Brief Summary
This video reflects on the journey of the wise men to worship Jesus after his birth, highlighting their recognition of Jesus as a spiritual king. It emphasizes the universal nature of Jesus's mission, extending beyond the Jewish people, and underscores the importance of pursuing God and offering worship. The wise men's journey exemplifies seeking God's will and recognizing Christ's true nature and kingdom.
- The wise men recognized Jesus as a king, but of a spiritual nature, not a natural one like Herod.
- The star they followed was likely an angelic manifestation guiding them.
- Their long journey was undertaken solely to worship Jesus, acknowledging Him as more than just a king.
Introduction
The reflection begins with the scripture from Matthew 2:1-2, which tells of wise men from the east coming to Jerusalem after Jesus was born. These wise men inquired about the newborn king of the Jews, indicating they had seen his star in the east and came to worship him. The arrival of these non-Jewish wise men signifies that Jesus's mission was not exclusive to the Jews but inclusive of all humanity.
Recognition of Jesus as King
The wise men's question, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?" reveals their understanding of Jesus as a king. Aware of Herod, the current king, they sought a king of a spiritual kingdom. This implies they were looking for a spiritual leader, not just a political one.
The Star in the East
The wise men stated, "We have seen his star in the east," suggesting God communicated with them in a way they understood, through astrology. The nature of this star is explored, with the idea that it was likely an angelic manifestation rather than a natural star or planet. This is supported by the numerous angelic appearances surrounding Jesus's birth. The star's movement further suggests an angelic guide, as natural stars and planetary formations do not move in such a way.
The Purpose of Worship
The wise men's declaration, "We have come to worship him," highlights the purpose of their long journey. Their journey, which took about two years, was solely for worship. They recognized that Jesus was not just a king to be honored or respected, but a spiritual king to be worshiped.
Lessons from the Wise Men
The wise men teach the importance of pursuing God, seeking the Lord, and striving to be where God wants us to be. The ultimate offering is worship. The wise men's journey exemplifies seeking God's will and recognizing Christ's true nature and kingdom.
