Sunday School Lesson
November 7
Lesson 10 (KJV)
UNITED IN PRAISE
DEVOTIONAL READING: Revelation 7:9–17
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Revelation 7:9–17
REVELATION 7:9–17
9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
KEY TEXT
I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.—Revelation 7:14
CELEBRATING GOD
Unit 3:
Visions of Praise
LESSONS 10–13
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Identify one or more examples of symbolic imagery.
2. Explain the significance of those images.
3. Evaluate his or her attitude toward the diverse nature of those who will be admitted before God’s throne.
HOW TO SAY IT
apocalyptic uh-paw-kuh-lip-tik.
Gentiles Jen-tiles.
Maccabees Mack-uh-bees.
Sardis Sar-dis.
tabernacles tah-burr-nah-kulz.
Zechariah Zek-uh-rye-uh.
Introduction
A. Diverse Harmony
Omonia Church of Christ in Athens, Greece, has developed a reputation for being diverse and harmonious. Greek, Arabic, Farsi, Russian, Bulgarian, Albanian, and Filipino are frequently spoken in the church. Some in attendance don headsets to hear worship services translated.
Omonia believes their diverse worship is not limited to times of formal services. The church started a ministry to serve refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran. Victims displaced by war, violence, and oppression experience the love of Christ because of Omonia.
Appropriately, omonia means “harmony” in Greek; the word appears in the Greek version of the Old Testament (the Septuagint) in Psalm 55:14, in a context of remembered (but lost) fellowship. Different Greek words are used in the New Testament to convey this concept (see Philippians 1:27; 2:2; 1 Peter 3:8). One of those words is the source of our English word symphony (2 Corinthians 6:15). Like the wide range of instruments in a symphony orchestra, the diverse congregation of Omonia produces a beautifully unified harmony of worship and service to God. Omonia demonstrates the future realities of Revelation 7, today’s text, in the here and now.
B. Lesson Context
Some Christians believe the book of Revelation speaks only of the future. Others believe the book speaks in coded language about the people and events of the first century AD. Still others believe the book is figurative or symbolic, using vivid imagery to teach spiritual lessons. Then there’s the issue of separate approaches to sections consisting of chapters 1–3; 4–19, and 20–22!
No matter the interpretive perspective, three things should be observed by careful readers. First, Revelation is a combination of a letter, prophecy, and apocalyptic text. It is considered partially a letter, because of how the book opens with a greeting (Revelation 1:4–7) and is addressed to specific churches (see chapters 2 and 3). Revelation is considered a form of prophecy (1:3), given to John in order that he might declare the “testimony of Jesus Christ” (1:9). Revelation is also considered an apocalyptic text. During the era in which John recorded his revelation, apocalyptic texts were commonplace. This was a highly stylized type of literature written to unveil God’s plan for the world, both in the past and for the future.
Apocalyptic literature often presents this plan through vivid and cryptic imagery. A proper understanding of Revelation requires recognizing the imagery and language of apocalyptic literature (compare Matthew 24:29–31; Mark 13:24–27; Luke 21:25–28).
Second, the book of Revelation is loaded with allusions to the Old Testament and assumes the audience’s familiarity with their source (compare Isaiah 6:1–3; Ezekiel 1:18, 22, 26–28; and Revelation 4). Revelation rests on the shoulders of Genesis (Genesis 1:1; see Revelation 21:1), Exodus (Exodus 19:6; see Revelation 1:5–6), Daniel (Daniel 7:13; see Revelation 1:7, 13; 14:14), and even Psalms (Psalm 2:9; see Revelation 2:27; 12:5; 19:15). The fullest understanding of Revelation recognizes its roots in the Old Testament.
Third, Revelation emphasizes worshipping God. The text is filled with poetic scenes of worship (see Revelation 4:8; 5:9–13; 7:10–17; 11:15–18; 12:10–12; 15:3–4; 16:5–7; 19:1–8). Each one makes claims about who is worthy to be worshipped in Heaven and on earth. Revelation calls the people to worship “God which sitteth upon the throne” and “the Lamb” (7:10, below).
Today’s passage continues John’s vision of Heaven. Several startling events have occurred: the glorious entry of the Lamb into the throne room (Revelation 5:6) and the introduction of a sealed scroll and its opening (5:1; 6:1–17), leading to the dramatic gathering of the servants of God (7:1–8). John then turned his attention to the great multitude of people and witnessed their worship.
