Wisemen

What Child is This? Christmas 2017  •  Sermon  •  Submitted
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The Wisemen of the Nativity

Words​ ​composed​ ​by​ ​an​ ​Englishman​ ​named​ ​William​ ​Chatterton​ ​Dix​ ​in​ ​1865​ ​continue​ ​to​ ​help​ ​people  around​ ​the​ ​world​ ​consider​ ​the​ ​annual​ ​question​ ​posed​ ​during​ ​the​ ​Christmas​ ​season:​ ​What​ ​child​ ​is  this?​ ​​ ​Within​ ​the​ ​lyrics​ ​of​ ​this​ ​famous​ ​Christmas​ ​carol​ ​about​ ​the​ ​baby​ ​Jesus​ ​who​ ​was​ ​born​ ​in​ ​the  manger​ ​in​ ​Bethlehem,​ ​people​ ​encounter​ ​characters​ ​and​ ​their​ ​actions​ ​which​ ​help​ ​answer​ ​the​ ​inquiry  posed​ ​in​ ​the​ ​title​ ​of​ ​the​ ​song.​ ​​ ​Although​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​or​ ​magi​ ​specifically​ ​are​ ​not​ ​mentioned​ ​as  characters​ ​in​ ​the​ ​carol,​ ​their​ ​notifiable​ ​actions​ ​of​ ​worship​ ​and​ ​generosity​ ​lead​ ​the​ ​lyrics​ ​of​ ​the​ ​third  stanza.   
"So​ ​bring​ ​him​ ​incense,​ ​gold,​ ​and​ ​myrrh…"   
The​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​make​ ​their​ ​appearance​ ​in​ ​Matthew's​ ​gospel​ ​account​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Christmas​ ​story.​ ​​ ​From​ ​the  start​ ​of​ ​chapter​ ​two,​ ​we​ ​are​ ​introduced​ ​to​ ​these​ ​men​ ​and​ ​discover​ ​some​ ​details​ ​about​ ​their​ ​origins  and​ ​intentions.​ ​​ ​As​ ​we​ ​understand​ ​who​ ​these​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​were,​ ​we​ ​can​ ​begin​ ​to​ ​see​ ​a​ ​reflection​ ​of​ ​some  of​ ​their​ ​attributes​ ​found​ ​in​ ​the​ ​life​ ​of​ ​Jesus.​ ​​ ​Let​ ​us​ ​allow​ ​their​ ​lives​ ​to​ ​help​ ​us​ ​understand​ ​"what​ ​child  is​ ​this."
Matthew introduces the Magi into the Nativity story at the beginning of chapter two:
Matthew 2:1–2 NIV
1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
According​ ​to​ ​the​ ​text,​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​came​ ​"from​ ​the​ ​east."​ ​​ ​Depending​ ​on​ ​where​ ​Matthew​ ​was  composing​ ​this​ ​text,​ ​"from​ ​the​ ​east"​ ​could​ ​mean​ ​a​ ​variety​ ​of​ ​places.​ ​​ ​Most​ ​likely​ ​these​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​were  Gentiles​ ​from​ ​Arabia.​ ​​ ​For​ ​a​ ​Jewish​ ​Christian​ ​living​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Holy​ ​Land,​ ​"from​ ​the​ ​east"​ ​would​ ​be​ ​a​ ​term  that​ ​referred​ ​to​ ​places​ ​on​ ​the​ ​east​ ​side​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Jordan​ ​River.​ ​​ ​It​ ​meant​ ​that​ ​in​ ​the​ ​first​ ​century​ ​to  Jewish​ ​Christians​ ​just​ ​as​ ​it​ ​does​ ​today.​ ​​ ​Those​ ​who​ ​lived​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Holy​ ​Land​ ​in​ ​the​ ​first​ ​century​ ​would  have​ ​referred​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Jordanian​ ​desert​ ​areas​ ​that​ ​connect​ ​with​ ​the​ ​deserts​ ​of​ ​Arabia​ ​as​ ​"from​ ​the​ ​east."  The​ ​Arabian​ ​deserts​ ​and​ ​Arabian​ ​Peninsula​ ​include​ ​areas​ ​such​ ​as​ ​modern​ ​day​ ​Saudi​ ​Arabia,​ ​Yemen,  Oman,​ ​United​ ​Arab​ ​Emirates,​ ​Qatar,​ ​Bahrain,​ ​Kuwait,​ ​Iraq,​ ​and​ ​Jordan. 
"Now​ ​after​ ​Jesus​ ​was​ ​born​ ​in​ ​Bethlehem​ ​of​ ​Judea​ ​in​ ​the​ ​days​ ​of​ ​Herod​ ​the​ ​king,​ ​behold,​ ​wise  men​ ​from​ ​the​ ​east​ ​came​ ​to​ ​Jerusalem,​ ​saying,​ ​‘Where​ ​is​ ​he​ ​who​ ​has​ ​been​ ​born​ ​king​ ​of​ ​the  Jews?​ ​​ ​For​ ​we​ ​saw​ ​his​ ​star​ ​when​ ​it​ ​rose​ ​and​ ​have​ ​come​ ​to​ ​worship​ ​him.'"​ ​​ ​Matthew​ ​2:1-2   
According​ ​to​ ​the​ ​text,​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​came​ ​"from​ ​the​ ​east."​ ​​ ​Depending​ ​on​ ​where​ ​Matthew​ ​was  composing​ ​this​ ​text,​ ​"from​ ​the​ ​east"​ ​could​ ​mean​ ​a​ ​variety​ ​of​ ​places.​ ​​ ​Most​ ​likely​ ​these​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​were  Gentiles​ ​from​ ​Arabia.​ ​​ ​For​ ​a​ ​Jewish​ ​Christian​ ​living​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Holy​ ​Land,​ ​"from​ ​the​ ​east"​ ​would​ ​be​ ​a​ ​term  that​ ​referred​ ​to​ ​places​ ​on​ ​the​ ​east​ ​side​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Jordan​ ​River.​ ​​ ​It​ ​meant​ ​that​ ​in​ ​the​ ​first​ ​century​ ​to  Jewish​ ​Christians​ ​just​ ​as​ ​it​ ​does​ ​today.​ ​​ ​Those​ ​who​ ​lived​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Holy​ ​Land​ ​in​ ​the​ ​first​ ​century​ ​would  have​ ​referred​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Jordanian​ ​desert​ ​areas​ ​that​ ​connect​ ​with​ ​the​ ​deserts​ ​of​ ​Arabia​ ​as​ ​"from​ ​the​ ​east."  The​ ​Arabian​ ​deserts​ ​and​ ​Arabian​ ​Peninsula​ ​include​ ​areas​ ​such​ ​as​ ​modern​ ​day​ ​Saudi​ ​Arabia,​ ​Yemen,  Oman,​ ​United​ ​Arab​ ​Emirates,​ ​Qatar,​ ​Bahrain,​ ​Kuwait,​ ​Iraq,​ ​and​ ​Jordan. 
One​ ​of​ ​the​ ​strong​ ​indicators​ ​that​ ​these​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​came​ ​from​ ​that​ ​general​ ​region​ ​of​ ​the​ ​world​ ​is​ ​linked  to​ ​the​ ​types​ ​of​ ​gifts​ ​they​ ​came​ ​to​ ​lay​ ​before​ ​Jesus​ ​at​ ​his​ ​birth​ ​as​ ​part​ ​of​ ​their​ ​intentions​ ​to​ ​worship  this​ ​newborn​ ​king.​ ​​ ​Matthew​ ​2:11​ ​says,    ​
Matthew 2:11 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.
