Can you imagine back in the early 1300s predicting a specific event that would happen in 2022? That’s essentially what took place with Micah’s prophecy some 700 years before the predicted birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem.
Matthew is the only one to record the fulfillment of this prophecy. At the time of Jesus’ birth, an astronomical phenomenon took place. A new star appeared that had previously never been observed by astronomers. This triggered a group of experts some 800 miles away to the East in what was most likely Persia (Babylon). The text in Matthew chapter 2 calls them magoi, or magi. They have traditionally been referred to as “wise men”.
Can you also imagine if you had devoted your whole life to the study of ancient texts as well as observing the solar system–the planets and stars? And one day, a new star suddenly appears in the West. This phenomenon would have triggered excitement, awe, and curiosity. Was it a comet? Was it a nova? Was it natural or supernatural?
These ancient Near Eastern experts would have convened and scoured every resource they had access to to try and make sense of what they were observing.
But also having access to many Jews who lived in Persia at the time, as well as most likely having access to many of the Jewish Scriptures, they would no doubt at least be familiar with Jewish prophecy. Perhaps they were familiar with the imagery in Numbers 24:17 of the star and scepter rising out of Jacob. Or perhaps they had read Micah’s words that a ruler would come out of Bethlehem of Judah (Mic.5). But that was 700 years prior. Could this new star have anything to do with that?
Either way, these magi clearly viewed this star as some sort of divine signal and Jerusalem would be the logical location. By the time they would convene, research, and come up with a plan to head toward the star for a closer look, much time would have transpired. They would have needed to organize supplies, camels, attendants, and guards. This would not have been a simple exploration.
It would have cost them their time, resources, and security.
The final outcome would have been much more of a large entourage forming a caravan, which would have been common along most of the popular trade routes at the time. If they had taken the northern route, which would have been most logical to avoid the Arabian desert, the roughly 800-mile trek would have taken at least 40 days to complete.
They providentially and correctly chose Jerusalem, as the star reappeared once they arrived, which then triggered within their hearts great joy and excitement (Mt. 2:10). Can you imagine it all? You were on the verge of history, of potentially witnessing first hand this astronomical phenomenon, or even better–witnessing what caused this divine signal in the first place. “Great joy” might be an understatement.
But what’s interesting to note is that they weren’t merely excited about a scientific discovery. The text says that these wise men desired to worship the one the star pointed to (Mt. 2:2). The star began to move and they, along with Herod’s scribes and priests, were able to confirm that the star was actually directly over the town of Bethlehem, just as the prophet Micah had predicted.
The text further tells us that when they arrived in Bethlehem, which was only six miles to the south of Jerusalem, that the star was over a house. When they went into the house, “they saw the child with Mary, his mother and they fell down and worshiped him” (Mt. 2:11). Given Herod’s decree and the amount of time that had now transpired, Jesus was most likely no longer a baby, but rather a two-year old toddler full of life and energy. And they fell down and worshiped him!
The wisest, most educated, wealthiest men, prostrated themselves on the dusty ground and gave their allegiance to deity.
The gifts they provided certainly signified their wealth (gold coins, frankincense, myrrh–all very rare), but would also providentially be used as provision in Joseph and Mary’s quick escape down to Egypt to avoid Herod’s death sentence for any male child under the age of two. They fell down and worshiped him. I just can’t get over that image–the elite of the day on their faces before God with us (Emmanuel). The Messiah was finally here!
This toddler Jesus would continue to grow and develop and teach in the synagogues and markets. The one with wisdom “greater than Solomon” was there (Mt. 12:42). People were astonished, especially in his hometown, wondering where his wisdom came from (Mt. 13:54). It would do you and I well to continue to seek Him today–to recognize that the long-awaited Chosen One is the source of the wisdom we desperately need.
He is worthy of our worship.
Merry Christmas!