the right star to the right Person.
Were they there when the birth occurred? Doubtful. As one reads the continuing account it speaks of their finding a "little child with Mary His mother". It also tells us these wise men were moved to worship this child. That is not something one has to do simply for a king. This was a special King. All that had happened convinced these wise men that God was moving in His world toward some unique plan through a very special event. They were right!