​"And​ ​going​ ​into​ ​the​ ​house​ ​they​ ​saw​ ​the​ ​child​ ​with​ ​Mary​ ​his​ ​mother,​ ​and​ ​they​ ​fell​ ​down​ ​and  worshiped​ ​him.​ ​​ ​Then,​ ​opening​ ​their​ ​treasures,​ ​they​ ​offered​ ​him​ ​gifts,​ ​gold​ ​and​ ​frankincense  and​ ​myrrh."​ ​​ ​Matthew​ ​2:11   
These​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​likely​ ​were​ ​carrying​ ​this​ ​gold​ ​from​ ​the​ ​place​ ​it​ ​was​ ​mined:​ ​most​ ​likely​ ​Arabia.  Biblical​ ​writers​ ​give​ ​astute​ ​readers​ ​clues​ ​to​ ​the​ ​origin​ ​of​ ​much​ ​of​ ​the​ ​mined​ ​gold​ ​in​ ​biblical​ ​times  such​ ​as​ ​Ophir​ ​and​ ​Sheba​ ​which​ ​were​ ​located​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Arabian​ ​Peninsula.​ ​(cf.​ ​1​ ​Kings​ ​9:28;​ ​10:2;​ ​1  Chronicles​ ​29:3-4;​ ​Job​ ​28:16).​ ​​ ​More​ ​than​ ​the​ ​gold,​ ​the​ ​remaining​ ​gifts​ ​of​ ​frankincense​ ​and​ ​myrrh​ ​are  the​ ​real​ ​evidence​ ​that​ ​these​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​likely​ ​were​ ​from​ ​Arabia.​ ​​ ​Both​ ​of​ ​these​ ​gifts​ ​are​ ​harvested​ ​from  trees​ ​that​ ​primarily​ ​grow​ ​in​ ​southern​ ​Arabia.​ ​​ ​The​ ​Arabian​ ​Peninsula​ ​dwellers​ ​who​ ​were​ ​wealthy  would​ ​have​ ​been​ ​in​ ​the​ ​possession​ ​of​ ​these​ ​localized​ ​treasures.​ ​​ ​Those​ ​in​ ​the​ ​early​ ​church​ ​likely  would​ ​have​ ​been​ ​aware​ ​of​ ​these​ ​realities.   
These​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​likely​ ​were​ ​carrying​ ​this​ ​gold​ ​from​ ​the​ ​place​ ​it​ ​was​ ​mined:​ ​most​ ​likely​ ​Arabia.  Biblical​ ​writers​ ​give​ ​astute​ ​readers​ ​clues​ ​to​ ​the​ ​origin​ ​of​ ​much​ ​of​ ​the​ ​mined​ ​gold​ ​in​ ​biblical​ ​times  such​ ​as​ ​Ophir​ ​and​ ​Sheba​ ​which​ ​were​ ​located​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Arabian​ ​Peninsula.​ ​(cf.​ ​1​ ​Kings​ ​9:28;​ ​10:2;​ ​1  Chronicles​ ​29:3-4;​ ​Job​ ​28:16).​ ​​ ​More​ ​than​ ​the​ ​gold,​ ​the​ ​remaining​ ​gifts​ ​of​ ​frankincense​ ​and​ ​myrrh​ ​are  the​ ​real​ ​evidence​ ​that​ ​these​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​likely​ ​were​ ​from​ ​Arabia.​ ​​ ​Both​ ​of​ ​these​ ​gifts​ ​are​ ​harvested​ ​from  trees​ ​that​ ​primarily​ ​grow​ ​in​ ​southern​ ​Arabia.​ ​​ ​The​ ​Arabian​ ​Peninsula​ ​dwellers​ ​who​ ​were​ ​wealthy  would​ ​have​ ​been​ ​in​ ​the​ ​possession​ ​of​ ​these​ ​localized​ ​treasures.​ ​​ ​Those​ ​in​ ​the​ ​early​ ​church​ ​likely  would​ ​have​ ​been​ ​aware​ ​of​ ​these​ ​realities.   
It​ ​is​ ​also​ ​important​ ​regarding​ ​prophecy​ ​fulfillment​ ​to​ ​trace​ ​the​ ​origins​ ​of​ ​the​ ​wealthy​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​back  to​ ​Arabia.​ ​​ ​The​ ​words​ ​of​ ​Isaiah​ ​60​ ​speak​ ​of​ ​a​ ​prophetic​ ​future​ ​glory​ ​of​ ​Israel​ ​that​ ​ultimately​ ​gets  fulfilled​ ​in​ ​the​ ​person​ ​of​ ​Jesus.    
Isaiah 60:1–6 NIV
1 “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. 2 See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. 3 Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. 4 “Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the hip. 5 Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come. 6 Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the Lord.
"Arise,​ ​shine;​ ​for​ ​your​ ​light​ ​has​ ​come,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​glory​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​has​ ​risen​ ​upon​ ​you.​ ​​ ​For  behold,​ ​darkness​ ​shall​ ​cover​ ​the​ ​earth,​ ​and​ ​thick​ ​darkness​ ​the​ ​peoples;​ ​but​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​will​ ​arise  upon​ ​you​ ​and​ ​his​ ​glory​ ​will​ ​be​ ​seen​ ​upon​ ​you.​ ​​ ​And​ ​nations​ ​shall​ ​come​ ​to​ ​your​ ​light​ ​and​ ​kings  to​ ​the​ ​brightness​ ​of​ ​your​ ​rising.​ ​​ ​Lift​ ​up​ ​your​ ​eyes​ ​all​ ​around,​ ​and​ ​see;​ ​they​ ​all​ ​gather​ ​together,  they​ ​come​ ​to​ ​you;​ ​your​ ​sons​ ​shall​ ​come​ ​from​ ​afar,​ ​and​ ​your​ ​daughters​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​carried​ ​on​ ​the  hip.​ ​​ ​Then​ ​you​ ​shall​ ​see​ ​and​ ​be​ ​radiant;​ ​your​ ​heart​ ​shall​ ​thrill​ ​and​ ​exult,​ ​because​ ​the  abundance​ ​of​ ​the​ ​sea​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​turned​ ​to​ ​you,​ ​the​ ​wealth​ ​of​ ​the​ ​nations​ ​shall​ ​come​ ​to​ ​you.​ ​​ ​A  multitude​ ​of​ ​camels​ ​shall​ ​cover​ ​you,​ ​the​ ​young​ ​camels​ ​of​ ​Midian​ ​and​ ​Ephah;​ ​all​ ​those​ ​from  Sheba​ ​shall​ ​come.​ ​​ ​They​ ​shall​ ​bring​ ​gold​ ​and​ ​frankincense,​ ​and​ ​shall​ ​bring​ ​good​ ​news,​ ​the  praises​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Lord."​ ​​ ​Isaiah​ ​60:1-6   

The Lands to the East

The​ ​ancient​ ​lands​ ​of​ ​Midian,​ ​Ephah,​ ​and​ ​Sheba​ ​all​ ​are​ ​located​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Arabian​ ​Peninsula.​ ​The​ ​first​ ​two are​ ​tribal​ ​lands​ ​in​ ​the​ ​north​ ​with​ ​Sheba​ ​found​ ​in​ ​the​ ​south.​ ​​ ​The​ ​gifts​ ​mentioned​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Isaiah  prophecy​ ​are​ ​consistent​ ​with​ ​the​ ​gifts​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​brought​ ​to​ ​Jesus​ ​mentioned​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Matthew  account.​ ​​ ​These​ ​gifts​ ​were​ ​carried​ ​from​ ​their​ ​origins​ ​in​ ​Arabia.   
The​ ​ancient​ ​lands​ ​of​ ​Midian,​ ​Ephah,​ ​and​ ​Sheba​ ​all​ ​are​ ​located​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Arabian​ ​Peninsula.​ ​The​ ​first​ ​two  are​ ​tribal​ ​lands​ ​in​ ​the​ ​north​ ​with​ ​Sheba​ ​found​ ​in​ ​the​ ​south.​ ​​ ​The​ ​gifts​ ​mentioned​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Isaiah  prophecy​ ​are​ ​consistent​ ​with​ ​the​ ​gifts​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​brought​ ​to​ ​Jesus​ ​mentioned​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Matthew  account.​ ​​ ​These​ ​gifts​ ​were​ ​carried​ ​from​ ​their​ ​origins​ ​in​ ​Arabia.   
Commentary​ ​on​ ​the​ ​birth​ ​narrative​ ​also​ ​affirms​ ​that​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​were​ ​from​ ​Arabia.​ ​​ ​As​ ​early​ ​as​ ​160  A.D.,​ ​a​ ​Palestinian​ ​Christian​ ​named​ ​Justin​ ​Martyr​ ​recorded​ ​a​ ​conversation​ ​with​ ​a​ ​Jew​ ​named​ ​Trypho.  The​ ​conversation​ ​in​ ​book​ ​form​ ​called​ ​Dialogue​ ​with​ ​Trypho,​ ​the​ ​Jew,​ ​which​ ​still​ ​survives​ ​today,  includes​ ​these​ ​words​ ​inscribed​ ​by​ ​Justin:​ ​"The​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​from​ ​Arabia​ ​came​ ​to​ ​Bethlehem​ ​and  worshiped​ ​the​ ​child​ ​and​ ​offered​ ​to​ ​him​ ​gifts,​ ​gold​ ​and​ ​frankincense​ ​and​ ​myrrh."​ ​​ ​The​ ​location​ ​of 
Arabia​ ​is​ ​mentioned​ ​as​ ​fact​ ​in​ ​Justin​ ​Martyr's​ ​writings​ ​in​ ​five​ ​different​ ​places.​ ​​ ​Such​ ​information  regarding​ ​an​ ​Arabian​ ​origin​ ​of​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​also​ ​is​ ​asserted​ ​by​ ​Tertullian​ ​and​ ​Clement​ ​of​ ​Rome.   

