Wise Men (Matthew 2:1-16)

The story of the Wise men is a much loved story in the Bible. They were men that came from afar, led by a star, came in contact with King Herod, found the baby Jesus, worshiped him and gave gifts, and then went back home avoiding King Herod because of a dream they had. To fully understand the story we need to know: Who was King Herod? and Who were the wise men?

Who was King Herod?

• He is not the same Herod in the gospels, this is Herod the Great.
• He was appointed King by Caesar Augustus at 25 years old. He was King of the Jews, though he was not a Jew and was despised by the Jews.
• One of the great builders of the ancient world: rebuild Solomon's temple, wailing wall still stands, built Fortress of Masada on high cliffs in Israel, and the beautiful city of Caesarea on the coast.
• Wealthy. Powerful. Increasingly paranoid. He killed his favorite wife Mariamne and his two sons because of his paranoia. On one occassion he had 2000 people killed, and in Matthew 2 we see that he kills all male infants in Bethlehem.
• His main concern was: "hold onto the throne" above all else.

Read Matthew 2:1-3. If Herod was disturbed, then everybody else was disturbed too. Similar to "If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy."

Who were the wise men?

• Scholars, not kings. They were from the East, probably Babylonia. Studied astrology, science, medicine, and religion.
• Worshipers of the one true God. We see this in how they fell down and worshipped the baby Jesus upon seeing him.
• Daniel was considered a "wise man" in Babylonia as well.
• God speaks to them and tells them of a New King, led by a star they traveld 900 miles, 3 months each way, on camel; this trip was very dangerous and expensive.

The whole city is in a uproar as these wise men come into town talking of a "new king". Herod tries to play it cool as he hears the news. Read Matthew 2:3-6. Bethlehem is only a few miles away. Read Matthew 2:7-8. Herod is crafty, cunning, and conniving.

Read Matthew 2:9. God takes the wise men right to the place where baby Jesus was born. Can you imagine the excitement, after 3 long months of travel they are finally there and can see the New King! Read Matthew 2:10-11. Quietly, reverently, with hearts aflame inside they bow down before the baby who is none other than God incarnate, God in the flesh, Savior of the world, the hope of all mankind. The wise men fall down and worship this King, they cannot not worship. They give expensive gifts to this new born King, because they want to and considered it a privelege to give to this King. God will give two dreams: wise men and Joseph. Read Matthew 2:12-16.

God is still calling, seeking, searching for worshipers. God is looking for worshipers, not workers. People who love him, passionately, wholeheartedly.

Discussion Questions:
1. Is there any part of you that is similar to King Herod? Paranoid? Fearful? Wanting to "hold onto the throne" of your life?
2. The wise men were true worshipers who listened and obeyed the Lord. What have you been hearing from the Lord lately that you need to obey?
3. What do you think of this quote: "I found a great deal of zeal for God's work; but very little passion for God."
4. God is looking for true, passionate, wholehearted worshipers. Are you in? What areas in your life do you need to change in order to become more of a woshiper?