Topical Bible: Obedience to God: Wise Men

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The concept of obedience to God is a central theme throughout the Bible, and the account of the Wise Men, or Magi, in the New Testament provides a compelling example of this principle in action. The Wise Men, traditionally understood as learned individuals from the East, demonstrate obedience through their actions and decisions as they seek to honor the birth of Jesus Christ.

Biblical Account

The account of the Wise Men is found in the Gospel of Matthew, specifically in Matthew 2:1-12. The passage begins with the Wise Men arriving in Jerusalem, having followed a star that signified the birth of the "King of the Jews." Their journey itself is an act of obedience, as they respond to the celestial sign with faith and determination, seeking to worship the newborn King.

Upon their arrival, they inquire, "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" (Matthew 2:2). Their question indicates their recognition of Jesus' divine kingship and their intent to honor Him, despite the potential risks and uncertainties of their journey.

Interaction with Herod

King Herod, upon hearing of the Wise Men's quest, is troubled and seeks to use them to locate Jesus, under the pretense of wanting to worship Him as well. Herod instructs the Wise Men to report back to him once they have found the child. However, after they find Jesus and present their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, they are divinely warned in a dream not to return to Herod. "And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they withdrew to their country by another route" (Matthew 2:12).

Significance of Obedience

The obedience of the Wise Men is multifaceted. Firstly, they obey the divine sign of the star, embarking on a journey of faith. Secondly, they obey the revelation given to them in a dream, choosing to defy Herod's instructions and protect the child Jesus. Their actions underscore the importance of heeding God's guidance over human authority when the two are in conflict.

The Wise Men's obedience is also characterized by their willingness to sacrifice and their humility. They travel a great distance, likely at considerable personal cost, to worship Jesus. Their gifts symbolize their recognition of His kingship, divinity, and eventual suffering, reflecting a deep understanding of His mission.

Theological Implications

The account of the Wise Men illustrates the broader biblical theme that true wisdom is found in obedience to God. Their account serves as a reminder that divine guidance often requires faith and courage, and that obedience to God may involve going against worldly powers and expectations. The Wise Men's actions exemplify the principle that those who seek God with a sincere heart will be led by Him, even through unexpected means.

In summary, the Wise Men provide a powerful example of obedience to God, demonstrating that true wisdom involves recognizing and responding to God's revelation, even when it requires significant personal sacrifice and courage. Their account is a testament to the blessings and protection that come from prioritizing divine guidance over human authority.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 2:12
And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jehoshaphat's Reform
... in 'the ways of the Lord.' This king was lifted to it by his happy experience of
the blessed effects of obedience. ... Wise men will imitate God's way. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/jehoshaphats reform.htm

"The Carnal Mind is Enmity against God for it is not Subject to ...
... in his own eyes, though he be wise, that he may be wise (1 Corinthians 3 ... nature makes
all crooked lines, they seem to go forth in obedience to God, but they ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxi the carnal mind.htm

Of Holy Obedience
... his head beneath the yoke of holy obedience, bears much ... in due season to the Lord
his God; but he ... Wise and magnanimous men bow their heads promptly, fearlessly ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xvii of holy obedience.htm

First, the Practical Duties which the Christian Religion Enjoins,
... to renew their obligations and promises of obedience to him ... This a great evidence
of a religion coming from God. ... judge whether this be not a wise and excellent ...
/.../x proposition x first the.htm

Berea and Athens
... the world in order that they may choose between obedience to God's ... God sets everlasting
truth before them"truth that will make them wise unto salvation ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 23 berea and athens.htm

Woes on the Pharisees
... very persons stifle their convictions, and refuse obedience. ... the Jews and their
intolerance of God's servants would ... unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 67 woes on the.htm

On the Vocation of Men to Salvation
... 1:6; Ephesians 1:14.) But the answer by which obedience is yielded ... 1:24-26; Acts
13:46; Luke 7:30.) The glory of God, who is supremely wise, good, merciful ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 16 on the vocation.htm

The Rechabites
... should be a sample and shadow of our wise trust in the adequate Object of trust.
III. Men's obedience to human authority condemns their rebellion against God. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the rechabites.htm

The Secret of Well-Being
... peace is to give up self-will and live in obedience. ... but before the pure eyes of
the all-seeing God. Really wise policy coincides with loving-kindness and truth ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the secret of well-being.htm

The Impending Conflict
... The god of many professedly wise men, of philosophers ... so rapidly gaining ground,
that God's law is ... its laws, which command respect and obedience; no government ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 36 the impending conflict.htm