- Uncountable Crowd
- (REVELATION 7:9–10)
- Every People Group Present (v. 9)
9a. After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number.
We are given the impression this great multitude is far bigger than the large but countable number of those from Israel’s tribes that John had just witnessed (Revelation 7:4–8). John’s vision is similar to Daniel’s vision of a throne room, where a crowd of “ten thousand times ten thousand” stands before the “Ancient of days” (Daniel 7:9–10). This is not a mathematical formula but a way of saying this group is uncountable.
9b. Of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues.
The nature of this vast group is explained in the four ways seen here. The cumulative effect is to show that it is universally representative of all humanity. First, it includes people from all nations. This is the word for a national group, a political entity. It is also the word sometimes translated “Gentiles” when referring to any nation that is not Israel (Revelation 11:2).
Kindreds, often translated as “tribe” (example: Revelation 7:4–8), implies people sharing ancestral bloodlines. These transcend national borders. For example, a person’s genetic “tribe” might be Irish, but this does not mean that person lives in Ireland.
A people is a group bound together by cultural identity. They would share many cultural markers that might transcend national or ethnic boundaries. Their tongues in this context refer to languages. By one estimate, there are 6,500 distinct languages on earth today. There may have been a similar number in John’s day. Languages are not confined to regional or national boundaries; they cross borders and can transcend political identities (see Acts 2:5–11; Revelation 13:7).
What Do You Think?
What is the best way can you help your church stay unified in its diversity?
Digging Deeper
Considering the ideas of unity and diversity, what could happen if one is stressed over the other? Or is that even possible? Explain.
9c. Stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes.
The previous description reflects the worldwide penetration of the gospel. Regardless of one’s heritage or cultural context of origin, any person can believe and share in God’s salvation. The image of wearing white robes means that the person is cleansed from sin (Revelation 7:14). The message to the church in Sardis commended those who had not soiled their garments (with sin) but instead had walked with Christ in white, “for they are worthy” (Revelation 3:4–5). Further, white robes are given as a reward to the martyrs of the church, those who have maintained their faith and witness even unto death (6:9–11).
9d. And palms in their hands.
Use of palms reflects a practice of worship that began with the feast of tabernacles (Leviticus 23:33–36a, 39–43). This annual observance celebrated Israel’s liberation from Egypt and God’s faithfulness to His people during a time of need. The people were to “take … the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and … rejoice before the Lord … seven days” (23:40).
The practice of associating palm branches with an event of victorious joy continued into the time between the Old and New Testaments (see the nonbiblical 1 Maccabees 13:51 regarding an incident of 141 BC). In the New Testament, crowds waved palm branches while shouting “Hosanna” (which means “save”) during Jesus’ triumphal entry (see John 12:13). The multitudes in John’s vision stand in worship before the Lamb, who has indeed saved them (next verse).
WAVING PALMS
The wind blew pleasantly in our faces as we chugged down the Keram River, Papua New Guinea, in a 30-foot-long dugout canoe. We could hear the cheers of Waran people lining the shore. They held palm branches as we came to celebrate the completion of the New Testament in their language.
Moving through the reception, we were surrounded by palm branches. People smiled and sang as they waved them. Some branches were placed horizontally across supports, forming a decorative doorway. A missionary who had lived among the Waran said most Westerners probably don’t know much about palms, but the Waran use them extensively for a variety of things. He imagined that the “palm branch worshippers” of Revelation 7 will be led by the Waran, who know palm trees intimately.
Surrounded by the waving palms, I looked forward to the joyful celebration and worship that will surround the throne of God. How does the image speak to you? —D. G.
B. Every Voice Lifting Praise
(v. 10)
10. And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
The multitude acknowledges that their hope of salvation is realized. This implies God’s victory over His enemies and deliverance for His people (see Revelation 12:10; 19:1). It is not any fictitious god that is being described, only our God. This also emphasizes the personal nature of God. His relationship with His people is fully demonstrated. The means of this deliverance is seen also in their worship of the Lamb (Revelation 5:13). Christ’s death and resurrection as the Lamb of God (see John 1:29) enacts God’s salvation.
What Do You Think?
In what ways does today’s text inspire you to help your church improve an area of worship?
