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Purpose: Matthew gives testimony to the Kingship of Jesus Christ and the worlds reaction to Him. 

Thus this morning, in Matthew 2:1-12 we will note the Three Witnesses and Three reactions to the birth of Jesus Christ. 

Three Witnesses: 

 Magi (2:2)

 Herod (2:3)

 Scripture (2:4-6)

Three Reactions: 

 Fear (2:3-4, 7-8)

 Indifference (2:5-6)

 Worship (2:9-12)

Read: Matthew 2:1-12. 

(2:1) “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea …” 

Here, with the absence of flowery speech and the fanfare of detailed description, the reader is struck with that fact that God the Son’s entrance into the realm of humanity was without distinction in and of itself, and is reported with such sublime simplicity.

 The significance of the event is the Person born, not the birth itself. 

Gal. 4:4 “in the fullness of time God sent forth His Son born of a woman” - like every human. “the Word became flesh …” fully, completely. 

Lk. 2:1-20 fills out a few more of the details

Mary & Joseph’s travel to Bethlehem for the census

The Angelic appearance to the shepherds

The presentation of Christ in the Temple

However, Matthew’s purpose is a bit different, he is not as concerned about the birth as much as the witness & reaction to it. 

“Bethlehem of Judea” -located about 5-6 mi. S. Of Jerusalem.  

Matthew is also careful to distinguish this Bethlehem from another in Galilee (Josh 19:15). 

It is a town with rich biblical history and significance: 

Ruth and Boaz were both married and lived here (Ruth 1:1ff)

Birth place of King David and where he was anointed king by Samuel (1 Sam. 17:12). 

*And it is the scene our passage this morning, where will first note the Three Witnesses to the birth of the King, Jesus Christ. 

Three Witnesses to the Birth of the King. 

 Herod

“in the days of Herod the king” -

Now, we must be careful to note that several other Herod’s mentioned in Scripture:  

Matt. 14:1-12 - account of Herod beheading John the Baptist at the request of Herodias and her daughter after she danced before the king. This was Herod’s son, Herod Antipas (who we most often meet in the Scriptures), who ruled over Galilee and Perea. This is the same Herod of Luke 23, who examined Jesus before the crucifixion. 

Luke 3:1 - mentions 2 other sons, Herod II Philip which was given rule over the territory North of Galilee; also Archelaus who ruled Judea, Samaria, and Idumea (cf. 2:22).

Acts 12 - mentions yet another Herod, Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great. 

All wicked and all mentioned as enemies of the gospel. 

This is “Herod the Great,” who ruled in Jerusalem, over the land of Judea from 37 BC - 4 AD (or, 40-4 BC), which also marks the date of Christ’s birth around 4-5 BC (cf. 2:19).

 Herod was the son of Antipater an Edomite, a descendant of Esau (thus he was a non-Jew). However, Herod married Mariamme (1 of 2 Mariamme’s from his 10 wives), a Jew of the Hasmonean line, who were the descendants of the leaders of the famous Maccabean revolt. 

So, despite his efforts, Herod was always considered a half-breed and consequently was never fully accepted by the Jews as a legitimate king, no matter how hard he tried. 

His religion was Jewish for the purpose of political expediency, but whose heart was thoroughly pagan.

His reign is commonly divided into 3 epochs: (1) Consolidation of power (37-25BC), (2) Period of prosperity (25-13BC), and (3) Domestic troubles (13-4BC).   

(1) Consolidation of Power: (history interesting; these are highlights). 

Herod was a brilliant political opportunist, builder, military leader, and administrator who was driven by lust for personal glory, power, and prestige. Herod’s life was marked by murder, deceit, and intrigue. 

Close friends with the infamous couple Antony & Cleopatra, he was nonetheless a shrewd politician. When Antony was defeated in battle by the rising Roman power, Octavius (later known as Augustus [27BC]). After, which, Antony later committed suicide with his mistress Cleopatra. Herod did not hesitate to go into action and immediately went to Rome to profess his allegiance to the new powers at be. 