What​ ​do​ ​the​ ​origin​ ​and​ ​gifts​ ​of​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​have​ ​to​ ​do​ ​with​ ​answering​ ​the​ ​question:​ ​What​ ​child​ ​is  this?​ ​​ ​

First, they both came from afar

First,​ ​consider​ ​the​ ​comparison​ ​of​ ​origins​ ​of​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​and​ ​Jesus​ ​that​ ​led​ ​to​ ​a​ ​pair​ ​of​ ​arrivals.  The​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​traveled​ ​a​ ​great​ ​distance​ ​before​ ​their​ ​arrival​ ​at​ ​the​ ​manger.​ ​​ ​Likewise,​ ​Jesus​ ​came​ ​a  great​ ​distance​ ​to​ ​draw​ ​near​ ​to​ ​humanity​ ​and​ ​embody​ ​Immanuel:​ ​God​ ​with​ ​us.​ ​​ ​While​ ​Jesus​ ​did​ ​not  come​ ​"from​ ​the​ ​east"​ ​as​ ​did​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men,​ ​He​ ​did​ ​come​ ​to​ ​dwell​ ​among​ ​us​ ​from​ ​His​ ​previous​ ​position  of​ ​being​ ​"with​ ​God…from​ ​the​ ​Father."​ ​​ ​Thus,​ ​the​ ​child​ ​in​ ​the​ ​manger​ ​is​ ​the​ ​one​ ​who,​ ​like​ ​the​ ​wise  men,​ ​made​ ​an​ ​arrival​ ​in​ ​Bethlehem​ ​from​ ​some​ ​distance.​ ​​ ​Notice​ ​how​ ​John​ ​records​ ​such​ ​origins​ ​of  Jesus​ ​regarding​ ​location​ ​of​ ​His​ ​whereabouts​ ​in​ ​the​ ​opening​ ​verses​ ​of​ ​his​ ​gospel.   
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John 1:1–2 NIV
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning.
John 1:9–12 NIV
9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—
John 1:14 NIV
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
When​ ​considering​ ​the​ ​Christmas​ ​story,​ ​it​ ​is​ ​important​ ​to​ ​remember​ ​that​ ​Jesus​ ​came​ ​not​ ​only​ ​to​ ​seek  and​ ​save​ ​Jewish​ ​working​ ​class​ ​shepherds​ ​who​ ​did​ ​not​ ​always​ ​have​ ​much​ ​money​ ​but​ ​also​ ​came​ ​for  Gentile​ ​Arabs​ ​who​ ​were​ ​wealthy​ ​and​ ​came​ ​bearing​ ​gifts​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Messiah.​ ​​ ​This​ ​mention​ ​of​ ​wealth​ ​and  gifts​ ​brings​ ​us​ ​to​ ​the​ ​second​ ​comparison​ ​between​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​and​ ​Jesus.​ ​​ ​
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Second, they all came from a place of wealth

​The​ ​scenes​ ​from​ ​Revelation​ ​4,​ ​5​ ​and​ ​21​ ​each​ ​speak​ ​to​ ​the​ ​wealth,​ ​glory,​ ​and​ ​power  that​ ​surrounded​ ​Jesus​ ​in​ ​heaven.​ ​​ ​Equally,​ ​this​ ​is​ ​the​ ​same​ ​God​ ​of​ ​whom​ ​the​ ​Psalmist​ ​writes​ ​and  speaks​ ​of​ ​His​ ​wealth.    
Just​ ​as​ ​it​ ​is​ ​inferred​ ​that  the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​were​ ​from​ ​a​ ​position​ ​of​ ​wealth,​ ​likewise,​ ​Jesus​ ​came​ ​from​ ​a​ ​place​ ​of​ ​means.​ ​​ ​He​ ​is​ ​the  God​ ​who​ ​stepped​ ​out​ ​from​ ​the​ ​riches​ ​of​ ​heaven​ ​and​ ​into​ ​the​ ​poverty​ ​of​ ​a​ ​lowly​ ​manger​ ​in​ ​a  Bethlehem​ ​stable.​ ​​ ​The​ ​scenes​ ​from​ ​Revelation​ ​4,​ ​5​ ​and​ ​21​ ​each​ ​speak​ ​to​ ​the​ ​wealth,​ ​glory,​ ​and​ ​power  that​ ​surrounded​ ​Jesus​ ​in​ ​heaven.​ ​​ ​Equally,​ ​this​ ​is​ ​the​ ​same​ ​God​ ​of​ ​whom​ ​the​ ​Psalmist​ ​writes​ ​and  speaks​ ​of​ ​His​ ​wealth.    
Psalm 24:1 NIV
1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;
When​ ​considering​ ​the​ ​Christmas​ ​story,​ ​it​ ​is​ ​important​ ​to​ ​remember​ ​that​ ​Jesus​ ​came​ ​not​ ​only​ ​to​ ​seek  and​ ​save​ ​Jewish​ ​working​ ​class​ ​shepherds​ ​who​ ​did​ ​not​ ​always​ ​have​ ​much​ ​money​ ​but​ ​also​ ​came​ ​for  Gentile​ ​Arabs​ ​who​ ​were​ ​wealthy​ ​and​ ​came​ ​bearing​ ​gifts​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Messiah.​ ​​ ​This​ ​mention​ ​of​ ​wealth​ ​and  gifts​ ​brings​ ​us​ ​to​ ​the​ ​second​ ​comparison​ ​between​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​and​ ​Jesus.​ ​​ ​Just​ ​as​ ​it​ ​is​ ​inferred​ ​that  the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​were​ ​from​ ​a​ ​position​ ​of​ ​wealth,​ ​likewise,​ ​Jesus​ ​came​ ​from​ ​a​ ​place​ ​of​ ​means.​ ​​ ​He​ ​is​ ​the  God​ ​who​ ​stepped​ ​out​ ​from​ ​the​ ​riches​ ​of​ ​heaven​ ​and​ ​into​ ​the​ ​poverty​ ​of​ ​a​ ​lowly​ ​manger​ ​in​ ​a  Bethlehem​ ​stable.​ ​​ ​The​ ​scenes​ ​from​ ​Revelation​ ​4,​ ​5​ ​and​ ​21​ ​each​ ​speak​ ​to​ ​the​ ​wealth,​ ​glory,​ ​and​ ​power  that​ ​surrounded​ ​Jesus​ ​in​ ​heaven.​ ​​ ​Equally,​ ​this​ ​is​ ​the​ ​same​ ​God​ ​of​ ​whom​ ​the​ ​Psalmist​ ​writes​ ​and  speaks​ ​of​ ​His​ ​wealth.    
Psalm 50:10 NIV
10 for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.
"For​ ​every​ ​beast​ ​of​ ​the​ ​forest​ ​is​ ​mine,​ ​the​ ​cattle​ ​on​ ​a​ ​thousand​ ​hills."​ ​​ ​Psalm​ ​50:10   
"The​ ​earth​ ​is​ ​the​ ​Lord's​ ​and​ ​the​ ​fullness​ ​thereof,​ ​the​ ​world​ ​and​ ​those​ ​who​ ​dwell​ ​therein."  Psalm​ ​24:1   
Whether​ ​in​ ​His​ ​throne​ ​room​ ​of​ ​heaven​ ​or​ ​among​ ​the​ ​earth​ ​He​ ​created​ ​as​ ​we​ ​previously​ ​read​ ​in​ ​John's  gospel​ ​passage,​ ​this​ ​child​ ​in​ ​the​ ​manger​ ​is​ ​the​ ​Lord.​ ​​ ​He​ ​is​ ​the​ ​One​ ​who​ ​created​ ​and​ ​owns​ ​all​ ​wealth.  Thus,​ ​this​ ​child​ ​is​ ​like​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​in​ ​that​ ​they​ ​both​ ​come​ ​from​ ​a​ ​place​ ​of​ ​means​ ​and​ ​have​ ​access​ ​to  wealth.​ ​​ ​These​ ​characteristics​ ​we​ ​see​ ​mirrored​ ​in​ ​Jesus​ ​and​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​help​ ​us​ ​understand​ ​glimpse by​ ​glimpse​ ​who​ ​this​ ​child​ ​in​ ​the​ ​manger​ ​truly​ ​is.​ ​​ ​Does​ ​the​ ​generosity​ ​of​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​reflect​ ​an  attribute​ ​of​ ​who​ ​this​ ​child​ ​in​ ​the​ ​manger​ ​is?​ ​​ ​He,​ ​too,​ ​is​ ​one​ ​full​ ​of​ ​generosity​ ​and​ ​a​ ​good​ ​giver​ ​of  gifts.   