Digging Deeper
What aspects of worship in today’s text, if any, should you not attempt to push—aspects that must wait until Jesus returns? Why?
- Worshipful Circle
(REVELATION 7:11–12)
A. Acts of Worship (v. 11)
11. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God.
The inner circle around the throne becomes the focus again (see Revelation 4:4, 6; 5:11). Their acts of worship involve their whole bodies. As they fall to their knees, their faces touch the ground, presumably in full view of the great multitude that worships by joyously waving palms.
- Words of Acclamation (v. 12)
12a. Saying, Amen. Saying could imply more than words merely spoken. As the words of worship from the inner circle are spoken in unison and have the structure of an ancient hymn, it is possible that these words were meant to be chanted or recited.
Those in the inner circle of worshippers voice their worship in powerful words directed to God for eternity. Similar worship is directed to the Lamb in the throne room (see Revelation 5:11–12).
The worship described here is bracketed on both sides with Amen, a Greek transliteration of a Hebrew word meaning “it is true.” The word’s usage by the worshippers recognizes and affirms what follows next.
12b. Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might.
The first word of pronouncement of those around the throne is justified because they have experienced the Lord’s goodness. Glory carries the image of being full of light—radiant like celestial bodies (see 1 Corinthians 15:41). The glory of the Lord sometimes accompanies heavenly manifestations (Luke 2:9). A characteristic of God’s presence in the tabernacle or the temple was a display of His glory (Exodus 40:34; compare Revelation 15:8).
The Bible often places wisdom in parallel with knowledge (example: Proverbs 14:6). God has absolute knowledge. He has determined what is right and wrong. God always does the right thing, having never-failing wisdom.
When recognizing God’s salvation, a response of thanksgiving is appropriate. It is an expression of gratitude to God for His care and His provision. Honour offers esteem for a person, based on the person’s character and acts. God is worthy of ultimate honor for His great providential works of salvation and simply because He is God.
The word power is used frequently throughout the book of Revelation. It is tied to God’s acts of creating and sustaining the universe (Revelation 4:11) and God’s rule over the entire earth (11:17). It is impossible to imagine any greater power! The all-powerful one who created the universe also provides deliverance for His people. Related to power, might describes the characteristic of a very strong person. As applied to God, this may be beyond our understanding. But we can say that God’s strength is inexhaustible and without limits.
What Do You Think?
What are some ways you can incorporate the seven ascriptions of this verse into your own devotional and prayer life?
Digging Deeper
Were you to do more such ascribing and less “asking for,” what could be the result?
12c. Be unto our God for ever and ever.
This hymn ends on an important note that calls for the seven ascriptions to be recognized for ever and ever. This acknowledges the eternal nature of God. Even our best descriptions of His nature fail to account for the eternality of God—the one without beginning or end.
12d. Amen.
The repetition of Amen brings a solemn sense of affirmation to these words of worship.
- White-Robed Witnesses
(REVELATION 7:13–17)
A. Robes Washed in Blood (vv. 13–14)
13. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
In the midst of this worshipful vision, John is approached with a question from one of the elders. Prophetic literature is filled with examples of questions used as a method of teaching (example: Zechariah 4:2–6). The elder’s question has the effect of asking, “Do you know the who, what, where, when, why, and how of what you see?”
14. And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Whether out of respect or because of uncertainty, John allows the elder to answer his own question. In response, the elder points to two aspects of those in white robes. Regarding their emergence from great tribulation, we recall that Christians experience suffering and trials of body and faith. Jesus warned His followers that tribulation were to be expected (Matthew 5:10–11; John 16:33; compare 2 Timothy 3:12).
To the audience of Revelation, this tribulation could have been related to persecution at the hands of the Roman Empire. To modern readers, this could also imply a future time of widespread suffering and persecution. For both ancient and modern audiences, John’s vision affirms that following Jesus might result in suffering, even to the point of martyrdom.
Second, the robes have not always been white; they are so because they have been washed … in the blood of the Lamb. What the elder describes is not some sort of illusion; dipping a dirty garment in a red liquid and pulling it out as pure white is not a magic trick of chemical properties. Rather, the drama represents Christ’s atonement and our forgiveness from sin based on His sacrificial death (see Hebrews 9:28; 1 John 1:7). The blood of the Lamb triumphs over sin and Satan (see Revelation 12:9–11). It is the fulfillment of John’s earlier record of the words of John the Baptist: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). These words provide hope to suffering audiences of any era.
