Issue link: http://denverseminary.uberflip.com/i/420759
December 21 Matthew 2:2b The Wisdom of e Magi Dieumème Noelliste, PhD Professor of Theological Ethics & Director of the Vernon Grounds Institute for Public Ethics T he Magi have become an integral part of the Nativity story. Yet, popular though they are, little is known about them. When exactly did they visit? How many were they? Which country did they come from? Why were they known as wise men? We can't tell for sure. But we know one thing: wise they surely were! Why? Because of their unique response to Christ. Several things could be drawn from their interaction with Herod. I'll highlight two for our consideration and emulation. First, unlike many others, the Magi used their eyes to focus on Christ. Notice the reason the Magi gave for their long trip: while they were still in their land of origin, they saw the star of Christ (Matt. 2:2). Because they were searching, they saw what others could have seen but didn't. No distraction could deter them from their pursuit; following their secret meeting with Herod, they set their eyes once again on the guiding star (2:9). Is our response to the birth of Christ similar to theirs? Do we put Him center stage? Today, Christ is buried under so many layers of cultural rubble that we need nothing less than a laser-like focus to pierce the sundry accretions that hide Him from our eyes. Second, while others were seeking to harm the newborn babe, the Magi worshipped Him in their hearts. is was the ultimate purpose of their voyage (2:2). ey may not have been fully cognizant of His status as God, but they certainly treated Him as such (2:11). ey worshiped Him with their beings and with their possessions. ey gave Him the most they could give. is is how we too ought to respond to Christ. In the manger lies no ordinary person. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He is the Sovereign Lord before whom all will one day bow and kneel (Phil. 2:12). Wisdom dictates that we give Him the full honor that's due Him. Has Christmas driven you to your knees? If we focus on Him with our eyes and worship Him in our hearts, we too can be counted as wise. 16