In the 2nd chapter of Matthew the Kingly nature of Jesus is established. We can also safely say that it is an insight into the Godly nature of Jesus. Jesus is no ordinary human. He is a God-man. It was extremely essential for Jesus to become man to defeat and destroy sin just as sin entered the world through man. It was love that compelled God to have mercy on mankind. Jesus became man to bear all the pains and burdens that an ordinary man suffers and much more. We will look into sin and how and why Jesus was the only one who could destroy it a bit later.
The most important points to note here in the 2nd chapter is the star, the magi and their gifts, the massacre of kids and the guidance of angels.
According to the scriptures and even astronomy, stars hold a very important position. The emergence of a new star denoted a significant event like the birth of an important person like the king as kings were presumed to be chosen by God Himself. The magi knew it was the birth of a king because the appearance of the star matched that of the incident mentioned in a prophesy in the book of Micah. This is how Jesus’ kingship is seen. Herod thought that this meant the birth of a new king who may capture his throne. He did not realize and understand the scripture and thus rose against Jesus.
The magi were learned men. They tracked the star and kept the Scriptures in their mind. These were the people who were enlightened by God and the Holy Spirit to know about the birth of Christ after Mary, Joseph and their family members. And these men were one of the first people along with the shepherds to honour Jesus and see Him, a privilege that is so rare. They kept seeking God and perhaps that’s why they were blessed with the opportunity.
The gifts also symbolize the kingly and Godly nature of Jesus. The gifts that the magi brought were not ordinary. Gold, incense and myrrh are royal as well as holy used in the ark. Thus, Jesus was presented with gifts befitting a king and God.
Jesus’ immense love for children is because of the massacre that took place. It’s not that he didn’t love them earlier. His love for mankind is everlasting and unparallel. His love only increased multi-fold. Multitudes of kids were killed because Herod didn’t know who could take his throne. Thus, to save Jesus and fulfil the prophesy and ultimately defeat sin and Satan, little children became instrumental. It was a sacrifice that was not ordinary. Just as many were killed for Jesus, Jesus ultimately died for the whole world.
And through all this, we again see the Godly hand. The appearance of angels and the way they guided Mary and Joseph through everything so that Jesus’ life could be protected, all show the hand of God.
It’s time for us to examine ourselves. Are we the magi, the shepherds, the little children, the angels or Herod? God has called us to be enlightened. He has called us to walk in the light and guide others when we see them stumbling. He has called us to make small sacrifices so that greater good can happen. It is very rare that He asks men to die for the sake of bringing others into light but the question is: If He calls us, are we ready to follow? He may not call us to die but He may call us to make small sacrifices and at times bigger ones. Are we ready to be used by God? Or are we like Herod, short-sighted, ruthless, proud and power hungry? It is time that we give our lives to God so that He can turn us into stars, angels, magi and little children.
Let us pray:
Almighty father, thank you so much for giving Jesus to us. Thank you for sending Jesus to this earth so that we can all be cleansed and purified by his sacrifice and find salvation by believing in Him. We want to be of use, Lord. Take our lives and make us like the stars and angels that guide; like the magi that are enlightened and like little children who are so selfless, loving, innocent, righteous and full of virtues you like. We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, AMEN.
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