"For​ ​every​ ​beast​ ​of​ ​the​ ​forest​ ​is​ ​mine,​ ​the​ ​cattle​ ​on​ ​a​ ​thousand​ ​hills."​ ​​ ​Psalm​ ​50:10   
Whether​ ​in​ ​His​ ​throne​ ​room​ ​of​ ​heaven​ ​or​ ​among​ ​the​ ​earth​ ​He​ ​created​ ​as​ ​we​ ​previously​ ​read​ ​in​ ​John's  gospel​ ​passage,​ ​this​ ​child​ ​in​ ​the​ ​manger​ ​is​ ​the​ ​Lord.​ ​​ ​He​ ​is​ ​the​ ​One​ ​who​ ​created​ ​and​ ​owns​ ​all​ ​wealth.  Thus,​ ​this​ ​child​ ​is​ ​like​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​in​ ​that​ ​they​ ​both​ ​come​ ​from​ ​a​ ​place​ ​of​ ​means​ ​and​ ​have​ ​access​ ​to  wealth.​ ​​ ​These​ ​characteristics​ ​we​ ​see​ ​mirrored​ ​in​ ​Jesus​ ​and​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​help​ ​us​ ​understand​ ​glimpse  by​ ​glimpse​ ​who​ ​this​ ​child​ ​in​ ​the​ ​manger​ ​truly​ ​is.​ ​​ ​Does​ ​the​ ​generosity​ ​of​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​reflect​ ​an  attribute​ ​of​ ​who​ ​this​ ​child​ ​in​ ​the​ ​manger​ ​is?​ ​​ ​He,​ ​too,​ ​is​ ​one​ ​full​ ​of​ ​generosity​ ​and​ ​a​ ​good​ ​giver​ ​of  gifts.   

What​ ​child​ ​is​ ​this?​ ​​ ​He​ ​is​ ​the​ ​one​ ​who​ ​would​ ​give​ ​the​ ​ultimate​ ​gift.​ ​​

​He​ ​was​ ​born​ ​to​ ​give​ ​His​ ​life​ ​as​ ​a  ransom​ ​for​ ​many.​ ​​ ​Notice​ ​these​ ​scriptures​ ​that​ ​speak​ ​to​ ​this​ ​attribute​ ​of​ ​Jesus​ ​as​ ​a​ ​generous​ ​giver  that​ ​exceeds​ ​even​ ​the​ ​generosity​ ​and​ ​gifts​ ​of​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men.   
Galatians 1:3–5 NIV
3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
John 14:27 NIV
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
"Grace​ ​to​ ​you​ ​and​ ​peace​ ​from​ ​God​ ​our​ ​Father​ ​and​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​Jesus​ ​Christ,​ ​who​ ​gave​ ​himself​ ​for  our​ ​sins​ ​to​ ​deliver​ ​us​ ​from​ ​the​ ​present​ ​evil​ ​age,​ ​according​ ​to​ ​the​ ​will​ ​of​ ​our​ ​God​ ​and​ ​Father,​ ​to  whom​ ​be​ ​the​ ​glory​ ​forever​ ​and​ ​ever.​ ​​ ​Amen."​ ​​ ​Galatians​ ​1:3-5   
"We​ ​know​ ​what​ ​real​ ​love​ ​is​ ​because​ ​Jesus​ ​gave​ ​up​ ​his​ ​life​ ​for​ ​us.​ ​​ ​So​ ​we​ ​also​ ​ought​ ​to​ ​give​ ​up  our​ ​lives​ ​for​ ​our​ ​brothers​ ​and​ ​sisters."​ ​​ ​1​ ​John​ ​3:16,​ ​NLV    "Peace​ ​I​ ​leave​ ​with​ ​you;​ ​my​ ​peace​ ​I​ ​give​ ​to​ ​you."​ ​​ ​John​ ​14:27   
Philippians 4:13 NLT
13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
"I​ ​can​ ​do​ ​everything​ ​through​ ​Christ​ ​who​ ​gives​ ​me​ ​strength."​ ​Philippians​ ​4:13,​ ​NLV   
"We​ ​know​ ​what​ ​real​ ​love​ ​is​ ​because​ ​Jesus​ ​gave​ ​up​ ​his​ ​life​ ​for​ ​us.​ ​​ ​So​ ​we​ ​also​ ​ought​ ​to​ ​give​ ​up  our​ ​lives​ ​for​ ​our​ ​brothers​ ​and​ ​sisters."​ ​​ ​1​ ​John​ ​3:16,​ ​NLV    "Peace​ ​I​ ​leave​ ​with​ ​you;​ ​my​ ​peace​ ​I​ ​give​ ​to​ ​you."​ ​​ ​John​ ​14:27   
Mark 10:45 NIV
45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
"For​ ​even​ ​the​ ​Son​ ​of​ ​Man​ ​came​ ​not​ ​to​ ​be​ ​served​ ​but​ ​to​ ​serve,​ ​and​ ​to​ ​give​ ​his​ ​life​ ​as​ ​a​ ​ransom  for​ ​many."​ ​​ ​Mark​ ​10:45   
John 13:14–15 NIV
14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
"If​ ​I​ ​then,​ ​your​ ​Lord​ ​and​ ​Teacher,​ ​have​ ​washed​ ​your​ ​feet,​ ​you​ ​also​ ​ought​ ​to​ ​wash​ ​one​ ​another's  feet.​ ​​ ​For​ ​I​ ​have​ ​given​ ​you​ ​an​ ​example,​ ​that​ ​you​ ​also​ ​should​ ​do​ ​just​ ​as​ ​I​ ​have​ ​done​ ​to​ ​you."  John​ ​13:14-15   
"I​ ​can​ ​do​ ​everything​ ​through​ ​Christ​ ​who​ ​gives​ ​me​ ​strength."​ ​Philippians​ ​4:13,​ ​NLV   
The​ ​list​ ​of​ ​gifts​ ​Jesus​ ​gave​ ​to​ ​his​ ​followers​ ​is​ ​long.​ ​​ ​He​ ​has​ ​the​ ​heart​ ​of​ ​His​ ​Heavenly​ ​Father.   
"For​ ​even​ ​the​ ​Son​ ​of​ ​Man​ ​came​ ​not​ ​to​ ​be​ ​served​ ​but​ ​to​ ​serve,​ ​and​ ​to​ ​give​ ​his​ ​life​ ​as​ ​a​ ​ransom  for​ ​many."​ ​​ ​Mark​ ​10:45   
John 3:16 NIV
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
​What​ ​child​ ​is​ ​this?​ ​​ ​He​ ​is​ ​the​ ​one​ ​who​ ​gives​ ​and​ ​is​ ​generous​ ​in​ ​ways​ ​that​ ​we​ ​see​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​echo as​ ​they​ ​gave​ ​their​ ​gifts.​ ​​ ​And​ ​the​ ​reason​ ​they​ ​could​ ​find​ ​their​ ​way​ ​to​ ​the​ ​place​ ​where​ ​Jesus​ ​was  located​ ​to​ ​give​ ​their​ ​gifts​ ​is​ ​because​ ​of​ ​the​ ​guidance​ ​the​ ​star​ ​gave​ ​them​ ​along​ ​their​ ​journey.    
"If​ ​I​ ​then,​ ​your​ ​Lord​ ​and​ ​Teacher,​ ​have​ ​washed​ ​your​ ​feet,​ ​you​ ​also​ ​ought​ ​to​ ​wash​ ​one​ ​another's  feet.​ ​​ ​For​ ​I​ ​have​ ​given​ ​you​ ​an​ ​example,​ ​that​ ​you​ ​also​ ​should​ ​do​ ​just​ ​as​ ​I​ ​have​ ​done​ ​to​ ​you."  John​ ​13:14-15   
The​ ​list​ ​of​ ​gifts​ ​Jesus​ ​gave​ ​to​ ​his​ ​followers​ ​is​ ​long.​ ​​ ​He​ ​has​ ​the​ ​heart​ ​of​ ​His​ ​Heavenly​ ​Father.   
