When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Assembling all the chief priests and the 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 thus it has been written through the prophet: 6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” 9 After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 They were overjoyed at seeing the star, 11 and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.
Bethlehem, the birthplace of King David (1 Sam. 16:1) is identified as the birthplace of Jesus, fulfilling the prophecy in Micah 5:2: "But you, Bethlehem-Ephrathah, too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel.” Bethlehem, meaning “House of Bread,” foreshadows Jesus’ role as the "Bread of Life" (Jn. 6:35), providing spiritual sustenance for the world.
Jesus was born during the reign of King Herod who ruled Judea under Roman authority from 37–4 BC. Herod, though outwardly practicing Judaism, collaborated with Roman authorities and was notorious for his paranoia and brutality, which extended to anyone—Jew or non-Jew—he perceived as a threat to his power.
The term “Magi” refers to wise men or scholars, likely from Persia or Babylon, who were respected in their cultures for their knowledge of astronomy and their interpretation of celestial phenomena. The Magi observed a rising star, a phenomenon they interpreted as signaling the birth of a significant ruler. This reflects Numbers 24:17: “A star shall advance from Jacob, and a scepter shall rise from Israel.” Their journey to Jerusalem, the political and religious center of Judaism, was guided by human reasoning, as they assumed a newborn king would be found in the capital city. This demonstrates the contrast between human expectations and God’s surprising plan, as the true King was born humbly in Bethlehem, not in a royal palace.
The title “King of the Jews” ties Jesus to Old Testament prophecies of a Davidic ruler who would restore Israel (2 Sam. 7:12-13; Is. 9:6-7). It also underscores the universality of Jesus’ mission, as this title later reappears at his crucifixion (Mt. 27:37), ironically proclaiming his kingship over all humanity.
Herod’s negative reaction reflects his paranoia and fear of losing power. The disturbance in Jerusalem suggests fear of the political and theological ramifications of the Magi's announcement, particularly how Herod might respond. To verify the Magi’s claims, Herod sought the advice of the chief priests and scribes, experts in the Law, who confirmed that Bethlehem was the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah (Micah 5:2).
Herod secretly summoned the Magi, feigning a desire to pay homage to the newborn king, but his true intent was to eliminate a perceived rival. He carefully inquired about the timing of the star’s appearance, using this information to estimate the child’s age. Herod’s calculated actions culminated in the horrific massacre of all male children in Bethlehem two years old and under (Mt. 2:16-18), fulfilling the prophecy of Rachel weeping for her children (Jer. 31:15).
After meeting with Herod, the magi continued to follow the star, which reappeared and guided them directly to Jesus. They were overjoyed because the star functioned as a supernatural sign of divine guidance, confirming that their journey had led them to the Messiah. This fulfills Old Testament prophecy, such as Numbers 24:17, “A star shall advance from Jacob.” The star’s guidance also recalls God’s earlier signs to Israel, such as the pillar of fire and cloud that led His people in the wilderness (Ex. 13:21-22).
The Magi entered a house, not a stable, indicating some time had passed since Jesus’ birth. They prostrated themselves before Jesus, acknowledging his divine and royal status. They recognized Jesus as more than a king. This act fulfills Old Testament prophecies about nations and kings bowing before the Messiah (Ps. 72:11; Is. 60.6).
The gifts have profound theological significance:
- Gold symbolizes kingship and wealth, acknowledging Jesus as the King of Kings (Rev. 19:16).
- Frankincense represents divinity and worship, as it was used in temple rituals (Ex. 30:34-38). This gift highlights Jesus’ divine nature and his role as the ultimate High Priest (Heb. 4:14-15).
- Myrrh foreshadows suffering and death, as it was used for embalming (Jn. 19:39). This gift anticipates Jesus’ Passion and sacrificial death for humanity.
God warned the magi in a dream not to return to Herod, thereby protecting the magi, Jesus, and his family. Dreams were a common means of divine communication in biblical times (Gen. 37:5-9; Mt. 1:20). The Magi obediently departed “by another way,” symbolizing the transformative nature of encountering Christ. This departure reflects their spiritual renewal, as they return home changed by their experience of Jesus. Their journey reflects the ideal response to divine revelation—faith, worship, and obedience.
Heavenly Father, as the Magi followed the star to Your Son, guide us by the light of Your truth to worship Jesus with hearts full of joy and humility. May we offer our lives as gifts to him, recognizing his kingship, divinity, and sacrificial love. Protect us from the darkness of sin, and lead us always on the path of faith and obedience. This we pray through the same Christ our Lord. Amen!
Sources
- McSorley, Joseph. An Outline History of the Church by Centuries (From St. Peter to Pius XII). 2nd ed., B. Herder Book Co., 1944.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Charpentier, Etienne. How to Read the Old Testament. Translated by John Bowden, 1981.
- Komonchak, Joseph, et al., editors. The New Dictionary of Theology.
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