(This post is part of a series. For previous posts in the series please see #1, #2.)
If you've been reading the Bible very long or even just attending church regularly, the passages we are looking at today will have a ring of familiarity. This is, after all, the Christmas story! It's tempting when reading such a familiar passage to skim through it, assuming we know the story and the doctrinal truths included in it. That's why I have found a framework or lens for a study to be helpful at times, slowing me down and making me ask more questions as I observe the text. I hope you find these nuggets as rich and encouraging as I did!
The Birth of Jesus
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "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." When Herod the king heard [this,] he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: 'AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH, ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.'" Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found [Him,] report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him." After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over [the place] where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned [by God] in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way. (Matthew 2:1-12 NASB95)
Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. In the same region there were [some] shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. "This [will be] a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds [began] saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us." So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. (Luke 2:1-20 NASB95)
We see in these birth narratives far more than just the historical record of Jesus' birth. Our pristine nativity scenes and children's plays capture the beauty of the moment, but the Word of God goes much deeper. As we read these narratives, we see a series of people who encountered Jesus and responded in various ways:
- The shepherds realized the revelation was truly from God, and quickly obeyed. They responded in worship and proclamation.
- The magi recognized Jesus for who He was - giving Him gifts befitting a king - and responded with worship.
- Mary responded in a way every mother understands - she treasured everything in her heart and pondered it. Although it was the Son of God laying in that manger, Mary's heart responded with a mother's love - a bond that would persist to the cross.
The parallels between the magi's authentic worship and Herod's selfish request to worship are obvious. What's less obvious is how shocking the magi's visit really must have sounded on first century ears. Writing to believers who were still learning how to be the church, what it meant to have Jew and Gentile together in one body, Matthew tells us something significant about worship - something shocking.
Look at Matthew's story again. First, the magi were, well, magi. They were basically astrologers. They observed the stars and in this case, saw something unique. Second, the magi hadn't studied the Scriptures closely - they were "in the neighborhood", going to the capital city of Jerusalem, but didn't know that the prophecy for Messiah was that he would be born in Bethlehem. Finally, they don't have offerings that would normally be considered acceptable - no grain, no animals, no blood. They weren't even priests! They would likely not be allowed even in the Court of the Gentiles and would never see the holy of holies.
What they had was an earnest desire to see Jesus. Look again at the only words recorded from their lips, in verse 2: "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."
This is worship?
Oh, absolutely. And this is where Matthew has much to teach us. He uses the more liturgical term for worship here - proskyneo. It's the Greek word used in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) for "worship" or "bow down" - the formal worship in the temple, the bowing down before visible majesty. Interestingly, this word is rarely used in the New Testament. Only in the Gospels (where Jesus was physically present), Revelation (where the throne of God is present), Acts (where the temple was still a place of "worship"), and only twice in the epistles, both referencing the presence and power of God. The New Testament favors the word latreuo for worship - a word meaning serve, perhaps seen most clearly in Romans 12:1: "Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship."
Why the change in emphasis? John Piper fleshes this out beautifully in the revised edition of Let the Nations be Glad (a must-read for missions enthusiasts). He draws from John 4 to show that "in the New Testament worship is significantly de-institutionalized, de-localized, de-externalized." He summarizes:
In Himself He would fulfill everything the temple stood for, especially the "place" where believers meet God. He diverted attention away from worship as a localized activity with outward forms and pointed toward a personal, spiritual experience with Himself at the center. Worship does not have to have a building, a priesthood, and a sacrificial system. It has to have the risen Jesus. (p. 217)The magi didn't know much, but they knew they were looking for Jesus. Matthew uses the formal word for worship, as they bow down before His visible presence, but the heart and soul of Jesus' later teaching to the Samaritan woman is pictured here with these magi: their shocking worship was just what He came to bring about. He came to create worshippers from every tribe, tongue, nation, and people group.
