Matthew 2: Search For The King

Matthew 2: The Search For The King

Collin Leong, Jan 29 2025

v1-12: Visit of the Magi

(v1-2)  Jesus was born in Bethlehem during the time of King Herod. He is also known as Herod the Great, was the Roman-appointed king of Judea from 37 BCE to 4 BCE. He was known for his ambitious building projects, including the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, but also for his cruelty and paranoia, often eliminating potential threats to his throne, including members of his own family.  

Herod the Great was of Idumean descent, which means he was an Edomite. His family had converted to Judaism, so he was considered a practicing Jew. The Roman Senate declared him "King of the Jews," and with Roman military support, he secured his rule over the region, Perhaps that is why the Pharisees accused Jesus for calling himself the King of the Jews, for that would have offended both Herod and his sons, as well as the Roman Senate.  (John 19:12, 19)

The Magi from the east went to Jerusalem, looking for the "king of the Jews", for they have seen his star and came to worship him. The term "Magi" refers to wise men or astrologers from the East who were known for their knowledge of astronomy, astrology, and possibly other sciences. The word "Magi" is derived from the Greek word "magoi," which itself comes from the Persian word "magus," meaning a priest or scholar.  Some traditions suggest that the Magi were Zoroastrian priests from ancient Persia.

Since they are specialist in astronomy, they may have interpret the star as a sign of a king. However, this king must be an important king, else they won't travel so far to look for him. They might have been aware of the prophecy found in Numbers 24:17, which says, "I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel."

(v3-8) When Herod hear that they are looking for a Jewish king, he was disturbed (deeply troubled and anxious). He called together the chief priests and teaches of the law, and asked them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him it will be in Bethlehem. They quoted Micah 5:2,4 : 

‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ 

Then Herod spoke to the Magi secretly, and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He told them to go to Bethlehem and report back to him when they found him. He lied to them by saying that he wants to go and worship him too.   

(v9-12) The Magi went towards Bethlehem as the star guided them there. It stopped where the child was. They saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. They gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 

We do not know how many magi there were, though people often estimate there are three, since there are three gifts. Definitely, a long walking/camel journey from the east, will have other people assisting them and to provide security. 

The gifts have spiritual meaning:

1. Gold: Symbolizes kingship and royalty. The construction of the Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple involved extensive use of gold. It acknowledges Jesus as the King of Kings and reflects His divine nature and authority. (Ex 25:10-11, 1Ki 6:20-22)
2. Frankincense: Represents priesthood and divinity. Frankincense was used in temple worship and signifies Jesus' role as our High Priest and His divine connection. (Exo 30:34-36; Lev 2:1-2)
3. Myrrh: Symbolizes suffering and mortality. Myrrh was used for embalming and anointing the dead, foreshadowing Jesus' sacrificial death and His role as the Savior who would suffer for humanity's sins. (John 19:39-40)

These gifts collectively highlight Jesus' identity as King, God, and Savior. The Magi already known that this child is a special one, and in fact, a "god", that they worshipped him. Perhaps they also believe that he is the Messiah. 

Then they were warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, so they return to their country by another route. 

v13-18: Escape to Egypt  (Hosea 11:1-7; Jeremiah 31:1-30)

(v13-15) Joseph had a dream, where the angel told him to bring his family to Egypt, for Herod will be searching for the child to kill him. They left during the night and stayed in Egypt until the death of Herod. Matthew said this fulfilled the prophecy of Hosea 11:1 “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son."  

Originally, Hosea was referring to Israel, where God saved them from slavery in Eqypt. God expressed his love for Israel, calling it his "son". However, Matthew sees a deeper, typological fulfillment in Jesus. This means that events in Israel's history prefigure and foreshadow events in Jesus' life.

 (v16-18) Herod was furious that the Magi outwitted him. Since he doesn't know who the child is, he ordered that those who are two year old or below in Bethlehem to be killed. Apparently the Magi had earlier told him that the star appeared two years ago. If this is true, Jesus must be 2 years old when He was visited by the Magi. 

While the Magi search for the Messiah with gifts and to worship him, Herod search for him with a sword to kill him. Herod was a tyrant to kill whoever he wants, including babies!  

