057. MAT 2:11. THE VISIT OF THE WISE MEN TO CHRIST

Mat_2:11. The Visit of the Wise Men to Christ

"And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child, with Mary his mother," &c.’97Mat_2:11.

There were several very illustrious events connected with the incarnation of Christ. One of these preceded his birth, viz., the annunciation by the angel to Mary, "Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found favor with God, and, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son," &c.; Luk_1:30. Then there was the appearance of the celestial choir, over the plains of Bethlehem, when they told the astonished shepherds, that there was "born a Saviour, Christ the Lord" &c.; Luk_2:13. And last of all, about thirteen days after his birth, there was the visit of the eastern sages, who came from afar to yield their homage, and to present their gifts, to the new-born Prince of Life, and Lord of Glory.

Let us notice, I. The Persons. II. The Journey. III. The Worship. And IV The Lessons suggested by the whole.

I. The Persons.

1. Their designation.

They are styled wise men, in the original, Magi: the term is applied in Scripture to those who studied astrology, and professed soothsaying and necromancy. The name is often applied to learned persons in general, and particularly to those skilled in astronomy. Very likely such were the persons in the text. Observe,

2. The country from whence they came.

"From the East." Some have supposed that they came from Arabia; and that they are alluded to in Psa_72:10. But this was south of Judea. Others say, from Chaldea; but this was north. Most likely, therefore, from Persia, as this is east; and especially as astronomy had long been pur sued, and formed a favorite study with the Persians. Observe,

II. The Journey.

1. The cause of it.

The appearance of a star, not a new planet, but some brilliant light, or fiery meteor; perhaps, that heavenly lustre be held by the shepherds; Luk_2:9. At this time, there was a general expectation that some celebrated person would appear. The Jews were expecting their long-predicted deliverer, the Messiah. The wise men viewed the meteor or star as ominous, portending some great event; and they followed its movements.

2. The journey itself.

One of twelve or fourteen days; connected with great fatigue, expense, and danger.

3. Its termination.

They pursued their way and persevered, until they arrived at the place where they found the young child, &c.

III. The Worship they presented.

"They fell down," &c. In this they manifested,

1. Great faith.

How unlikely to the eye of sense, that this babe was to be an illustrious prince. All appearances against it. Poor village humble parents’97nothing great’97no palace nor splendor, &c.; yet despite of this hey received him as God’s Son, the world’s Messiah, and worshipped him as such.

2. Great humility.

"Fell down at his feet."

3. Great reverence.

"And they worshipped him." Gave to him supreme honors.

4. Great generosity and self-devotion.

Opened their treasures, and presented to urn "gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." The very best their country yielded. Some say, gold they offered him as a Prince; frankincense, as a Priest; and myrrh, as the Messiah, who should be cut off for the sins of the people. Others say, gold, as denoting their faith in him; the frankincense of devotion; and the myrrh of self-denial. Notice,

IV. The Lessons suggested by the whole.

It presents,

1. A tacit and public reproof to the Jews.

They paid no regard to the event; received him not. Even the priests at Jerusalem, who directed the wise men, moved not one step themselves. Reserved for strangers’97Gentiles, to do honor to the appearance of the Saviour of the world. It presents,

2. An interesting illustration of Divine Providence.

By the visit of the wise men, and the presents they brought, it is likely that the holy family were provided with means to go and remain in Egypt, during the life of the murderous Herod; the beasts gave Christ a dwelling and a cradle; the fish yielded him tribute-money; the Persian Magi supported him in his exile; and the rich gave him a tomb at his death.

3. The true way to obtain wisdom and salvation.

To observe the signs God places before us To follow the leadings of the star of revelation, which is as a light shining in a dark place. The star of a preached gospel; for ministers are stars in the hand of Christ. The star of the Spirit’s operation, "until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts;" 2Pe_1:19.

4. The homage which Jesus expects from his people.

We must give him the gold of our heart’s love and confidence; the incense of our prayers and praise; and the myrrh of our obedience and self-denial. "If any man will be my disciple, let him take up his cross and follow me."

5. Those who neglect the star of Christ must remain in darkness, unbelief, and sin And "he that believeth not in Christ is condemned already, and the wrath of God abideth on him."

Autor: JABEZ BURNS