None of this is to diminish the role of Scripture and sound doctrine. Regular readers of this blog know how much I emphasize in-depth study of God's Word. Even the magi were sent in the specific right direction (to Bethlehem) by God's Word, not their astrological readings. But I believe we can learn from Matthew that God will meet people where they are, and when they sincerely are seeking Jesus, He will make sure to get them to Him. And He will welcome their worship with open arms as they continue to learn more about Him.
We often treat worship like a task, salvation as a transaction. Matthew's story of the magi reminds us that at the heart of worship lies a heart that seeks to find Jesus. And Matthew lays the groundwork here for a salvation that is a lifestyle - a process that starts, grows, and bears fruit as we continually are drawn to "Him who has been born King of the Jews".
The Dedication in the Temple and Flight to Egypt
After the visit of the magi, Scripture records two key events: Jesus' dedication in the temple in accordance with the Law, and Joseph taking his family to Egypt to protect Jesus from Herod's destructive plans and to fulfill a prophecy. These divergent stories in Matthew and Luke have caused confusion and raised questions in the minds of some readers. How could Jesus be taken to the temple if He was in Egypt? How could He be taken to Egypt if He was taken to Nazareth? This is where I believe that the different purposes of the books can be helpful, as well as remembering Luke's uniqueness as the chronological Gospel.
First, only Matthew records the Magi and flight to Egypt. Why? Remember, he is writing (sometimes polemically) to Jews. He wants to make sure Jesus is recognized as King of the Jews as well as a Savior for all peoples, not just Jews. He also is very focused on pointing out ways Jesus fulfilled prophecy.
Second, Luke is interested in telling the story of Jesus as a light for the Gentiles, and of the supernatural work of God in His ministry. The references to the Holy Spirit throughout these early chapters of Luke demonstrate Luke's emphasis from the beginning, and this comes out in the dedication in the Temple. Luke isn't focused as much on their fulfillment of the Law (though he points that out) as he is on the fact that God Himself has now entered His temple, and the Holy Spirit bears witness through Simeon's prophecy.
Luke's reference to "returning to Nazareth" doesn't necessarily mean they immediately returned, nor does it mean that they arrived at Jerusalem from Nazareth (that would make no sense, actually, since Bethlehem was so close and Mary would not have been able to make a long journey just 8 days after giving birth). Matthew actually adds more insight to the story about their return to Nazareth, along with another miraculous warning in a dream.
If the Magi did not appear at the time of Jesus' birth, but some time (within two years) later, then the order of events was likely: Jesus' birth and visit by the shepherds; Dedication in the Temple (returning to Bethlehem); Visit by the Magi; Joseph's dream & Herod's destructive plan (illustrated by the murder of children recorded by Matthew); Flight to Egypt; Return from Egypt and settling in Nazareth. That is the order I have included the passages below.
And when eight days had passed, before His circumcision, His name was [then] called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "EVERY [firstborn] MALE THAT OPENS THE WOMB SHALL BE CALLED HOLY TO THE LORD"), and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, "A PAIR OF TURTLEDOVES OR TWO YOUNG PIGEONS." And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, "Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation, Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel." And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this [Child] is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed-- and a sword will pierce even your own soul--to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed." And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with [her] husband seven years after her marriage, and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. At that very moment she came up and [began] giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. (Luke 2:21-38 NASB95)
Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him." So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt. He remained there until the death of Herod. [This was] to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: "OUT OF EGYPT I CALLED MY SON." Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi. Then what had been spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: "A VOICE WAS HEARD IN RAMAH, WEEPING AND GREAT MOURNING, RACHEL WEEPING FOR HER CHILDREN; AND SHE REFUSED TO BE COMFORTED, BECAUSE THEY WERE NO MORE." But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, and said, "Get up, take the Child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel; for those who sought the Child's life are dead." So Joseph got up, took the Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Then after being warned [by God] in a dream, he left for the regions of Galilee, and came and lived in a city called Nazareth. [This was] to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets: "He shall be called a Nazarene." (Matthew 2:13-23 NASB95)
When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth. The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. (Luke 2:39-40 NASB95)
Again, these passages show people's responses to encountering Jesus:
- Simeon saw Jesus as an answer to a promise from God. He realized He was the Messiah, and responded in worship and praise, speaking prophetic words over Jesus and Mary (another type of proclamation).
