The Anticipation of the Messiah

Matthew 2:1–12
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“Herod the king” mentioned here was known as Herod the Great (v. 1), whose family though nominally Jewish, was in reality an Edomite who became king with Rome’s help. It is no surprise that he was disturbed when the wise men came to Jerusalem looking for the one who had been “born king” (v. 2). He was certainly not a king from the line of David. In fact he was descended from Esau and thus was an Edomite. If someone had truly been born king, then Herod’s job was in jeopardy.

These wise men “from the east” mentioned here were perhaps from the area of ancient Babylon where Daniel had been chief of the governors. At least they seem to have been familiar with the prophecies of Daniel 9:24-26. Tradition claims that there were three royal visitors who were also kings. However there is no real historical evidence to verify this.

When the wise men saw the star in the east it confirmed their expectation. From their understanding of Scripture they had expected the King of the Jews to be at Jerusalem so that is why they went there first, instead of Bethlehem. At Jerusalem they learned from the scribes that the Savior would be born  at Bethlehem (vv. 3-6). They clearly anticipated a literal fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies (Micah 5:2). The implication is that the Jews of that day were anticipating the Messiah. The star then appeared again and this time it led them to the house where the baby Jesus lay (vv. 7-12). Herod secretly called in the wise men and told them to search for the child and when they found Him to let him know (v. 7). However they were warned in a dream not to tell Herod (v. 11). 

Application

If a group of strangers came to me and said they had seen a star and were following it, what would I have thought? Would I have thought they were crazy or would I have joined them to find Jesus? I need to be helping others try to find Him.