"For​ ​God​ ​so​ ​loved​ ​the​ ​world,​ ​that​ ​he​ ​gave​ ​his​ ​only​ ​Son,​ ​that​ ​whoever​ ​believes​ ​in​ ​him​ ​should  not​ ​perish​ ​but​ ​have​ ​eternal​ ​life."​ ​​ ​John​ ​3:16    ​
​What​ ​child​ ​is​ ​this?​ ​​ ​He​ ​is​ ​the​ ​one​ ​who​ ​gives​ ​and​ ​is​ ​generous​ ​in​ ​ways​ ​that​ ​we​ ​see​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​echo  as​ ​they​ ​gave​ ​their​ ​gifts.​ ​​ ​And​ ​the​ ​reason​ ​they​ ​could​ ​find​ ​their​ ​way​ ​to​ ​the​ ​place​ ​where​ ​Jesus​ ​was  located​ ​to​ ​give​ ​their​ ​gifts​ ​is​ ​because​ ​of​ ​the​ ​guidance​ ​the​ ​star​ ​gave​ ​them​ ​along​ ​their​ ​journey.    
The​ ​heavens​ ​declared​ ​Jesus'​ ​advent​ ​with​ ​a​ ​star​ ​in​ ​the​ ​sky.​ ​​ ​The​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​followed​ ​it​ ​from​ ​their  homelands.​ ​​ ​These​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​were​ ​from​ ​a​ ​culture​ ​and​ ​place​ ​that​ ​valued​ ​the​ ​night​ ​sky​ ​and​ ​had  developed​ ​a​ ​study​ ​of​ ​the​ ​stars​ ​and​ ​the​ ​planets​ ​to​ ​a​ ​fine​ ​art.​ ​​ ​It​ ​had​ ​specific​ ​meanings​ ​to​ ​those​ ​who  took​ ​time​ ​to​ ​notice.​ ​​ ​The​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​believed​ ​all​ ​in​ ​the​ ​heavens​ ​were​ ​connected​ ​and​ ​had​ ​special  meanings​ ​with​ ​events​ ​that​ ​took​ ​place​ ​on​ ​earth.​ ​​ ​As​ ​New​ ​Testament​ ​scholar​ ​N.​ ​T.​ ​Wright​ ​has​ ​said,  "When​ ​something​ ​important​ ​was​ ​happening​ ​on​ ​earth​ ​you​ ​could​ ​expect​ ​to​ ​see​ ​it​ ​reflected​ ​in​ ​the  heavens.​ ​​ ​Alternatively,​ ​a​ ​remarkable​ ​event​ ​among​ ​the​ ​stars​ ​and​ ​planets​ ​must​ ​mean,​ ​they​ ​thought,​ ​a  remarkable​ ​event​ ​on​ ​earth."   
When​ ​these​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​"from​ ​the​ ​east"​ ​saw​ ​the​ ​star​ ​rising​ ​in​ ​the​ ​sky,​ ​they​ ​took​ ​it​ ​as​ ​a​ ​sign​ ​that  something​ ​significant​ ​had​ ​happened​ ​on​ ​earth.​ ​​ ​All​ ​along​ ​their​ ​journey​ ​toward​ ​Jerusalem,​ ​they​ ​had  been​ ​inquiring​ ​where​ ​the​ ​King​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Jews​ ​had​ ​been​ ​born.​ ​​ ​As​ ​we​ ​read​ ​their​ ​story​ ​in​ ​Matthew's​ ​gospel, we​ ​learn​ ​they​ ​now​ ​were​ ​within​ ​a​ ​few​ ​miles​ ​of​ ​their​ ​destination.​ ​​ ​These​ ​Gentile​ ​men​ ​of​ ​power,​ ​means,  and​ ​intellect​ ​had​ ​come​ ​from​ ​afar​ ​to​ ​worship​ ​and​ ​pay​ ​homage​ ​to​ ​this​ ​newborn​ ​king​ ​they​ ​likely​ ​had  heard​ ​about​ ​due​ ​to​ ​the​ ​centuries-old​ ​retelling​ ​of​ ​the​ ​story​ ​of​ ​a​ ​coming​ ​Messiah.​ ​The​ ​story​ ​had​ ​been conveyed​ ​through​ ​the​ ​ages​ ​by​ ​faithful​ ​Jews​ ​who​ ​had​ ​been​ ​exiled​ ​in​ ​Babylon​ ​and​ ​remained​ ​scattered  abroad​ ​after​ ​their​ ​exile​ ​ended.​ ​​ ​​Such​ ​stories​ ​of​ ​Jewish​ ​exile​ ​go​ ​back​ ​to​ ​the​ ​days​ ​of​ ​Daniel​ ​and  Jeremiah.    
we​ ​learn​ ​they​ ​now​ ​were​ ​within​ ​a​ ​few​ ​miles​ ​of​ ​their​ ​destination.​ ​​ ​These​ ​Gentile​ ​men​ ​of​ ​power,​ ​means,  and​ ​intellect​ ​had​ ​come​ ​from​ ​afar​ ​to​ ​worship​ ​and​ ​pay​ ​homage​ ​to​ ​this​ ​newborn​ ​king​ ​they​ ​likely​ ​had  heard​ ​about​ ​due​ ​to​ ​the​ ​centuries-old​ ​retelling​ ​of​ ​the​ ​story​ ​of​ ​a​ ​coming​ ​Messiah.​ ​The​ ​story​ ​had​ ​been  conveyed​ ​through​ ​the​ ​ages​ ​by​ ​faithful​ ​Jews​ ​who​ ​had​ ​been​ ​exiled​ ​in​ ​Babylon​ ​and​ ​remained​ ​scattered  abroad​ ​after​ ​their​ ​exile​ ​ended.​ ​​ ​​ ​Such​ ​stories​ ​of​ ​Jewish​ ​exile​ ​go​ ​back​ ​to​ ​the​ ​days​ ​of​ ​Daniel​ ​and  Jeremiah.     How​ ​interesting​ ​it​ ​is​ ​to​ ​consider​ ​how​ ​the​ ​Jews​ ​who​ ​were​ ​sent​ ​into​ ​exile​ ​in​ ​Babylon​ ​under​ ​the  sovereign​ ​leadership​ ​of​ ​God​ ​nearly​ ​six​ ​centuries​ ​before​ ​the​ ​birth​ ​of​ ​Christ​ ​would​ ​be​ ​the​ ​mouthpiece  of​ ​the​ ​story​ ​of​ ​the​ ​coming​ ​Messiah​ ​that​ ​would​ ​be​ ​told​ ​throughout​ ​much​ ​of​ ​the​ ​world​ ​over​ ​the​ ​coming  generations.​ ​​ ​After​ ​the​ ​exile​ ​was​ ​lifted,​ ​many​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Jews​ ​decided​ ​to​ ​continue​ ​living​ ​in​ ​that​ ​area  because​ ​they​ ​had​ ​gotten​ ​married,​ ​had​ ​families,​ ​and​ ​made​ ​a​ ​life​ ​for​ ​themselves​ ​in​ ​that​ ​land.​ ​(cf.  Jeremiah​ ​29)​ ​​ ​Yet,​ ​throughout​ ​the​ ​centuries​ ​that​ ​followed​ ​the​ ​end​ ​of​ ​exile,​ ​the​ ​stories​ ​of​ ​the​ ​coming  Messiah​ ​were​ ​still​ ​passed​ ​on​ ​to​ ​all​ ​who​ ​were​ ​within​ ​earshot,​ ​including​ ​the​ ​generations​ ​of​ ​the​ ​wise  men​ ​in​ ​that​ ​region​ ​and​ ​beyond.     Centuries​ ​after​ ​the​ ​Jewish​ ​exile​ ​had​ ​ended,​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​mentioned​ ​in​ ​Matthew's​ ​gospel​ ​likely​ ​had  heard​ ​all​ ​the​ ​stories​ ​with​ ​all​ ​the​ ​prophecies​ ​that​ ​stemmed​ ​from​ ​the​ ​stories​ ​of​ ​these​ ​ancient​ ​Jews  concerning​ ​a​ ​coming​ ​Messiah.​ ​​ ​The​ ​telling​ ​of​ ​stories​ ​from​ ​diverse​ ​cultures​ ​was​ ​part​ ​of​ ​the  educational​ ​process​ ​that​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​from​ ​that​ ​day​ ​engaged​ ​with​ ​and​ ​absorbed.​ ​​ ​The​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​were  students​ ​of​ ​philosophies,​ ​cultures,​ ​and​ ​religions​ ​as​ ​well​ ​as​ ​the​ ​sky.​ ​​ ​Now​ ​a​ ​star​ ​was​ ​shining​ ​brightly  in​ ​the​ ​sky.