Following the Star

Reflect:

Not much is known about the “magi from the East” who came to visit Jesus after He was born.

Sometimes, they are referred to as the “Three Wise Men” or “The Three Kings”, and later on, legends went as far as to give them names like Melchor, Gaspar, and Balthasar, but the truth is, very little information is available about them. We don’t know their names, we don’t know where exactly from “the east” did they come from, and we don’t even know how many of them were actually there (most people just assumed that there were three of them since they brought three different gifts).

But what we do know is this—the Magi is a term loosely used for trusted advisors of kings; they are learned and proficient scholars of mathematics, astronomy, astrology, alchemy, history, and many other fields. 

Comparing them with the shepherds who also came to see Jesus, the magi were a far outcry in terms of social and economic classes. Also, while the news of Jesus’ birth came to the shepherds in a wondrous “suddenly” moment, to the magi, the news came through carefully studying the stars. Lastly, the shepherds were staying in the same region where Jesus was born, so they made it just in time to see Jesus as a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. The Magi, on the other hand, had to travel far and wide, carefully following the star that would eventually lead them to Bethlehem AFTER Jesus was born. They saw Jesus as a child, probably at least a few months old, NOT as a newborn infant.

The magi making the long journey to find Jesus is so significant because somehow, it brings the Lord’s plan to completion. The Lord didn’t just come for the Jews, and for the people who were conveniently located within the region; he also came for the “foreigners”. The invitation to His salvation extends to the rest of the nations. Yes, He is close to the poor and the needy, that is true. But He also speaks to the learned and the scholars and the prosperous who bear gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh. He has come for us all. All glory to Jesus—the savior of us all! 

Respond: 

I couldn’t help but imagine how it must’ve been for the Magi, persistently following a star, enduring the long journey, just to get a glimpse of Jesus. And when they finally did, they fell down and worshiped Him. These learned proficient scholars, giving Jesus the right kind of respect and adoration.

Dear friend, where are we in our journey to get a glimpse of Jesus? Wherever we are, may we always be assured that the journey is worth it. Dear friend, May our hearts be as excited as ever—our Jesus is here. Our salvation is here.