- Servants Protected from Need (vv. 15–16)
15a. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple.
Because they are pure, clothed in white robes, the multitude stands before the throne of God. They serve him without pause. The word translated serve can imply an act of worship; their acts of service are, in essence, acts of worship. Their service-worship occurs continually (day and night). This does not imply the existence of our current constructions of time; rather, it is an indication of ever-devoted service.
This vision pictures more than future heavenly bliss; it can also picture our existence now. Acts of worship can be our acknowledgment of a holy God and our submission to Him. However, sin prevents us from practicing authentic worship in its entirety. We, like the white-robed multitude of John’s vision, are free to worship in holiness, in purity, in sincerity, and in truth, for our sins have been washed in the blood of the Lamb. However, this worship will not be practiced fully and totally until God’s final victory, an implication of the book of Revelation as a whole.
15b. And he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. This sincere, unfettered worship has another aspect: it occurs when God shall dwell among His people. This alludes to the pitching of a tent, a dwelling place to protect from the elements, undoubtedly echoing Old Testament imagery of God’s dwelling among His people in the wilderness tent (see Exodus 40). John expresses this similarly when he speaks of Christ’s first coming as the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us (John 1:14). We await the day when the people of God are not separated from their Lord and can enter an eternal “rest” in the presence of God (Hebrews 4:9).
16. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
Physical needs are satisfied in this perfect relationship of continual worship in God’s intimate presence. No one experiences hunger or thirst. No one experiences famine or other challenging weather phenomena such as oppressive heat. The saints are in the glorious presence of God, with His protection and blessing.
- Tears Taken from the Faithful (v. 17)
17.For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
John’s vision returns to the scene of heavenly worship and the source of all hope and salvation: the Lamb. Throughout John’s writings, he presents Jesus as a good shepherd (see John 10:11–18; 21:15–17). Now, John presents the good shepherd as the Lamb, leading His followers to fountains of waters.
Undoubtedly John envisions more than the satiation of physical thirst. The Lamb will lead to “water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14). In addition to providing eternal refreshment, the Lamb brings eternal peace and comfort, removing sorrow by wiping all tears from their eyes.
What Do You Think?
In what way can you be Jesus’ hands and feet in comforting others until He returns?
Digging Deeper
In what situations will it be better for you to work individually in this regard rather than with a group? Why?
EVERY TEAR
“George is in the hospital. He had a stroke.” The news hit me in the gut. We had supported one another, especially through our time serving as missionaries in Africa. It seemed like everyone suffered from war, famine, and disease. I remembered staying with a member of George’s congregation, who revealed that she had lost a child decades before. Hearing of this, George reacted, with tears in his eyes, “There’s so much hurt in this world.”
We all shed tears. As the health of our loved ones fail, and as we face our own mortality, we all yearn for the day when God himself will wipe every tear from our eyes. Or do we? —D. G.
Conclusion
- Washed in the Blood
Suffering was no stranger to American poet Fanny Crosby (1820–1915). Blind since infancy, she undoubtedly experienced many trials and challenges. In spite of all those, she was able to proclaim, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine … Born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.” A prolific writer of more than 8,000 songs, this is just one of Crosby’s compositions that speak of Jesus’ blood. In the midst of her suffering, Crosby was yet able to praise and worship God for salvation available through the blood of the Lamb.
Revelation 7 is a high point in the Bible concerning worship and praise. This passage is timely for all audiences. It acknowledges that although suffering occurs, confident hope is always called for because of the salvation bought and brought by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus. In times of joy or suffering, that fact should unite us in praise and worship. May we be a people who live in hope as we await the day when we will hunger and thirst no more, the day of no more tears. Until that day, may our lives be marked with praise and worship to the God who sits on His heavenly throne and to the Lamb who brings salvation.
What Do You Think?
Which concept or imperative in today’s lesson do you have the most trouble coming to grips with? Why?
Digging Deeper
How will you resolve this problem?
Dear God, may we ever offer praise and thanksgiving for Your glory, wisdom, honor, power, and strength. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
- Thought to Remember
Salvation comes through the blood of the Lamb!
KID’S CORNER
Who Were the Magi?