So successful was he that not only did he leave without being put in prison but he also was granted increased territory and power, which included his title of King of the Jews. 

(2) During the period of prosperity, Herod’s great love and talent for building was indulged and he was known for his many magnificent structures, many of which stand to this day: 

Ceasarea Maritima; whole cities in Samaria; theaters, water systems, gardens, colonnaded streets, etc - and several luxurious palaces - including Masada, which in 73 AD was the place of the last stand of the Jewish rebellion against Rome. 

But most noteworthy was the temple in Jerusalem, for which he is said to have assembled and trained 1,000 Levites to both work on and oversee the construction of. The Temple was begun in 20BC (largely to win over the Jews), completed in 63 AD, and destroyed in 70 AD. 

But it was truly an amazing structure. One ancient Rabbi is noted as saying, “He who has not seen the temple of Herod has never seen a beautiful building”“Its size and magnificence were renowned throughout the ancient world.” 

(3) While a very gifted politician, military leader, and administrator, He was also ruthless, murderous, immoral, deceptive, and insanely jealous and suspicious of any one whom he perceived to be a threat to his power. 

By the end of his life, he had put to death his wife Mariamme, his mother-n-law, and three of his sons - this is just within his family!

When we meet Herod in Matthew 2 he is at the end of his life - probably within months of his death. Riddled with the hurt and despair of a family life that produced only intrigue and death, and struck with a very painful disease Herod was at the lowest point of his wicked life.  

The ancient historian Josephus (1^st century) describes the pain of Herod’s last days like this (Summarize):

“But now Herod’s sickness greatly increased upon him after a severe manner, and this by God’s judgment upon him for his sins; for a fire glowed in him slowly, which did not so much appear to the touch outwardly, as it augmented his pains inwardly; for it brought upon him  vehement appetite to eating, which he could not avoid to supply with one sort of food or other. His entrails also had ulcers, and the chief violence of his pain lay in his colon; an aqueous and transparent liquor also had settled itself about his feet, and a like matter afflicted him at the bottom of his belly. Further, his genitals were rotting, and produced worms; and when he sat upright, he had a difficulty of breathing, which was very loathsome, on account of the stench of his breath, and the quickness of its returns; he had also convulsions in all parts of his body, which increased his strength to an insufferable degree.”

However, though ill he did not lose his capacity for cruelty. Upon news of his incurable disease two rabbis (Judas & Matthias) stirred up a revolt and took down the offensive eagle Herod had erected at the entrance to the temple. Herod heard of the act and had the two rabbis burned alive. 

Probably the greatest testimony to his character and state of mind as we encounter him in Matt. 2, comes form the final oder given before his death. Once again, Josephus is our source and records it this way (Summarize): 

“He commanded that all the principal men of the entire Jewish nation, wheresoever they lived, should be called to him. Accordingly, they were a great number that came, because the whole nation was called, and all men heard of this call, and death wast the penalty of such as should despise the letters that were sent to call them. And now that the king was in wild rage against them all the innocent as well as those that had afforded ground of accusations; and when they were come, he ordered them to be all shut up in the hippodrome, and sent for his sister Salome, and here husband Alexas, and spoke thus to them; ‘I shall die in a little time, so great are my pains; which death ought to be cheerfully borne, and to be welcomed by all men; but what mainly troubles me is this, that I shall die without being lamented, and without such mourning as men usually expect at a king’s death.’  … He desired therefore, that as soon as they see he has given up the ghost, they shall place soldiers round the hippodrome, while they do not know that he is dead; and that they shall not declare his death to the multitude until this is done,, but that they shall give order to have those that are in custody shot with the darts, and that this slaughter of them all will cause that he shall not miss to rejoice on a double account; that as he is dying , they will make him secure that his will shall be executed in what he charges them to do; and that he shall have the honor of a memorable mourning at his funeral.”

Thankfully, Salome and Alexas did not carry out the order, but upon Herod’s death released them all back to their land.

