Topical Bible: the King Christ: Acknowledged by The Wise Men from the East

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The acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as King by the Wise Men from the East is a significant event recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, highlighting the recognition of Jesus' divine kingship by Gentile figures. This event is traditionally celebrated in the Christian liturgical calendar as the Feast of Epiphany.

Biblical Account

The narrative of the Wise Men, or Magi, is found in Matthew 2:1-12. According to the Berean Standard Bible, the passage begins: "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, asking, '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 2:1-2).

The Magi's journey signifies the recognition of Jesus' kingship beyond the Jewish people, as they were likely astrologers or scholars from regions such as Persia or Babylon. Their inquiry about the "King of the Jews" troubled King Herod and all of Jerusalem, indicating the political and spiritual implications of their quest.

The Star and Prophecy

The star that guided the Magi is a focal point of the narrative. It is often interpreted as a miraculous sign from God, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah. Numbers 24:17 states, "A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel." This prophecy is seen as a foretelling of the star that led the Magi to Jesus, symbolizing His royal authority and divine mission.

Gifts and Worship

Upon finding Jesus, the Magi presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). These gifts hold deep symbolic meaning: gold represents Jesus' kingship, frankincense His divinity, and myrrh His future suffering and death. The act of presenting these gifts and bowing in worship underscores their recognition of Jesus as both King and divine Savior.

Significance in Christian Theology

The visit of the Wise Men is a profound testament to the universal scope of Christ's kingship. It prefigures the inclusion of the Gentiles in the salvation plan, as foretold by the prophets. Isaiah 60:3 declares, "Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn." The Magi's homage to Jesus is an early indication of the Gospel's reach to all nations.

Herod's Reaction

King Herod's reaction to the news of a new "King of the Jews" was one of fear and hostility. His subsequent order to kill all male infants in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16) reveals the threat that Jesus' kingship posed to earthly powers. This tragic event, known as the Massacre of the Innocents, fulfills Jeremiah's prophecy of Rachel weeping for her children (Jeremiah 31:15).

Conclusion

The acknowledgment of Jesus as King by the Wise Men from the East is a pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative, emphasizing the recognition of Christ's divine authority and the fulfillment of messianic prophecies. This event foreshadows the global mission of the Church and the ultimate reign of Christ as King of Kings.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 2:2
Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Season of Epiphany.
... on Him, and a Voice from heaven acknowledged Him to ... them all containing some kingly
action of Christ, the Mediator ... bountiful act"the act of a King, who out ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon vi the season of.htm

The Life of Christ.
... "When the king had heard ... he still contributed to prepare the way of Christ; for,
in ... as a teacher sent from God, were extensively acknowledged; and therefore ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the life of.htm

Messiah's Entrance into Jerusalem
... By their acknowledged principles, they were all bound to acknowledge that ... IV. Two
characters of this King. ... Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free, but Christ is all ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xi messiahs entrance into.htm

On Daniel. Iii. Scholia on Daniel.
... Nebuchadnezzar, when he humbled himself, and acknowledged that he ... the Judge of judges
and the King of kings ... then are we strengthened by Christ, who stretches ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on daniel iii scholia on.htm

Balaam's Prophecy. (Numb. xxiv. 17-19. )
... only beyond the idea of a single king of the ... that only by the mission of Christ,
in whom ... they proceed on the supposition of its being universally acknowledged. ...
/.../christology of the old testament/balaams prophecy numb xxiv 17-19.htm

Matthew.
... city" and "the city of the Great King." In the fulness of the teaching of Christ
he surpasses ... century, if not before, it was an acknowledged authority in ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 80 matthew.htm

The visit and Homage of the Magi, and the Flight into Egypt
... allegiance of Israel, and Who, if acknowledged, would evoke ... grounds, have shared
the trouble' of the king. ... great fact of the manifestation of Christ - not its ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter viii the visit and.htm

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... life with the sublimest death, and ever acknowledged since as ... claims and admits himself
to be the Christ, or the ... Prophets of old testify, and the King of Israel ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm

Thankfulness for Mercies Received, a Necessary Duty
... his back; but his mercies he will have acknowledged, "There is ... Fear God, and you
must honor the King. ... sea is reckoned but an ill school to learn Christ in: and ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/thankfulness for mercies received a.htm

The Feast at Simon's House
... He acknowledged Jesus as a teacher, and hoped that He ... declaring that He was about
to be crowned king. ... had been given the privilege of receiving Christ as their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 62 the feast at.htm