Matthew – the Gospel
of Fulfillment – Chapter 2 Unexpected Visitors and News
Imagine your surprise if you were the Roman appointed king
over Judea and a spiritually elite, political group of highly educated
individuals had traveled a great distance over an extended period of time to
ask you, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and have
come to worship Him.” (Matthew 2:2)
In this chapter Matthew shows us that the prophet Micah, had
disclosed 8 centuries before that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. And something had happened in the sky /
heavens that had gotten the attention of these individuals known as the magi –
wise men specializing in astrology, medicine and natural sciences. Daniel in the Old Testament was one of this
elite group and it’s quite possible that they had become knowledgeable of the
Scriptures as the Jews would have brought them with them. They described what led them on their
journey as a star, which eventually brought them to Bethlehem. And there they fell down and worshiped a
child, presenting him gifts of gold (a gift for a king), frankincense (incense
only burned on the altar in the Temple – an offering by a Priest to God), and
myrrh (a perfume used in embalming – a sign of a death / sacrifice).
The passage tells us they rejoiced exceedingly with great
joy and returned to their country.
These men had traveled far and found what their hearts were longing
for. Have you?
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