However, just 5 days before his death Herod did miss the pleasure of seeing his son, Antipater, put to death for his plotting to take the throne of his father. 

Playing on a knowledge of Jewish sensitivities to swine, Emperor Augustus is said to have made the comment, “It is better to be Herod’s pig that Herod’s son.” 

So, from this wicked king we yet get another witness to the birth of the true king of the Jews. Most notably in his fear at the news that another - even the true King of the Jews had been born. 

The Magi. 

“Magi from the East” - There is a great deal of mystery surrounding this group. This is partly because they are mentioned only here and with almost no detail as to who they were, or where they came from.

It is probably good, however, to dispel the many myths that surround this account. We do not know there were three (likely more), we do not know they rode camels, they most likely were not kings, and they did not arrive at the manger but at their house (there goes half our Christmas cards!). 

The term “magi” is the plural of magus - often to refer to those involved in magic arts - such as (Acts 8:9-24 “Simon Magus”; 13:6-9 “Elymas the magician”). 

By the 6th century AD they were identified as three ‘kings,’ and were given names: Melkon (later Melchior) from India, Balthasar from Egypt, and Gasper from Greece.

It is also held that their bones were discovered by St. Helena, put into the church of St. Sophia in Constantinople, and later transferred to the cathedral of Cologne.  

It is widely agreed that the group itself came from the Medes and Persians. The term was used to refer to a “member of the Persian priestly caste” who was a mediator between the gods and men. Their presence as a distinct hereditary class within the Median nation is noted as far back as the 7^th century BC. It was also used to speak of the class of astrologers in general.

They have also been associated with Zoroastrianism (from leader Zoroaster), an ancient religion from the 6^th century BC Persia who also held some common beliefs with Judaism. Such as: one god - Ahura Mazda (monotheistic), who was opposed by evil spirit (like devil) - Ahriman. 

Their influence in the political and religious environment of the ANE is well attested. Both Daniel, Esther 1:13 testify that they were generally in high government roles, played a significant role in establishing policy and giving guidance to the monarch. 

But where did this group in Matt. 2 come from? 

(1) Some say from the Persia. They note both the influence of Daniel and the presence of the Jews who remained in the land of Babylon after the return of their brethren to Judah under the leader ship of Ezra and Zerubbabel. 

This is possible, but it is impossible to be dogmatic. 

(2) Others say they came from Arabia (Nabateans). This has the consistent testimony of the early church fathers, both OT texts and secular writers identify Arabia as the east in relation to its proximity to the Jordan river, and there is well documented relations between the Jews and their Arabian neighbors. 

In either case, what can be clearly stated is that there is clear evidence of an intimate mixture of the Jews with both Arabs and Parthenians. 

Whatever the exact origin of this particular group, so they arrive in Jerusalem - not on three camels, but “most likely ... with mighty caravans, carrying not small boxes of gifts as are often pictured on Christmas cards, but a great share of their wealth in frankincense, gold, and myrrh.” 

(1b-2a) “Saying, ‘Where … King of the Jews” - (p/a/pt) - continually going throughout the city asking. 

What brought them to Jerusalem? 

(2) “for we saw His star” -It was not uncommon in ancient though to relate the birth of great rulers with the appearance of a star, or some unique celestial sign. 

But what star? Many associate this with the prophecy of Balaam in Numbers 24:17 “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; a star shall come forth from Jacob, a scepter shall rise from Israel.” Although this is not as probable was such a literal interpretation was not the norm among the Jews. 

 But what exactly is it that they saw? Once again we are confronted with a mystery. Nonetheless, there have been many suggestions (as you can imagine). 

A comet? No. They are too short lived and there are no records of comets within the time frame of Christ’s birth. A supernova (birth of a new star)? Again, no recorded event anywhere near the time frame. An alignment of planets? The most likely, and according to calculations by astronomer Johannes Kepler, there was such an event in 7 BC.

However, the problems with this are:

The alignment of Jupiter and Saturn would be off by 1 degree and certainly not fit the description given in Matt. 2

The conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn happens every 20 years, so it not such a unique occurrence. 

