Fools and Wise Men

“Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Matthew 2:2(ESV)

Hostility, indifference, and worship are the reactions Christ receives from humanity. Christ alone is whom the Magi came to worship. This reality horrified Herod. The fact that anyone other than himself would be worshiped alarmed Herod, in fact enraged him. The Magi and Herod represent a distinctively paradoxical shift in thinking concerning the birth of Christ.

A great deal can be learned through history regarding Herod. Yet, information is limited about the Magi. However, the lack of information of the Magi does in no way diminish the great testimony of these wise men. There are plenty of unanswered questions pertaining to these men that have left a great deal for debate over time. The only fact that Matthew gives us is that these men came to worship Christ. The only thing that we can be sure of about these men is their reaction to the new born king; they came to crown Him Lord of all!

Herod’s reaction towards the birth of Christ was more than indifferent. It was hostile! Herod’s insecurity caused him to take extreme actions. Extreme actions that his reign would forever be emblazoned with, announcing forever, his folly.

Wise men worship Christ the King; fools seek to dethrone Christ the King. What are we worshiping? Do we crown him Lord of all? The Magi came with the purpose of worshiping Christ, and so should we. We were created for such an act!

O worship the King, all glorious above,

And gratefully sing His power and His love;

Our shield and defender, the ancient of days,

Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.