- Anna recognized Jesus for who He was, responding in worship and proclamation.
- Herod, however, responded with anger expressed in murderous intentions. He didn't deny the existence of Jesus, but perceived Him as a direct threat and so rejected Him, killing untold numbers of innocent children.
The Boyhood of Jesus
We know precious little information about Jesus' boyhood, which has led to a lot of speculation and spurious writings over the years. The limited scope of Scripture on this subject is quite significant, though, and provides ample information for us to study.
Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He became twelve, they went up [there] according to the custom of the Feast; and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it, but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and went a day's journey; and they [began] looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him. Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, "Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You." And He said to them, "Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father's [house?]" But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them. And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all [these] things in her heart. And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. (Luke 2:41-52 NASB95)
Here we see Jesus demonstrating His uniqueness at a young age. Mary and Joseph's frantic search finds Jesus in the temple. He is not preaching; instead, He is listening and asking questions, dialoguing with teachers and giving His own answers. Yet His wisdom and knowledge of the Word were evident. Luke ties this event back to the use of "Son of God" in chapter one, when Jesus responds, "Did you not know that I had to be in My Father's house?" The little we know about Jesus' childhood, then, underscores that He is indeed the Son of God. Yet in this final vignette, we see one more response to Jesus; the teachers in the temple were amazed at His words, but did not recognize Him for who He was nor respond in worship.
At the same time, we see that Jesus was indeed fully human. He is not an adult - though as with most 12 year olds, we can start to see the man He will become showing through. He still has growth left - both physical and spiritual. Luke tells us He "continued in subjection" to His parents - submitting to the authority God gave them over Him. Later He would marvel at a centurion's faith, in part because the man, well-versed in both being in authority and under authority, recognized Jesus' authority over sickness. For now, though, He had to experience the reality of living under the authority of imperfect humans.
Lessons Learned
As noted in the previous posts, I am seeking to frame my lessons learned, the "what does it mean for me" around four questions to help my theology meet my reality:
- What does this story teach me about Jesus and the life He gives? (1 John 1:1-2)
- How does this story about Jesus reveal God to me? (Hebrews 1:1-3)
- What does this story teach me about walking as Jesus walked, being conformed to His image? (2 Cor 3:18; 1 John 2:6)
- How does this story increase my fellowship with God and others? (1 John 1:3-4)
God could have had the angels proclaim the birth of Christ throughout the world. He could have let everyone see the glorious light and the shining star. Yet He chose to reveal truth to a few, who would spread the word to so many more.
The shepherds were no different than you and I, really. Simply people who were recipients of revelation - and they passed that revelation on to others. "And all who heard it wondered".
Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. - Zechariah 7:10 NLT
What does this story teach me about walking as Jesus walked, being conformed to His image?
And yet we see, in many traditions around the world, in many cultures, traces of the Gospel. The villagers who believe that only by drawing a cross on the dirt can they ward off evil spirits. The "peace child" that must be offered to settle disputes between two parties. Don Richardson calls these the "keys" within cultures and religions that point people to Jesus. Often, when these people groups hear the message of the Gospel, they respond eagerly because of the preparation God has put within their cultures. (I'm sure some of you could tell far more stories than I could about this topic!)
It is true that no one forced the magi to worship Jesus. But worship Him they did, as Matthew 2 makes clear. They didn't worship Him because He was equal to their traditions. They worshiped Him because He was supreme.
Jesus is unique. He draws shepherds and magi into the circle of His love and places them on equal footing. And because He is supreme, He can use people's own traditions to point them to truth, preparing them for the message of Scripture. But let's never confuse that preparation for the ultimate message. Always remember that Jesus is unique and supreme. The magi didn't travelup to two years to worship someone equal to their faith. They traveled 2 years to worship God Incarnate, Immanuel, God with us.
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