 Due to the rotation of the earth stars travel east to west, but the text says they followed the star 6 mi. To Bethlehem, which would have taken them North to south. Also, Matthew also records that the star re-appeared and “stood over the place where the Child was.” This hardly fits any natural explanation. 

And, it appears to have been observable only to the Magi, otherwise, why would Herod’s astrologers (and others for that matter) not have been able to see and follow it in the same manner as the Magi?

So then, what is it? It seems best to see it a as a supernatural, not natural, appearance produced by by God to lead the Magi.

This is hardly unusual in the history of God, who has often displayed Himself and lead His people through manifestations of His glory at significant points in the history of redemption (Egypt, Tabernacle, Sinai) - and what could be more significant than the birth of the Messiah. 

Also, Luke has already recorded such supernatural events (Zechariah, Mary, Joseph) and the angels appearing to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-14). 

But with all the mystery surrounding the account of the Magi - one single point that is driven home is this: they are not the focus of the story, but it is their reaction of worship to the One born King of kings that is to take center stage. 

The most we can say for sure is that somehow God, in His mercy and grace, made Himself known to this group of Gentile astrologers and so led them to the birth place of the Son of God. And in so doing gives testimony of His sovereignty and grace. 

C. The Scripture (by the Jewish leaders). 

(4) “called together the chief priests and scribes of the people”

This certainly included many from the priestly caste, scribes, and Pharisees. The religious elite of the Jews were well represented. 

(5-6) “and out of you, Bethlehem … will come a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel”

Where does this come from?

The first part of the the prophecy is taken from Micah 5:2, the second “shepherd My people” is from 2 Sam. 5:2. The latter was said originally to David upon his coronation over all the tribes of Israel, but was taken by the rabbis to also refer to the ministry of the Messiah.

Now, you will may notice, as is often the case, the Nt quotations doews not retain an exact word for word match to the OT text. There are several reasons for this: (1) many are taken from the LXX (1:23), which was widely used at the time, (2) often times the passage being quoted in paraphrased or given as a loose quotation, and (3) as in the case of our current text, the passage is quoted with an emphasis on its Messianic interpretation.

The point is simply this: the Jews clearly understood these passages to be referring to the Messiah. And there is no indication that there was any need for discussion or deliberation, thus they (unwittingly) give clear witness to the birth of the King the Lord Jesus Christ. 

So, these are the three witnesses: 1) Magi - Gentiles from the East, give witness by their searching for the King 2) Herod - pagan ruler of Jerusalem, gives witness by his fear of the King, and 3) the Jewish Leaders give witness by their acknowledging the Scriptures testimony to the King. All give testimony to the reality of a King born, to the Jews, in the Land of Bethlehem. 

Now, lets note: 

Three Reactions. 

Fear. 

(3) “But (when) Herod the king heard he was troubled and all Jerusalem with him”

The term “troubled” speaks of an “emotional disturbance: to become terrified, to be afraid or overawed.” The idea, here, is of being overcome with a sense of fear and anxiety.

Why? 

Herod - because of the threat to his throne. This is really pathetic when we also consider that he is only months, probably, from death. His body riddled with the most grotesque and painful disease; with little to no support from the remaining family that he had not murdered; subjects that were eagerly anticipating his death; and now, even to the bitter end, riddled with anxiety that someone would be a threat to his power. 

Jerusalem - because they knew his violent, murderous jealousy; so they certainly were concerned what kind of reaction this would elicit from the king. 

What did he do? (7-8) - though full of inward angst and fear, he put on an air of concern and worship, but his heart was full of deceit!

But, Notice also, that Herod did not deny the reality of the Scriptures - just like the Jews throughout their opposition to Christ, but instead of being struck by them he saw in them only a threat to his own power. 

One older commentator noted, “Herod inquires the teaching s of Scripture only that he may work against them. BY political craft and might he will make even divine predictions serve his own selfish purpose. Often now do political tricksters appeal to religious teachers to promise mere secular ends, and sometimes even at the expense of religion.”