Sunday, November 7, 2021
Matthew 2:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12
(Matthew 2:1) Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
The name Jesus means Savior; the name the angel told Joseph to name Mary’s Son, because “He will save His people from their sins.” He was conceived by the Holy Spirit; therefore, He was to be called Immanuel (which means “God with us”: see Matthew 1:18-25). Jesus was born in Bethlehem, which was called the City of David, because King David was born there. Micah the prophet foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” (Micah 5:2). Judea was what was left of the southern kingdom of Judah (which included the tribe of Benjamin) after some of the Jews returned from exile in Babylon to Jerusalem and rebuilt the city and temple. Jerusalem had been controlled by the Jebusites until King David conquered the city and moved his capital from Hebron to Jerusalem. At the time of Jesus’ birth, Judea was under Roman occupation, but the Romans had appointed King Herod (Herod the Great) to maintain their rule and had given him the honorific title of king. He was not a Jew but an Idumean (an Edomite). He was a cruel king, who even killed members of his family, but he expanded the second temple in Jerusalem. Magi were wise men, philosophers, astrologers, or counselors. Opinions differ: these wise men could have been Gentiles from Persia or Arabia or they could have been Jews from Persia, descendants of Daniel and other Jewish wise men and counselors who did not return to Jerusalem after the exile. Because they seem to have known some of the Old Testament and seem to have known to expect the coming of the Messiah “the king of the Jews,” I lean toward the fact they were Jewish wise men. If not, they were the first Gentiles to bow down before Jesus, who came to save from their sins both Jews and Gentiles who believed in Him.
(Matthew 2:2) “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”
The wise men used the title for the Messiah (The Anointed One), “King of the Jews;” the same title Pilate used when he placed the placard on the cross when he ordered the execution of Jesus. The wise men may have known the prophecy about the star and the coming of the Messiah, because the prophecy came from the Book of Numbers, a book of the law which, as Jews, they probably had in Persia: “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. He will crush the foreheads of Moab, the skulls of all the people of Sheth” (Numbers 24:17). The prophecy foretold the Messiah as a conquering king, so it is no wonder King Herod was disturbed as well as Jerusalem. In my opinion, the star was a miraculous star that would appear and disappear, similar to the pillar of fire that gave light and led the Hebrews in the wilderness (see Exodus 13:21-22). The star disappeared for a time until after the wise men saw King Herod; otherwise, they might have told him to just follow the star, which would have endangered Jesus needlessly. The wise men did not come to worship King Herod and did not worship him; they came to worship the Messiah.
(Matthew 2:3) When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
When Jesus came the first time as the Messiah, He did not fulfill the Jewish expectation of a conquering hero who would restore their control over the Kingdom of David. Such a conquering hero would threaten the dynasty of King Herod, so he was disturbed. When Jesus came the first time, He conquered the devil and all kinds of afflictions and diseases. Conquering sin, death, and the devil were far more important with lasting consequences for everyone in the world than merely returning the Jews to rule over Judea. When Jesus comes again, He will conquer all His enemies and make all things right in heaven and on earth once again.
(Matthew 2:4) Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.
As an Idumean, King Herod did not know all the prophecies of the Hebrew scriptures, so he turned to the Jewish leaders for information on where the Messiah was to be born.
(Matthew 2:5) They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:
The Jewish leaders gave accurate information to King Herod and the wise men because they went directly to the Scriptures. The Magi probably did not have access to the prophet Micah or the later prophets. The chief priests and scribes knew enough from the Scriptures to know that they should want to worship the Messiah too if He had just been born as the Magi revealed, but they did not seek to do so. If the Messiah had been born, He would grow up and threaten their power, their wealth, and their financial and political beneficial collaboration with the Romans and King Herod. These leaders were just as disturbed as King Herod, because they did not truly worship the true God they professed to serve.
(Matthew 2:6) ‘AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH, ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.’”
Matthew reported the prophet’s words as the Jewish leaders gave them to the Magi; not exactly as we find them in Micah. Matthew was accurate regarding the historical situation and what was said by the Jewish leaders to Herod. God expected the kings and leaders of Israel to “shepherd my people;” something King Herod did not do, but something King David did do (but not perfectly), and something the Messiah would do when He came. When the tribes of Israel went to David in Hebron, they said to him: “In the past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the LORD said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler’” (2 Samuel 5:2; see also 1 Chronicles 11:2; 1 Chronicles 17:6; 1 Chronicles 21:17). Jesus called himself the good shepherd: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). The Book of Hebrews called Jesus the great shepherd: “Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep” (Hebrews 13:20).