Matthew again compared this to the prophecy by Jeremiah 31:15 - “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” This verse originally refers to the sorrow and mourning of the Israelites being taken into exile. Rachel, representing the mothers of Israel, is depicted as weeping for her lost children. Matthew sees this event as a fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy, drawing a parallel between the sorrow of the exile and the grief of the mothers in Bethlehem. 

v19-23: Return to Nazareth  (Isaiah 61:1-11; Matthew 13:53-58; Mark 6:1-6; Luke 2:39-40; Luke 4:16-30)

(v19-23a) After Herod died, an angel appeared in a dream and told Joseph to take his family back to Israel. On the way to Israel, he heard that Archelaus was took over Herod, and he was afraid to go to Jerusalem. Instead, after having another vision, he took his family to Galilee instead, in the town of Nazareth. 

Historically, after Herod the Great died, his kingdom was split between his two sons: Archelaus who reigned over Judea where Jerusalem is, and Herod Antipas who was the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, from 4 BCE to 39 CE.  Antipas was the one who executed John the Baptist and was involved in the trial of Jesus. 

Archelaus were also evil, as he massacred 3000 Jews in 4 BCE, when they protest the injustice committed by Herod the Great. They rebel against the execution of two teachers and their students who had removed a golden eagle from the Temple, which they considered blasphemous. Archelaus, sent in his entire mercenary army to suppress the unrest, resulting in the massacre.

(v23b) Matthew said this fulfilled the prophecy that He will called a Nazarene. (v23b).  However, there is no specific Old Testament prophecy that directly states the Messiah would be called a Nazarene. Scholars believe that Matthew may be referring to a general theme or concept found in the prophets rather than a single, specific prophecy. 

One interpretation is that "Nazarene" is related to the Hebrew word "netzer," meaning "branch" or "shoot," which is used in prophecies about the Messiah, such as Isaiah 11:1: "A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit."

God was the "unseen actor" and has all along planned for Jesus to come, and his plans were revealed in prophecy told thousands of years before Jesus' birth. God was also the one who took care of Jesus when He was young by sending angels to give guidance and warning to His human parents. 

Q&A

1. Compare and contrast Jesus the heavenly king with Herod the earthly king.

• Jesus: Born into a poor and humble family; Herod: Born into a position of authority and wealth. 
• Jesus: Loved by His humility, love and servanthood; Herod: Hated for his cruelty, paranoia, and tyrannical rule.
• Jesus: Represents a heavenly, eternal kingdom characterized by peace, justice, and righteousness. Herod: Represents an earthly kingdom characterized by power, political maneuvering, and oppression. His reign was marked by fear and insecurity.
• Jesus: His reign is spiritual and everlasting. Herod: His reign was temporal and will be judged by God after his death

2. What is the difference between the magi and the religious leaders? 

The religious leaders of Israel should be more familiar with the prophecies of the coming Messiah. However, they did not follow the star to visit the the Messiah. They were likely thinking that the Messiah will come majestically with an army to save them from the Romans. They were confused that the Messiah will first come as a lamb, and then as a lion in his second coming. This ignorance is inexcusable for the temple priests. It shows they do not have a relationship with the God that they worship. 

3. What factors might cause people to respond to Jesus, similar to the Magi or Herod? 

People's responses to Jesus can be influenced by various factors, leading them to react either with reverence and worship, like the Magi, or with fear and hostility, like Herod.

a) Curious people will search the scripture and analyze the truth of the bible; whereas, people who reject Christ immediately are likely those who never read the bible, or think the bible is fantasy.

b) Those who are spiritually attuned and open to divine guidance are more likely to respond positively to Jesus. Those who are "in the flesh" and corrupted minds or proud hearts will likely to reject Jesus. 

c) People who feel that their power, status, or control is threatened may respond negatively to Jesus. Those who are humble and willing to listen are likely to receive Jesus well. 

d) People are also affected by wrong teachings and wrong beliefs when they were young. Some are thought to hate other religions, others are thought that all religions are good and can bring you to paradise. 

As Jeremiah 29:13 says: "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."