This could be spoken of our own times and certainly of the history of religion in politics for nations throughout history. Religion is used as expediency to achieve personal goals and advancement. 

B. Indifference. 

(4-6) “Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people he inquired of them …” 

They knew accurately what the prophets said, yet they were unmoved by them. They should have been the most interested, the most motivated, the most captivated by the news of the Messiah. Yet, there knowledge of the birthplace of the Messiah is reported in such dry and monotone interest that they could have just as well been describing what they ate for dinner last night, or giving directions to the nearest inn. 

Augustine, “They were like mile-stones; they pointed out some thing to travelers, but themselves remained stolid [stalid] and motionless.”

Yet, as the gospels are played out it will be shown that their indifference was really born from their unbelieving and rebellious hearts. As they would oppose and attack and seek to destroy the Child, once grown, because He was a threat to their power born of hypocrisy. In that sense, they would do just has Herod would later in the text and seek to destroy Him at all cost. 

Both Herod and the Jews picture the worlds’ reaction to Christ. Either people hate Him because He poses a threat to their security, or they are willfully ignorant of the significance of His Person and birth. But we also see a third reaction … 

C. Worship. 

Why had they come? (2) “to worship Him” (8-11)- Note, please, they came to “worship HIM” not Mary, not Joseph, but the Child.  

What did they do? (10) “They exceedingly rejoiced with great joy”

Matthew piles on the adjectives and adverbs to give the strongest possible picture of their elation once they actually came to the presence of the King.

(11a) “After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him”

“they worshiped Him” - this is the only right response to being in the presence of the King; of being the presence of God! 

What is the point? I believe Matthew’s point to show the acceptance of Christ by the Gentiles as opposed to the Jews to whom it was originally intended. 

It is not clear what the total understanding of the Magi were - i.e. Such as the One born who will “save His people from their sins.” However, it is certainly indicated (i.e. By their close interaction with God [2:12]) that they were brought to significant understanding of the spiritual implications of the birth of Christ. And did and would believe all that was revealed about Him and His work. Without doubt, they represent believing Gentiles, which will become a theme throughout.  

(11) “and having opened their treasures they presented their gifts” - 

Some see here a link to Is. 60:5-6, but this is possible, but unlikely (cf. Also Ps. 72:10-11, however, most reject any intentional or close tie). Also, some see particular significance in each of the individual items. 

Gold - King; 

Frankincense - A white milky substance taken from trees that grow on the limestone rocks of South Arabia and Somalia. Ex. 30:34 - ingredient of the incense; Lev. 2:1 - poured on grain offerings; Is. 60:6 - a gift brought to the Messiah. Said by the early church father Origen, to represent His Deity. 

Myrhh - Again “probably derived from a small tree with odoriferous wood, namely, the Balsamodendron of Arabia.” it was primarily used as a perfume. It is seen by some as representing His humanity, and since it was used in spices used on the body at death it is seen by others as emblematic of His death. 

However, while these may be true it is better to simply recognize them as luxury items fit for a king - even the King of kings. 

What a stark contrast, from the ignoble birth to the opening of the gifts, and so an illustration of the incarnate Son of God Himself. Matthew opened His account with the uneventful announcement that He was simply born. Luke tells us that it was in a dirty stable full of animals and the smells that attend. Now in a house, but yet the common house of a poor couple, the gifts worthy of a king are presented. From the depths of poverty to the heights of honors. So was the incarnate Deity. Flesh that yet veiled the glory of the eternal Son of God. 

Luther, “the star stood over the land of the Jews and over their heads, and they saw it not; so ever since as to the light of the gospel. The only Monarch who ever deserved that man should fall down before him was a child of poverty, whose life was spent in teaching, and who died and ignominious death.”

“Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor”  (2 Cor. 8:9). Yet, the Magi understood and worshipped. 