(Matthew 2:7) Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared.
Perhaps King Herod did not want the Jewish leaders to warn the wise men about his evil nature when he secretly inquired of them about the timing of the birth of the Messiah. The wise men would have travelled between 500 and 800 miles to see the Messiah, so based on their travelling time it would be important to Herod to know the time of Jesus’ birth because he wanted to find Him and kill Him. He was determined to defeat the plans and purposes of God through the Messiah by deceiving the Magi.
(Matthew 2:8) And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.”
King Herod cloaked his deception in religious or pious words. He wanted the wise men to tell him where the child lived so he could kill him, not worship him. They only knew He was someplace in Bethlehem.
(Matthew 2:9) After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was.
After Herod tried to mislead them, the star again appeared before them to lead them. The star led them to the exact location where Jesus was now living in a house (to Bethlehem or to a town or even Jerusalem where the Lord might have told them to go for their safety). Therefore, we know they were not with the shepherds at the manger the night Jesus was born. The star might have been an angel visitation that the wise men did not recognize as an angel or who was hidden from them in the bright light of the star. I do not believe this star was in a special constellation (an alinement of stars and/or planets), but God may have used a special constellation to first draw the attention of the wise men to the birth of the Messiah and then use the star to lead them as a group specifically and secretly to protect Jesus.
(Matthew 2:10) When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
They probably left King Herod very discouraged for the little help they had received from him and the Jewish leaders. They were strangers in Judea, so where in or near Bethlehem or Jerusalem would they be able to find the Messiah without help? No wonder they were overjoyed when they saw the star once again, a star that may have been visible only to them through their spiritual vision to protect the baby Jesus and His family. Any spies Herod may have sent to follow them would have been misled as they followed the star, especially if they were the only ones who could see it.
(Matthew 2:11) After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Since Joseph needed to financially support Mary and the baby Jesus, we should not be surprised at his absence. As a carpenter, he could find work as God enabled him in Bethlehem or Jerusalem or nearby. We would expect the wise men to bow down before a king, especially before the Messiah that they had so eagerly sought and joyfully found, and Matthew wanted to emphasize that these wise men also worshiped Jesus, as all wise people do. The gifts of frankincense and myrrh were from Persia or Arabia and they would have been highly valued anywhere, but especially in Judea and even in Egypt where the young family was to travel. Myrrh was an ingredient in the anointing oil and frankincense was an ingredient in the incense used in worship at the temple (see Exodus 30:22-38). After Jesus died on the cross, Nicodemus intended to use myrrh to anoint Jesus’ body for burial (John 19:39).
(Matthew 2:12) And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.
God spoke to and warned Joseph through an angel of the Lord in dreams, similar to the way the Lord guided Joseph in the Book of Genesis when he became second only to Pharaoh in Egypt (see Matthew 1:20 and Matthew 2:12). When Matthew wrote that they “returned to their country by another route,” he summarized how Jesus left Bethlehem and Jerusalem and arrived in Nazareth in Galilee, for the angel of the Lord told Moses to flee to Egypt (Matthew 2:13). After King Herod died, Joseph was told in a dream to go to Galilee, in fulfillment of prophecy: “But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene” (Matthew 2:22-23)
Sunday, November 7, 2021
Matthew 2:1-12
The Magi asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him’” (Matthew 2:2).
Some believe that the Magi were Gentile wise men and the first Gentiles to worship Jesus. But the Magi could easily have been descendants of the Jews who did not return to Jerusalem after their seventy years of captivity in Babylon. Daniel and his three friends rose to high positions in the Babylonian court, and there is every reason to believe that they and others like them advised King Cyrus of Persia and many other subsequent rulers in the East where their descendants made their homes for the next 500 years. Some Jewish Magi probably knew to look for the Messiah and His star. The Hebrew Scriptures prophesied: “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” (Numbers 24:17). When some of them saw the special star that announced the Messiah’s birth, they traveled perhaps 800 miles to find and worship Him. Upon their arrival in Jerusalem, King Herod, the high priests, the teachers of the law, and the people were disturbed to learn of the Magi’s expectation of finding the newborn Messiah. The chief priests told King Herod and the Magi about the prophecy that predicted the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. King Herod wanted to murder the Messiah, and we have no indication from Matthew that anyone other than these Magi sought Him to find Him to honor Him. When the star appeared again, the Magi found the house where Jesus and His family stayed. They were overjoyed, and they worshiped Him.
