1Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea,
during the reign of King Herod.
(Another chronological marker.)
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About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem,
The term “Wise men” [magi] loosely covered a wide variety of men
interested in dreams, astrology, magic,
books thought to contain mysterious references to the future, and the like.”
D. A. Carson
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asking, 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
(After a long journey to an unknown land,
it makes sense that they would ask directions.)
It is a strange thing for a baby to be born a king.
Usually they are princes for a long time before they are kings.
“His kingly status was not conferred on him later on; it was from birth.”
D. A. Carson
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We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”
Whatever [the star] was,
it is significant that God met them in their own medium:
He guided the astronomers by a star.
David Gruzik
(The whole purpose of their journey was worship.)
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3 King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this,
as was everyone in Jerusalem.
Herod was constantly on guard against threats to his rule,
especially from his own family.
He assassinated many family members whom he suspected of disloyalty.
His being troubled is completely in character.
David Gruzik
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4 He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law
and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: (Micah 5:2)
6 ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah,
are not least among the ruling cities of Judah,
for a ruler will come from you
who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”
(They knew who He was and where He was supposed to be,
but they did not seek Him.)
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7 Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men,
and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared.
8 Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child.
And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!”
(Herod was not to be trusted.
It seems they knew that.)
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Wise men are only wise because
they make their priority the seeking of Christ.
Ann Voskamp