(12) “being warned by (according to) a dream”

Again, just another of the constant reminders of God’s sovereign hand in all the events. Nothing was by accident. 

*So, we have the Three witness and the Three Reactions. 

But what does all this have to do with us: 

(As already stated) Matthew’s main purpose is surely to show the Gentile acceptance and worship of the Christ as opposed to the Jewish ignorance. He also uses this narrative to clearly, if not indirectly, point out yet another fulfillment of the OT prophets fulfilled by the birth of Jesus Christ. 

And so the realization that Christ came to “save His people from their sins” extends to the ends of the earth (Matt. 28). If He be raised up, He will draw all men to Himself (John 3), “for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever is believing in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus Christ is the Savior of all who come to Him in worship. 

We also can learn other lessons: 

Sometimes those with the most privileges (like the Jews) can miss the benefits because of complacency and unbelief. The “chief priests and scribes” stand as a warning to us all. 

Like the Jews, so those in the church can have the Scriptures, understand their meaning, and yet grow so used to them - particularly those who grow up around them - that their meaning and importance can be lost. Surely the Jews understood the prophecy, they even were looking for a Messiah, but had missed Him entirely. 

“Their heads were better than their hearts - let us all beware of resting in head knowledge.” So Christ rebuke could be rephrased, “They know me with their heads, but their hearts are far from Me.” 

Sometimes those nearest to the truth are the farthest away and the most blind to it. So it would have been expected that the Jews would have eagerly joined hands with anyone who was also looking for the Messiah, but not only did they no do that, but they hated, opposed, and crucified Him when they did meet Him. “He came to His own and His own received Him not.” 

And so their judgment will be more severe: *Matthew 12:41-42, both “Nineveh” and “the Queen of the South” will rise up against the that generation for rejecting their Messiah.

Notice the diligence of the Magi in searching for Christ. 

They came seeking and came to know the truth about Christ - “whoever seeks shall find … whoever knocks to him it shall be opened.” 

They were willing to seek and find Him even at great cost to themselves. Travel was hard and surely their journey was long, yet they considered the joy of discovering Him to be of greater benefit. 

Calvin, “But if the sight of a star had so powerful an effect on the Magi, woe to our insensibility, who, now that Christ the King has been revealed to us, are so cold in our inquiries after Him!”

What effort do I put forth? With what intensity, anticipation, and resolution do I seek after the things of Christ? 

They are an example of faith. 

They certainly had limited knowledge of the Christ, and yet what they did have was enough to compel them forward, because what they knew was attended with faith. They are a model of the Lord’s commendation to the centurion (8:1-10). 

We have even so much more to go on by virtue of revelation, examples, and access to truth and yet how is our faith? They having far less evidence yet demonstrated far greater faith in the little they did have. They are a rebuke to many of us. (Hebrews 4:1).  

No one is saved apart from faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Who would have thought God would use such unusual means to bring these Magi to worship the Christ.  

Sometimes people ask, “What about the pigmy in Africa who has never heard the gospel?”

The answer to that is this: apart from the sovereign work of grace by God in the heart of a sinner, no sinner would come to Christ and respond to God’s revelation of Himself whether it be general in creation, or special in the Scripture. 

But if God has elect in that tribe (if “His people” are among them), He will send a servant to bring them the good news of salvation and forgiveness of their sin through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. So that they, as the apostle said to the Romans in chapter 10 may hear and then believe. 

But be sure of this: they will not be saved by any other means. 

There is no other way for a sinner to be saved other than by faith in Jesus Christ. 

This is displayed in the Magi. However unusual the method, he nonetheless brought them to Christ, for there is “salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). 

“God demonstrated His own love in that while we sinners Christ died for us.” And there is no other way to God. The reality of sin and the hostility from a holy God that it provokes must be removed, and it is removed only in Jesus Christ. “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 

Who did the King come for? Everyone who believes. Everyone who counts the cost and sees in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, treasure and value that far exceeds anything this world has to offer. Who come to Him with a will ready to bow as the Magi in humble worship and adoration of the King.