Star Followers

STAR FOLLOWERS

Matthew 2:1-2
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?’ We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”

“Who are the Magi, really?” Brad asked Mr. Robbins, his fifth grade Sunday school teacher. “Were they magicians?”

“The word ‘Magi’ certainly sounds so close to magic,” Mr. Robbins said. “Magi is a Latin word, plural for Magus. Magus is an old Greek word for ‘magician.’ Fascination for astrology and magic flooded Western Asia/Eastern Mediterranean part of the world in the fourth century before Christ. (Part of the world where Iraq, and Iran is today). Some Magi developed astrology and magic, ways to read the stars and foretell mans’ fate. Astrology is where horoscopes and Tarot Cards originate. Over time, astrology was discredited as a scam in trickery and fraud.

“But the Magi who travelled to Jerusalem following one special star were different. They could have been Zoroastrians, from the area around Babylon—same part of the world. Zoroastrians also learned how to read the stars. But they documented the stars, moons and planets’ repeated patterns in the sky. They founded astronomy—a serious science that studies celestial bodies. God ordained men studying the sky for signs in Genesis 1:14). Although similar to astrology, astronomy doesn’t link man’s fate to the exact time of birth, nor predict the future. Matthew 2:11 confirms three gifts of the Magi. We assume that three men came to Jerusalem following one star leading to Jesus.”

“But, how did they know about ‘king of the Jews?’” Darby asked.

“Great question, Darby!” Mr. Robbins said. Do you remember the Bible story of Daniel and the lion’s den? (Daniel 6). Well, Daniel was exiled from Israel to Babylon!”

“WOW!” Mr. Robbins’ class exclaimed together.

“When Daniel was a teenager, the Babylonians overpowered the nation of Judah. They took Daniel, along with many other Jews to Babylon (Daniel 1:1-6). Daniel grew up there, and along with other Hebrew boys, was trained for service to the king.

“Because the Lord gave Daniel the gift of interpreting dreams, he rose to positions of leadership in Babylon. Throughout Daniel’s whole life, he was honored and respected by rulers AND wise men. Now can you guess how the Magi in Matthew could have learned about a promised ‘King of the Jews?’”

Take Home Nugget

Matthew’s Magi were likely descendants of Daniel’s generation of Jews, forced into Babylon against their will. They probably taught the Babylonians about the God of Israel and the coming Messiah.

Dear Lord, we are WOWED at Your planning for Jesus to come to earth! Hallelujah!

J.D. Griffith

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