​ ​​ ​It​ ​was​ ​a​ ​sign​ ​in​ ​the​ ​heavens​ ​they​ ​must​ ​follow​ ​that​ ​led​ ​to​ ​the​ ​One​ ​who​ ​had​ ​been​ ​foretold  throughout​ ​the​ ​generations.​ ​Yes,​ ​Gentile​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​would​ ​follow​ ​the​ ​star​ ​and​ ​seek​ ​out​ ​this​ ​one​ ​born  King​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Jews​ ​just​ ​as​ ​the​ ​prophecies​ ​had​ ​foretold.    Of​ ​all​ ​the​ ​people​ ​in​ ​Matthew​ ​2,​ ​these​ ​Gentiles​ ​"from​ ​the​ ​east"​ ​were​ ​the​ ​only​ ​ones​ ​coming​ ​to​ ​worship  the​ ​new​ ​born​ ​king.​ ​​ ​As​ ​they​ ​followed​ ​the​ ​star,​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​were​ ​fulfilling​ ​the​ ​promise​ ​that​ ​​ ​records​ ​during​ ​the​ ​Jewish​ ​exile​ ​in​ ​Babylon​ ​centuries​ ​earlier.    "You​ ​will​ ​seek​ ​me​ ​and​ ​find​ ​me,​ ​when​ ​you​ ​seek​ ​me​ ​with​ ​all​ ​your​ ​heart."​ ​​ ​Jeremiah​ ​29:13    And​ ​seek​ ​the​ ​newborn​ ​king​ ​is​ ​what​ ​these​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​"from​ ​the​ ​east"​ ​were​ ​doing​ ​on​ ​their​ ​journey​ ​that  led​ ​them​ ​to​ ​Jerusalem.​ ​​ ​What​ ​child​ ​is​ ​this?​ ​​ ​He​ ​is​ ​the​ ​one​ ​who,​ ​like​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men,​ ​came​ ​to​ ​seek  something.​ ​​ ​Notice​ ​how​ ​Jesus​ ​later​ ​described​ ​who​ ​He​ ​was​ ​as​ ​recorded​ ​in​ ​Luke's​ ​gospel.    "For​ ​the​ ​Son​ ​of​ ​Man​ ​came​ ​to​ ​seek​ ​and​ ​to​ ​save​ ​the​ ​lost."​ ​​ ​Luke​ ​19:10    The​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​reflected​ ​another​ ​of​ ​the​ ​characteristics​ ​of​ ​the​ ​child​ ​in​ ​the​ ​manger.​ ​​ ​Both​ ​were​ ​seekers.  The​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​were​ ​Gentiles​ ​who​ ​received​ ​revelation​ ​through​ ​the​ ​bright​ ​star​ ​and​ ​came​ ​to​ ​Jerusalem  eagerly​ ​seeking​ ​the​ ​newborn​ ​King​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Jews.​ ​​ ​They​ ​likely​ ​were​ ​asking​ ​everyone​ ​they​ ​met​ ​about​ ​the  Christ​ ​child.​ ​​ ​Eventually,​ ​they​ ​found​ ​their​ ​way​ ​to​ ​Jesus​ ​and​ ​were​ ​overwhelmed​ ​in​ ​the​ ​presence​ ​of​ ​this  One​ ​whom​ ​they​ ​had​ ​been​ ​seeking​ ​for​ ​so​ ​long​ ​on​ ​their​ ​journey​ ​"from​ ​the​ ​east."   
How​ ​interesting​ ​it​ ​is​ ​to​ ​consider​ ​how​ ​the​ ​Jews​ ​who​ ​were​ ​sent​ ​into​ ​exile​ ​in​ ​Babylon​ ​under​ ​the sovereign​ ​leadership​ ​of​ ​God​ ​nearly​ ​six​ ​centuries​ ​before​ ​the​ ​birth​ ​of​ ​Christ​ ​would​ ​be​ ​the​ ​mouthpiece of​ ​the​ ​story​ ​of​ ​the​ ​coming​ ​Messiah​ ​that​ ​would​ ​be​ ​told​ ​throughout​ ​much​ ​of​ ​the​ ​world​ ​over​ ​the​ ​coming  generations.​ ​​ ​After​ ​the​ ​exile​ ​was​ ​lifted,​ ​many​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Jews​ ​decided​ ​to​ ​continue​ ​living​ ​in​ ​that​ ​area  because​ ​they​ ​had​ ​gotten​ ​married,​ ​had​ ​families,​ ​and​ ​made​ ​a​ ​life​ ​for​ ​themselves​ ​in​ ​that​ ​land.​ ​(cf.  Jeremiah​ ​29)​ ​​ ​Yet,​ ​throughout​ ​the​ ​centuries​ ​that​ ​followed​ ​the​ ​end​ ​of​ ​exile,​ ​the​ ​stories​ ​of​ ​the​ ​coming  Messiah​ ​were​ ​still​ ​passed​ ​on​ ​to​ ​all​ ​who​ ​were​ ​within​ ​earshot,​ ​including​ ​the​ ​generations​ ​of​ ​the​ ​wise  men​ ​in​ ​that​ ​region​ ​and​ ​beyond.    
Centuries​ ​after​ ​the​ ​Jewish​ ​exile​ ​had​ ​ended,​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​mentioned​ ​in​ ​Matthew's​ ​gospel​ ​likely​ ​had heard​ ​all​ ​the​ ​stories​ ​with​ ​all​ ​the​ ​prophecies​ ​that​ ​stemmed​ ​from​ ​the​ ​stories​ ​of​ ​these​ ​ancient​ ​Jews  concerning​ ​a​ ​coming​ ​Messiah.​ ​​ ​The​ ​telling​ ​of​ ​stories​ ​from​ ​diverse​ ​cultures​ ​was​ ​part​ ​of​ ​the educational​ ​process​ ​that​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​from​ ​that​ ​day​ ​engaged​ ​with​ ​and​ ​absorbed.​ ​​​The​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​were students​ ​of​ ​philosophies,​ ​cultures,​ ​and​ ​religions​ ​as​ ​well​ ​as​ ​the​ ​sky.​ ​​ ​Now​ ​a​ ​star​ ​was​ ​shining​ ​brightly  in​ ​the​ ​sky.​ ​​ ​It​ ​was​ ​a​ ​sign​ ​in​ ​the​ ​heavens​ ​they​ ​must​ ​follow​ ​that​ ​led​ ​to​ ​the​ ​One​ ​who​ ​had​ ​been​ ​foretold  throughout​ ​the​ ​generations.​ ​Yes,​ ​Gentile​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​would​ ​follow​ ​the​ ​star​ ​and​ ​seek​ ​out​ ​this​ ​one​ ​born  King​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Jews​ ​just​ ​as​ ​the​ ​prophecies​ ​had​ ​foretold.   
Of​ ​all​ ​the​ ​people​ ​in​ ​Matthew​ ​2,​ ​these​ ​Gentiles​ ​"from​ ​the​ ​east"​ ​were​ ​the​ ​only​ ​ones​ ​coming​ ​to​ ​worship  the​ ​new​ ​born​ ​king.​ ​​ ​As​ ​they​ ​followed​ ​the​ ​star,​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​were​ ​fulfilling​ ​the​ ​promise​ ​that​ ​​ ​records​ ​during​ ​the​ ​Jewish​ ​exile​ ​in​ ​Babylon​ ​centuries​ ​earlier.   
Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
"You​ ​will​ ​seek​ ​me​ ​and​ ​find​ ​me,​ ​when​ ​you​ ​seek​ ​me​ ​with​ ​all​ ​your​ ​heart."​ ​​ ​Jeremiah​ ​29:13   
And​ ​seek​ ​the​ ​newborn​ ​king​ ​is​ ​what​ ​these​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​"from​ ​the​ ​east"​ ​were​ ​doing​ ​on​ ​their​ ​journey​ ​that  led​ ​them​ ​to​ ​Jerusalem.​ ​​ ​What​ ​child​ ​is​ ​this?​ ​​ ​He​ ​is​ ​the​ ​one​ ​who,​ ​like​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men,​ ​came​ ​to​ ​seek  something.​ ​​ ​Notice​ ​how​ ​Jesus​ ​later​ ​described​ ​who​ ​He​ ​was​ ​as​ ​recorded​ ​in​ ​Luke's​ ​gospel.   
