Matthew 2:1-18
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I suspect that the wise men looked to the heavens and studied the cosmos. The bible states that the heavens are there as a sign to us on earth. They were probably also very well read, and probably had copies of the Hebrew scriptures in their collection, and were possibly aware of prophecies concerning the coming Messiah. When they married these two sets of knowledge (and I suspect with a bit of help from the Holy Spirit), they began their journey from the East to come seek out the Messiah. With them, they brought gifts - so they were very much aware of the significance of their mission.
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The Wise men could have been from the region where Babylon was and were likely familiar with the prophesies of Daniel with the 70 weeks prophesy being one of them.
Also the bible doesn't specify that there were three wise men, but three kinds of gifts. Matthew 2:1-3 gives indication that the number of wise men was more significant, but indeterminate.
Also the bible doesn't specify that there were three wise men, but three kinds of gifts. Matthew 2:1-3 gives indication that the number of wise men was more significant, but indeterminate.
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The narrative of the wise men (magi) is a very powerful story when we give it some thought.
MATTHEW 2: THE FIRST WORSHIPERS OF CHRIST WERE GENTILES
THE MAGI TRAVELED A VERY GREAT DISTANCE TO WORSHIP CHRIST
1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
[Note: The Magi were probably from Persia (Iran) and former Zoroastrians. They traveled probably over 2,000 km or over 1,300 miles]
THEY KNEW THAT CHRIST WAS KING OF THE JEWS EVEN BEFORE THE JEWS
2 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.
[Note: They were familiar with the Torah and Balaam's prophecy regarding the Star. They were probably astrologers who had become astronomers]
THEY CAME DIRECTLY TO HEROD THE KING IN JERUSALEM
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
[Note: Herod knew that he was not the true king of Judea, but all Jerusalem was in a turmoil because a King had been born]
HEROD BELIEVED THAT THE SCRIPTURES WOULD HAVE THE ANSWER
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
[Note: Even unbelieving Herod was better than the rulers of today who disregard the Bible]
THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS DELIBERATELY OMITTED THE DEITY OF CHRIST
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
[Note: The rest of Micah 5:2 says "Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting" and verse 1 says that He is "the Judge of Israel"]
HEROD RECOGNIZED THAT THIS STAR WAS A SPECIAL SUPERNATURAL STAR
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
[Note: The Star of Bethlehem was no ordinary star and everyone saw that]
WILY HEROD DID NOT PLAN TO WORSHIP CHRIST BUT KILL HIM
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
[Note: Herod did not have the fear of God, but was power hungry, just like today's politicians]
THE STAR WAS A BEACON TAKING THE WISE MEN DIRECTLY TO BETHLEHEM
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
[Note: The birth of Christ was supernatural in every way, and Jesus was a "young child" at this time, not the babe in the manger]
THE WISE MEN HAD TREMENDOUS JOY BECAUSE GOD WAS WITH THEM
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
[Note: These wealthy men had discovered a treasure beyond ordinary wealth]
THE WISE MEN CAME TO WORSHIP GOD INCARNATE, NOT OUT OF MERE CURIOSITY
11a And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him:...
[Note: It is significant that the first worshipers of Christ were Gentiles who had given up their idolatry and false religion]
WORSHIP INCLUDES GIVING TO THE LORD THE CHOICEST AND COSTLIEST GIFTS
11b...and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
[Note: We have no idea of the monetary value of these gifts, which could have been in the millions. Three gifts probably denotes three wise men, each with one gift]
GOD WAS DEFINITELY WITH THESE MEN, AND ACTUALLY WARNED THEM
12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
[Note: God protects the worshipers of God and Christ]
MATTHEW 2: THE FIRST WORSHIPERS OF CHRIST WERE GENTILES
THE MAGI TRAVELED A VERY GREAT DISTANCE TO WORSHIP CHRIST
1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
[Note: The Magi were probably from Persia (Iran) and former Zoroastrians. They traveled probably over 2,000 km or over 1,300 miles]
THEY KNEW THAT CHRIST WAS KING OF THE JEWS EVEN BEFORE THE JEWS
2 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.
