Israel in their day.
this one. Setting out on their journey westward and
conforming to the travel standards of the day, they
loaded their camels. These were worthy beasts, able
to carry heavy loads, capable of going 17 days without
water while moving at a slow but steady pace of two
miles an hour. Given the preparations for their journey,
the time needed to rest on the way, the slow pace they
years of their lives to get to Pales-
tine, and two years to return. There
was commitment to their devotion
that was costly, but they reckoned
that the reward of seeing Yahweh
at work was well worth it.
nation, although now reduced to a
vassal state under Roman rule. The
Bible tells us that, after arriving at
Herod the Great's palace, they
asked, "Where is the one that has
been born king of the Jews? We saw
His star in the east and have come
to worship Him" (Matthew 2:2).
a panicked discussion followed.
What were they talking about?
How could something like this oc-
dered his own family members as well as anyone
else who appeared to have some chance of threaten-
ing his throne. Was there now a subversive element
in his kingdom that he had overlooked in his purges?
born. And then Herod, ever ready to manipulate and
exploit, decided to do so with the Magi. "Then Herod
called the Magi secretly and found out from them
the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them
to Bethlehem and said, `Go and make a careful search
for the child. As soon as you find Him, report to me,
so that I too may go and worship Him'" (vs. 7-8).
would be the chances of finding Him in a backwoods
country village? But the star! "When they saw the star,
they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw
the child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down
and worshipped Him" (vs. 10-11). The star, the journey,
the seeking brought them to this moment. No doubt
speeches had been prepared and rehearsed, but when
they saw the Christ child, all was swallowed up in
worship. They anticipated a regal occasion in a grand
palace, only to find themselves in a humble laborer's
house, made holy by the presence of Christ.
edge His royalty, frankincense to recognize His di-
vinity and myrrh, a spice used for burial, to speak to
His sacrificial death. As valuable as the gifts were,
the Magi no doubt felt their offerings were not enough.
But the Lord knew their intent, proven by their effort
to bring them to Jesus.
returned to their country by another route" (vs. 12).
The double�cross enraged Herod. His remedy was ef-
ficient and cruel. Why search for the one child when
with a simple decree He would just be one more toddler
in the slaughter? Herod's troops stormed into Bethle-
hem and the surrounding area, ripping all boys under
two years old from their mothers' arms. They were
mercilessly killed by a tyrant's wish (vs. 16).
in a dream. Stealing away to safety in Egypt (vs. 13-
14), the former country of Jewish slavery became a
haven, while the Promised Land had been turned
into a killing zone.
Christ's resurrection. When he arrived he would have
found those old Jewish stories that had been woven
into Persian history. Then he heard what took place
after the Magi returned. And he told them the won-
drous story of the Christ of the Magi's quest.