"Magi from the east." There are a lot of legends about the magi! History indicates the magi emerged as a Median tribe of priests. They were known for astronomy and sorcery. The magi became increasingly influential. They were advisors to Persian & then Babylonian kings, & were often referred to as wise men. No Persian king came to the throne w/o first being vetted by the magi! The magi weren't kings, they were king-makers! The prophet Daniel probably became a Babylonian magi. Daniel's influence would have then encouraged the magi's interest in Jewish history and expectation. During the Greek and Roman empires, the magi's influence increased in the eastern provinces. Among them Parthia – east of Palestine. Although many of the magi were hucksters and charlatan's, not all of them. Some still commanded great prestige and great wealth, and some still carefully studied the stars. And so Matthew writes: "Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from east arrived in Jerusalem…"
Here is the dust-jacket synopsis of Matthew's Christmas Magi Story: God sends a star to call these Gentile magi from the east (via Jerusalem and Herod) to worship the King of the Jews in Bethlehem – foretold by the OT prophet Micah.
In our text this morning, wise men worshiped Jesus the King. 1. Magi and mystery in downtown Jerusalem. (vv. 1-2) 2. Prophecy and plots in Herod's royal palace. (vv. 3-8) 3. Wonder and worship in Bethlehem of Judea. (vv. 9-12)
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