Sometime after the birth of Jesus and after His presentation to the Lord, visitors (magi) come from the east…seeking a new King that has been born.

As a side-note, I find it very interesting that they head to Jerusalem. Of course it’s logical I suppose, where else would a king be? Interesting that Anna is still at the temple testifying to anyone looking for the redemption of Israel. This verse speaks of Anna, coming up to Joseph, Mary, Jesus and Simeon. Luke 2:38,” At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.”. Don’t you wonder who she talked to? Was there any sort of “stir” about this baby born?

Then travelers come…Gentile travelers, inquiring about a King born of the Jews and a sign in the sky. A star. It was troubling to all…evidently the news of their arrival and inquiry traveled around the city. The king and all of Jerusalem heard this and were troubled. There is a little Truth seeded in Jerusalem…it is a woman though- Anna never leaves the temple.

By the way, I’m supposing…but for these magi to be received by Herod and actually be seen and heard and then their inquiry to cause such a troubling…it must have been quite the entourage. They must have been very wealthy and commanding of some kind of authority, these Gentile men. Just thinking…Read the text.

Matthew 2:1-9

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:

6 ‘AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH, ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.’”

Herod calls a private, secret meeting. This is very covert. Much more is at work here than simple interest…its conspiratorial fear and unrest on Herod’s part. He needs to know, if indeed this is true, that a baby King has been born…he must worship too, but Herod is smart enough to play his cards right. They inquired, he inquires….let’s help each other. We all want to worship? Right?

7 Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” 9 After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was.

Do you see the Hand of God in this? God is working and nothing, including a wicked king’s insecurity issues will ever thwart the work of God. Truth will prevail. So much at work…so many issues, but God is in control. It’s not over yet…it’s just beginning.