Luke 19:10 NIV
10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
And​ ​seek​ ​the​ ​newborn​ ​king​ ​is​ ​what​ ​these​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​"from​ ​the​ ​east"​ ​were​ ​doing​ ​on​ ​their​ ​journey​ ​that  led​ ​them​ ​to​ ​Jerusalem.​ ​​ ​What​ ​child​ ​is​ ​this?​ ​​ ​He​ ​is​ ​the​ ​one​ ​who,​ ​like​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men,​ ​came​ ​to​ ​seek  something.​ ​​ ​Notice​ ​how​ ​Jesus​ ​later​ ​described​ ​who​ ​He​ ​was​ ​as​ ​recorded​ ​in​ ​Luke's​ ​gospel.   
The​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​reflected​ ​another​ ​of​ ​the​ ​characteristics​ ​of​ ​the​ ​child​ ​in​ ​the​ ​manger.​ ​​ ​Both​ ​were​ ​seekers.  The​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​were​ ​Gentiles​ ​who​ ​received​ ​revelation​ ​through​ ​the​ ​bright​ ​star​ ​and​ ​came​ ​to​ ​Jerusalem eagerly​ ​seeking​ ​the​ ​newborn​ ​King​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Jews.​ ​​​They​ ​likely​ ​were​ ​asking​ ​everyone​ ​they​ ​met​ ​about​ ​the  Christ​ ​child.​ ​​ ​Eventually,​ ​they​ ​found​ ​their​ ​way​ ​to​ ​Jesus​ ​and​ ​were​ ​overwhelmed​ ​in​ ​the​ ​presence​ ​of​ ​this One​ ​whom​ ​they​ ​had​ ​been​ ​seeking​ ​for​ ​so​ ​long​ ​on​ ​their​ ​journey​ ​"from​ ​the​ ​east."   
"For​ ​the​ ​Son​ ​of​ ​Man​ ​came​ ​to​ ​seek​ ​and​ ​to​ ​save​ ​the​ ​lost."​ ​​ ​Luke​ ​19:10   
The​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​reflected​ ​another​ ​of​ ​the​ ​characteristics​ ​of​ ​the​ ​child​ ​in​ ​the​ ​manger.​ ​​ ​Both​ ​were​ ​seekers.  The​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​were​ ​Gentiles​ ​who​ ​received​ ​revelation​ ​through​ ​the​ ​bright​ ​star​ ​and​ ​came​ ​to​ ​Jerusalem  eagerly​ ​seeking​ ​the​ ​newborn​ ​King​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Jews.​ ​​ ​They​ ​likely​ ​were​ ​asking​ ​everyone​ ​they​ ​met​ ​about​ ​the  Christ​ ​child.​ ​​ ​Eventually,​ ​they​ ​found​ ​their​ ​way​ ​to​ ​Jesus​ ​and​ ​were​ ​overwhelmed​ ​in​ ​the​ ​presence​ ​of​ ​this  One​ ​whom​ ​they​ ​had​ ​been​ ​seeking​ ​for​ ​so​ ​long​ ​on​ ​their​ ​journey​ ​"from​ ​the​ ​east."   
The​ ​emotions​ ​of​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​were​ ​running​ ​high​ ​as​ ​Matthew​ ​records​ ​in​ ​his​ ​gospel.   
Matthew 2:9–11 NIV
9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 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.
Matthew​ ​may​ ​give​ ​his​ ​readers​ ​a​ ​clue​ ​in​ ​verse​ ​11​ ​that​ ​has​ ​been​ ​a​ ​point​ ​of​ ​discussion​ ​concerning​ ​the  characters​ ​of​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​being​ ​at​ ​the​ ​Nativity​ ​scene.​ ​​ ​The​ ​verse​ ​states​ ​they​ ​went​ ​"into​ ​the​ ​house"  where​ ​they​ ​saw​ ​Jesus​ ​and​ ​Mary.​ ​​ ​This​ ​helps​ ​us​ ​understand​ ​that​ ​some​ ​time​ ​likely​ ​had​ ​passed​ ​since Jesus​ ​was​ ​born​ ​in​ ​the​ ​manger.​ ​​ ​They​ ​now​ ​probably​ ​were​ ​living​ ​in​ ​a​ ​house​ ​in​ ​Bethlehem.​ ​Although​ ​the  wise​ ​men​ ​likely​ ​were​ ​not​ ​present​ ​the​ ​night​ ​Jesus​ ​was​ ​born,​ ​they​ ​now​ ​were​ ​standing​ ​in​ ​his​ ​presence  with​ ​his​ ​mother​ ​close.​ ​​ ​And​ ​they​ ​were​ ​overwhelmed​ ​with​ ​emotion​ ​as​ ​they​ ​fell​ ​on​ ​their​ ​faces​ ​and  worshiped​ ​Jesus​ ​with​ ​gifts​ ​of​ ​gold,​ ​frankincense,​ ​and​ ​myrrh.    
"And​ ​behold,​ ​the​ ​star​ ​that​ ​they​ ​had​ ​seen​ ​when​ ​it​ ​rose​ ​went​ ​before​ ​them​ ​until​ ​it​ ​came​ ​to​ ​rest  over​ ​the​ ​place​ ​where​ ​the​ ​child​ ​was.​ ​​ ​When​ ​they​ ​saw​ ​the​ ​star,​ ​they​ ​rejoiced​ ​exceedingly​ ​with  great​ ​joy.​ ​​ ​And​ ​going​ ​into​ ​the​ ​house​ ​they​ ​saw​ ​the​ ​child​ ​with​ ​Mary​ ​his​ ​mother,​ ​and​ ​they​ ​fell  down​ ​and​ ​worshiped​ ​him.​ ​​ ​Then,​ ​opening​ ​their​ ​treasures,​ ​they​ ​offered​ ​him​ ​gifts,​ ​gold​ ​and  frankincense​ ​and​ ​myrrh."​ ​​ ​Matthew​ ​2:9-11   
Matthew​ ​may​ ​give​ ​his​ ​readers​ ​a​ ​clue​ ​in​ ​verse​ ​11​ ​that​ ​has​ ​been​ ​a​ ​point​ ​of​ ​discussion​ ​concerning​ ​the  characters​ ​of​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​being​ ​at​ ​the​ ​Nativity​ ​scene.​ ​​ ​The​ ​verse​ ​states​ ​they​ ​went​ ​"into​ ​the​ ​house"  where​ ​they​ ​saw​ ​Jesus​ ​and​ ​Mary.​ ​​ ​This​ ​helps​ ​us​ ​understand​ ​that​ ​some​ ​time​ ​likely​ ​had​ ​passed​ ​since  Jesus​ ​was​ ​born​ ​in​ ​the​ ​manger.​ ​​ ​They​ ​now​ ​probably​ ​were​ ​living​ ​in​ ​a​ ​house​ ​in​ ​Bethlehem.​ ​Although​ ​the  wise​ ​men​ ​likely​ ​were​ ​not​ ​present​ ​the​ ​night​ ​Jesus​ ​was​ ​born,​ ​they​ ​now​ ​were​ ​standing​ ​in​ ​his​ ​presence  with​ ​his​ ​mother​ ​close.​ ​​ ​And​ ​they​ ​were​ ​overwhelmed​ ​with​ ​emotion​ ​as​ ​they​ ​fell​ ​on​ ​their​ ​faces​ ​and  worshiped​ ​Jesus​ ​with​ ​gifts​ ​of​ ​gold,​ ​frankincense,​ ​and​ ​myrrh.    