[Note: They were familiar with the Torah and Balaam's prophecy regarding the Star. They were probably astrologers who had become astronomers]
THEY CAME DIRECTLY TO HEROD THE KING IN JERUSALEM
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
[Note: Herod knew that he was not the true king of Judea, but all Jerusalem was in a turmoil because a King had been born]
HEROD BELIEVED THAT THE SCRIPTURES WOULD HAVE THE ANSWER
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
[Note: Even unbelieving Herod was better than the rulers of today who disregard the Bible]
THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS DELIBERATELY OMITTED THE DEITY OF CHRIST
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
[Note: The rest of Micah 5:2 says "Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting" and verse 1 says that He is "the Judge of Israel"]
HEROD RECOGNIZED THAT THIS STAR WAS A SPECIAL SUPERNATURAL STAR
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
[Note: The Star of Bethlehem was no ordinary star and everyone saw that]
WILY HEROD DID NOT PLAN TO WORSHIP CHRIST BUT KILL HIM
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
[Note: Herod did not have the fear of God, but was power hungry, just like today's politicians]
THE STAR WAS A BEACON TAKING THE WISE MEN DIRECTLY TO BETHLEHEM
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
[Note: The birth of Christ was supernatural in every way, and Jesus was a "young child" at this time, not the babe in the manger]
THE WISE MEN HAD TREMENDOUS JOY BECAUSE GOD WAS WITH THEM
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
[Note: These wealthy men had discovered a treasure beyond ordinary wealth]
THE WISE MEN CAME TO WORSHIP GOD INCARNATE, NOT OUT OF MERE CURIOSITY
11a And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him:...
[Note: It is significant that the first worshipers of Christ were Gentiles who had given up their idolatry and false religion]
WORSHIP INCLUDES GIVING TO THE LORD THE CHOICEST AND COSTLIEST GIFTS
11b...and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
[Note: We have no idea of the monetary value of these gifts, which could have been in the millions. Three gifts probably denotes three wise men, each with one gift]
GOD WAS DEFINITELY WITH THESE MEN, AND ACTUALLY WARNED THEM
12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
[Note: God protects the worshipers of God and Christ]
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some say the house was in Bethlehem or Bethany, but I think back in Nazareth is possible as well. Joseph only went to Bethlehem to register the trip to Jerusalem after the requirements scripture doesn’t imply it was at the same time of the registration. around a month or so was needed I think before entering the temple.
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Yes, it would be more like. And they that had the faith of God working in them to both will and do the good pleasure of God moved them to follow a star . Always according to His faith that works in us. Its an evil generation natural unconverted men that seeks to follow after the temporal things seen.
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Jesus, Who declared He is the Bread from Heaven was born in a town called Bethleham (Beit Lechem,) or from that transliterated Hebrew, House of Bread.
Fulfilling prophecy, His family took Him to Egypt until the king of Israel's threats were passed.
Returning to Israel the Family resided in Nazareth, also fulfilling the prophecy that Jesus is the Branch for people from Nazareth were referred to as a Nazar or many would be Nazarim. Nazar means Branch.
Nowhere in the Word is Bethany nor Nazareth foretold as His birth place....
Just how far off are some going to attempt to lead those who believe from faith? It cannot be done.
Fulfilling prophecy, His family took Him to Egypt until the king of Israel's threats were passed.
Returning to Israel the Family resided in Nazareth, also fulfilling the prophecy that Jesus is the Branch for people from Nazareth were referred to as a Nazar or many would be Nazarim. Nazar means Branch.
Nowhere in the Word is Bethany nor Nazareth foretold as His birth place....
Just how far off are some going to attempt to lead those who believe from faith? It cannot be done.
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Joseph was a carpenter and I think built a cart for doing his trade carried the nine month pregnant Mary to Bethlehem surely he would have not let a 9 month pregnant mother walk over 60 miles. going back and forth to the Jerusalem area probably wasn’t that much of a issue for Joseph. yea I know I’m a false teacher hehe