Thinking Further
Who Were the Magi?
Sunday, November 7, 2021
Matthew 2:1-12
Name _______________________________
- What does the name Jesus mean and what name was Jesus to be called?
- How did He get this name and why was He to be called by the other name too? See Matthew 1:18-25. 2. What are Magi and from where did they come? Do you think they were Jews or Gentiles?
3. Describe some features of the star and its purpose and appearances.
4. Who did King Herod and the Magi consult to find where the Messiah was to be born? Why were they given accurate information?
5. Where did the Magi find Jesus?
Discussion and Thinking Further
- What does the name Jesus mean and what name was Jesus to be called?
How did He get this name and why was He to be called by the other name too? See Matthew 1:18-25. Jesus means “Savior, because He will save His people from their sins. The angel gave this name to Joseph to name God’s Son, Jesus. He is to be called “Immanuel,” which means “God with us,” because Jesus is the only begotten Son of God through the Virgin Mary.
- What are Magi and from where did they come? Do you think they were Jews or Gentiles?
Magi are astrologers, philosophers, counselors, or wise men. They came from Persia or Arabia in the East. I think they were Jews (see commentary).
- Describe some features of the star and its purpose and appearances. I
t appeared and reappeared. It led the Magi first to Judea and later to the house where Jesus was living. Apparently, Herod and the Jewish leaders could not see it, for the protection of Jesus and His family.
- Who did King Herod and the Magi consult to find where the Messiah was to be born? Why were they given accurate information?
They consulted the chief priests and teachers of the law. They quoted the Scriptures.
5. Where did the Magi find Jesus? In a house (not in a stable or someplace with a manger), presumably in Bethlehem, but not necessarily so, for an angel may have warned them earlier to move to Jerusalem where they met Simeon and Anna (see Luke 2) or to some other nearby town for their protection. The Bible does not tell us the answer other than “a house.”
Word Search
Who Were the Magi?
Sunday, November 7, 2021
Matthew 2:1-12
Name _________________________________
S R Q G V I F P Q N Z R J U P
Y P Y S D C R H Z B I E N D I
F R A N K I N C E N S E W E H
P D O R E H E T H U P S Q B S
K N L S V T H V S J R X F R R
H Y T J M L D U Y E M B D U O
R S O R E A P S H S X A R T W
R L X H W Y N C D U O A G S O
Y G E L N T A Q L S E F B I W
M M N U B E G W J D Q I O D L
R I X S T J C R U V G Z C V M
H T Z E T Q L J I R O E N L X
E A S T F A O M U F L H Z H M
C H Q O D Y R N X K D X D C G
M E L A S U R E J A T B G K P
Jesus
Bethlehem
Judea
Herod
Magi
East
Jerusalem
Star
Worship
Disturbed
Priests
Teachers
Gold
Frankincense
Myrrh
True and False Test
Who Were the Magi?
Sunday, November 7, 2021
Matthew 2:1-12
Name __________________________________
Circle the true or false answers. Correct the false statements by restating them.
1. Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea to keep Him safely away from King Herod, who would never think to look for Him there. True or False
2. Magi from the East could have been from Persia or Arabia. True or False
3. The Magi did not know what the unusual star might mean, so they
followed it out of curiosity and finally found the answer. True or False
4. King Herod and all Jerusalem were disturbed when they learned that the Messiah might have been born. True or False
5. The Magi wanted to worship King Herod, but only after they had bowed down and worshiped the new born Messiah. True or False
6. The chief priests and teachers of the law knew the prophecy about where the Messiah would be born, so they sought diligently to find Him to worship Him too. True or False
7. The Messiah would be a shepherd for God’s people. True or False
8. When Jesus came, He came as the good shepherd. True or False
9. A dream warned the Magi not to go back to King Herod, so they went home by a different route. True or False
Answers to the True and False Test
- False
- True
- False
- True
- False
- False
- True
- True
- True
Prayer
Dear God, may we ever offer praise and thanksgiving for Your glory, wisdom, honor, power, and strength. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.