From Gentile to Jewish Wise men

These​ ​Gentile​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​worshiped​ ​this​ ​Jewish​ ​king​ ​of​ ​kings​ ​who​ ​came​ ​as​ ​the​ ​promised​ ​Savior​ ​of​ ​the  whole​ ​world.​ ​​ ​This​ ​child​ ​in​ ​the​ ​manger​ ​was​ ​the​ ​Messiah​ ​and​ ​king​ ​of​ ​Jews​ ​and​ ​Gentiles​ ​alike.​ ​​ ​Luke's  gospel​ ​account​ ​records​ ​this​ ​truth​ ​within​ ​the​ ​words​ ​of​ ​Simeon​ ​who​ ​also​ ​saw​ ​the​ ​baby​ ​Jesus​ ​shortly  after​ ​he​ ​was​ ​born.​ ​​ ​Simeon's​ ​words​ ​concerning​ ​what​ ​child​ ​this​ ​was​ ​gave​ ​credence​ ​to​ ​the​ ​worship​ ​the  Gentile​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​were​ ​offering​ ​to​ ​the​ ​newborn​ ​king​ ​they,​ ​too,​ ​had​ ​just​ ​seen​ ​with​ ​their​ ​own​ ​eyes.  Simeon said: 
Luke 2:30–32 NIV
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
Simeon​ ​said,​ ​"…for​ ​my​ ​eyes​ ​have​ ​seen​ ​your​ ​salvation​ ​that​ ​you​ ​have​ ​prepared​ ​in​ ​the​ ​presence  of​ ​all​ ​peoples,​ ​a​ ​light​ ​for​ ​revelation​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Gentiles,​ ​and​ ​for​ ​glory​ ​to​ ​your​ ​people​ ​Israel."​ ​​ ​   
What​ ​Simeon​ ​said​ ​on​ ​that​ ​day​ ​affirmed​ ​what​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​had​ ​been​ ​the​ ​first​ ​to​ ​do​ ​as​ ​Gentile  worshipers​ ​of​ ​Jesus.​ ​​ ​Jesus​ ​was​ ​the​ ​one​ ​King​ ​who​ ​was​ ​worthy​ ​of​ ​worship​ ​for​ ​the​ ​Gentiles​ ​and​ ​the  Jews.​ ​​ ​He​ ​was​ ​the​ ​One​ ​who​ ​offered​ ​salvation​ ​for​ ​all​ ​peoples​ ​of​ ​all​ ​nations.​ ​​ ​He​ ​was​ ​the​ ​One​ ​who​ ​would  tell​ ​His​ ​disciples​ ​in​ ​Galilee​ ​after​ ​his​ ​resurrection​ ​and​ ​just​ ​before​ ​His​ ​ascension:    
What​ ​Simeon​ ​said​ ​on​ ​that​ ​day​ ​affirmed​ ​what​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​had​ ​been​ ​the​ ​first​ ​to​ ​do​ ​as​ ​Gentile  worshipers​ ​of​ ​Jesus.​ ​​ ​Jesus​ ​was​ ​the​ ​one​ ​King​ ​who​ ​was​ ​worthy​ ​of​ ​worship​ ​for​ ​the​ ​Gentiles​ ​and​ ​the  Jews.​ ​​ ​He​ ​was​ ​the​ ​One​ ​who​ ​offered​ ​salvation​ ​for​ ​all​ ​peoples​ ​of​ ​all​ ​nations.​ ​​ ​He​ ​was​ ​the​ ​One​ ​who​ ​would  tell​ ​His​ ​disciples​ ​in​ ​Galilee​ ​after​ ​his​ ​resurrection​ ​and​ ​just​ ​before​ ​His​ ​ascension:    
"All​ ​authority​ ​in​ ​heaven​ ​and​ ​on​ ​earth​ ​has​ ​been​ ​given​ ​to​ ​me.​ ​​ ​Go​ ​therefore​ ​and​ ​make​ ​disciples  of​ ​all​ ​nations,​ ​baptizing​ ​them​ ​in​ ​the​ ​name​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Father​ ​and​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Son​ ​and​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Holy​ ​Spirit,  teaching​ ​them​ ​to​ ​observe​ ​all​ ​that​ ​I​ ​have​ ​commanded​ ​you.​ ​​ ​And​ ​behold,​ ​I​ ​am​ ​with​ ​you​ ​always,  to​ ​the​ ​end​ ​of​ ​the​ ​age."​ ​​ ​Matthew​ ​28:18-20   
The​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​were​ ​the​ ​first​ ​Gentiles​ ​to​ ​worship​ ​Jesus.​ ​They​ ​would​ ​not​ ​be​ ​the​ ​last.​ ​​ ​Jesus​ ​was​ ​the  child​ ​who​ ​was​ ​born​ ​to​ ​be​ ​worshiped​ ​by​ ​all​ ​people​ ​in​ ​all​ ​nations​ ​for​ ​all​ ​times.​ ​​ ​It​ ​was​ ​what​ ​Simeon  said.​ ​​ ​It​ ​is​ ​what​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​experienced.​ ​​ ​It​ ​is​ ​part​ ​of​ ​the​ ​answer​ ​to​ ​the​ ​question​ ​the​ ​Carol​ ​asks:  What​ ​child​ ​is​ ​this?​ ​​ ​He​ ​is​ ​the​ ​One​ ​who​ ​is​ ​worthy​ ​of​ ​worship​ ​by​ ​all​ ​people,​ ​of​ ​all​ ​places​ ​and​ ​races​ ​and  people.​ ​​ ​He​ ​is​ ​the​ ​One​ ​True​ ​Savior​ ​of​ ​the​ ​entire​ ​world​ ​that​ ​is​ ​worthy​ ​to​ ​seek​ ​and​ ​to​ ​worship.​ ​​ ​He​ ​is​ ​the  One​ ​not​ ​impeded​ ​by​ ​distance​ ​to​ ​be​ ​born​ ​as​ ​the​ ​One​ ​to​ ​give​ ​His​ ​life​ ​that​ ​we​ ​may​ ​receive​ ​forgiveness​ ​of sin​ ​and​ ​the​ ​gift​ ​of​ ​life​ ​everlasting.​ ​​ ​May​ ​we​ ​do​ ​as​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​did.​ ​​ ​May​ ​we​ ​seek​ ​Him,​ ​bow​ ​before  Him,​ ​worship​ ​Him,​ ​and​ ​give​ ​Him​ ​the​ ​gifts​ ​of​ ​our​ ​lives​ ​as​ ​we​ ​go​ ​and​ ​tell​ ​other​ ​about​ ​Him. 
sin​ ​and​ ​the​ ​gift​ ​of​ ​life​ ​everlasting.​ ​​ ​May​ ​we​ ​do​ ​as​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​did.​ ​​ ​May​ ​we​ ​seek​ ​Him,​ ​bow​ ​before  Him,​ ​worship​ ​Him,​ ​and​ ​give​ ​Him​ ​the​ ​gifts​ ​of​ ​our​ ​lives​ ​as​ ​we​ ​go​ ​and​ ​tell​ ​other​ ​about​ ​Him. 
Matthew 28:18–20 NIV
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
The​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​were​ ​the​ ​first​ ​Gentiles​ ​to​ ​worship​ ​Jesus.​ ​They​ ​would​ ​not​ ​be​ ​the​ ​last.​ ​​ ​Jesus​ ​was​ ​the  child​ ​who​ ​was​ ​born​ ​to​ ​be​ ​worshiped​ ​by​ ​all​ ​people​ ​in​ ​all​ ​nations​ ​for​ ​all​ ​times.​ ​​ ​It​ ​was​ ​what​ ​Simeon  said.​ ​​ ​It​ ​is​ ​what​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​experienced.​ ​​ ​It​ ​is​ ​part​ ​of​ ​the​ ​answer​ ​to​ ​the​ ​question​ ​the​ ​Carol​ ​asks:  What​ ​child​ ​is​ ​this?​ ​​ ​He​ ​is​ ​the​ ​One​ ​who​ ​is​ ​worthy​ ​of​ ​worship​ ​by​ ​all​ ​people,​ ​of​ ​all​ ​places​ ​and​ ​races​ ​and  people.​ ​​ ​He​ ​is​ ​the​ ​One​ ​True​ ​Savior​ ​of​ ​the​ ​entire​ ​world​ ​that​ ​is​ ​worthy​ ​to​ ​seek​ ​and​ ​to​ ​worship.​ ​​ ​He​ ​is​ ​the  One​ ​not​ ​impeded​ ​by​ ​distance​ ​to​ ​be​ ​born​ ​as​ ​the​ ​One​ ​to​ ​give​ ​His​ ​life​ ​that​ ​we​ ​may​ ​receive​ ​forgiveness​ ​of sin​ ​and​ ​the​ ​gift​ ​of​ ​life​ ​everlasting.​ ​​ ​May​ ​we​ ​do​ ​as​ ​the​ ​wise​ ​men​ ​did.​ ​​ ​May​ ​we​ ​seek​ ​Him,​ ​bow​ ​before  Him,​ ​worship​ ​Him,​ ​and​ ​give​ ​Him​ ​the​ ​gifts​ ​of​ ​our​ ​lives​ ​as​ ​we​ ​go​ ​and​ ​tell​ ​other​ ​about​ ​Him. 
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