JESUS and the ASTROLOGERS
Matthew 2:11
New International Version (NIV)
11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Jesus and the Astrologers
A number of men come from the East. They are astrologers – people who claim to interpret the positions of stars. While they were at home in the East, they saw a new star, and they have followed it hundreds of miles to Jerusalem.
When the astrologers get to Jerusalem, they ask: "Where is the one born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when we were in the east, and we have come to do him obeisance." When King Herod at Jerusalem hears about this, he is very upset. So he calls the chief priests and asks where the Christ is to be born. Basing their reply on the Scriptures, they answer. "In Bethlehem." At that Herod has the astrologers brought to him and tells them: "Go make a careful search for the young child, and when you have found it report back to me, that I too may go and do it obeisance." But, actually, Herod wants to find the child to kill him!
MATTHEW AND LUKE - TWO SCRIPTURE ACCOUNTS
A comparison of the two Gospel narratives makes it clear that the visitation of the Wise Men fell on a later date than that of the shepherds. The latter took place immediately after the Nativity (see Luke 2:11, 15, and 16, "is born .... this day," "let us now go," "and they came with haste"). On the other hand, when the Wise Men came to Jerusalem, Christ was already born (Matthew 2:1). Time was required for this journey to Jerusalem and the consultation of Herod with the chief priests (Matthew 2:4); and during this interval the events recorded in Luke 2:8-39 had taken place. That there was adequate time for this is confirmed also by the fact that Herod's decree was directed against children up to two years of age (Matthew 2:16).
After they leave, an amazing thing
happens. The star they had seen when they were in the East travels ahead of
them. Clearly, this is no ordinary star, but it has been specially provided to
direct them.
The astrologers keep following it until it stops right above the
house where Joseph and Mary are staying.
When the
astrologers enter the house, they find Mary and Joseph with their young child,
Jesus. At that they all bow down to him. And they take
out of their bags gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Afterwards, when they
are about to return and tell Herod where the child is, they are warned by God
in a dream not to do that. So they leave for their own country by another way.
……….to be continued
Playwright Janet Irene Thomas
Founder/CEO
Bible Stories
Theatre of
Fine &
Performing Arts
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