The Journey of the Magi: An Eventful Day in Jerusalem, Part 2

 The arrival of the Magi caused quite a stir in the city of Jerusalem. A caravan of camels carrying traders and their goods would have made for an exciting day, but when that caravan accompanied a group of magi searching for a newborn King, it completely disturbed the peace of Jerusalem. For generations the magi had served as advisors to rulers. The Magi are rightly called Wise Men, because they sought out Jesus. They were highly educated, being well versed in the subjects of their day which would have included mathematics, astronomy, political science and more. Their training also included a fair dose of the supernatural by mixing in numerology with mathematics and astrology with astronomy. A new star suddenly popping up in the sky would have gotten their prompt attention.

 

These men were not new to the Biblical histories. We are introduced to them in the book of Daniel. The magi advised King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. Daniel and his three friends received the same education, but were found to be 10 times wiser through the wisdom that comes from above. Because Daniel was made the chief of the wise men and eventually a declaration was sent throughout the entire empire that the God of the Hebrews was to be revered, their successors would have almost certainly been aware of his prophecy about the coming Messiah and would have known that the appropriate amount of time had passed.

 

Let’s look at the Biblical account of the visit of the Wise Men:

 

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem saying “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him. When King Herod heard this, he was deeply troubled and all Jerusalem with him.

 

Being skilled in astronomy, the men had noticed a new star in the sky and followed it, pulling right into Jerusalem and going directly to the palace to pay homage to the new King. These men had come to curry favor and secure future good relations. Instead, they were the bearers of news that was most unwelcome to the ruling elite. While Jesus’ birth was good news to the common folk, to Herod and the Sadducees, this was the worst news ever.

 

King Herod ("the Great") was the darling of Rome. He ruled over Judea as a vassal king of Caesar. He built the port city of Caesarea as a tribute to Caesar so that Roman nobles arriving by boat would see Roman columns and enjoy a hippodrome, theater and luxury accommodations. Inland, he built a lavish palace in Jericho and a luxurious country stronghold near Bethlehem which he named Herodium after himself. In Jerusalem he dramatically increased the size of the temple mount and monetized religion by charging a temple tax. Imagine being charged admission to get into church. A lucrative business also developed for selling the necessary animals for sacrifices. Herod and the religious leaders were living high on the hog with extravagant clothing, rich food and lives of privilege as Roman pawns. News of the King of the Jews being brought by a caravan of foreign emissaries directly to the current occupant of the throne was not welcome news to them at all.

 

There has been much speculation about where the wise men came from. The Bible says that they came from the East which means that they were not Egyptian wise men from the south, nor were they Assyrian wise men from the north. They were from the East. Biblically, the term "land of the East," refers to anything East of the Jordan River. The certainly included the Babylonian and Persian Empires, based in modern day Iraq and Iran. The one time capital cities of Babylon and Suza are located almost due East of Jerusalem. In Daniel’s day, there were many of the magi living in Babylon, advising the King. In fact, there was a famous school for them with 3 levels of learning in ancient Babylon. In Esther’s day, many of these wise men were likely headquartered a bit further East in Susa, where the King was ruling from. They came from Babylon and/or Susa, due East of Jerusalem. Here is a map:

 

 

The city of Hillah, built over the site of ancient Babylon is 542 miles due East of Jerusalem near modern day Bagdad. It would take a fit person about 3 weeks to walk in a straight line. We also encounter such wise men in the historical book of Esther which took place in Susa, about 228 miles further East beyond Babylon. The map shows various routes that a caravan might take around the desert. If the magi began making preparations for their prophesied journey by camel caravan after seeing the star appear on the night of Jesus birth, we could reasonably expect them to arrive in Bethlehem about 5 or 6 weeks later. I have wondered why the entire city would have been thrown into an uproar over the news of the Messiah, if Anna had already delivered it. I am quite convinced that they arrived on the very same day. Anna shared the good news with the faithful Jews who were waiting, hoping and eagerly anticipating the arrival of their Messiah. The wise men brought the news to those who were less eager, the secular government and corrupt religious leaders. Since all of Jerusalem was stirred up over the news, I believe it only makes sense that 40 days after Jesus’ birth, on the very same afternoon or evening after the temple visit, the wise men showed up bringing the news to Herod. With Anna proclaiming the birth of the Messiah to the temple visitors and the hearers (or gossippers) excitedly spreading the news throughout the city, the caravan of Magi arrived, also announcing the birth of the new Jewish King. The city was in pandemonium.

 

After hearing the news, Herod responded this way:

 

So he assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the Christ would be born. In Bethlehem of Judea, they told him, because this is what was written by the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah: Because out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel. Then Herod secretly summoned the wise men and asked them the exact time the star appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said “Go and search carefully for the child. When you find him, report back to me so that I too can go and worship him.” 

After hearing the king, they went on their way and there it was—the star they had seen at its rising. It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overwhelmed with joy. Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother and falling to their knees, they worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. 

Jerusalem is about 7 miles north of Bethlehem. If the wise men approached from the North, having gone up and around the desert along the caravan route, the Star would have appeared directly behind Jerusalem in Bethlehem. If they crossed the desert, it would have brought them in the direction of these two cities. Either way, as they got closer, the star was situated directly above Jerusalem. I believe this is because Jesus was in the city for his presentation at the temple. As the magi departed from the palace, they were elated to see the star back up in the sky, but it was in motion. The only explanation I can think of for the star moving and leading them from Jerusalem to Bethlehem is that as Mary and Joseph took Jesus back to Bethlehem, the star followed overhead. As the city became chaotic with excitement, Joseph probably got his family up and out of there, leaving at twilight. The wise men were able to follow the star as Scripture says it led them directly to Jesus, settling over the house where He was. 

The wealthy visitors worshipped Jesus and presented Him with gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. These gifts are of great significance.

I. GOLD: Jesus is King 

Gold was a fitting present to set before royalty. This gift honored and recognized Jesus as King. God had given Adam mashal, granting him the authority to reign over the earth as His representative, like a vassal King.  Adam had foolishly lost some of that power when he listened to Satan's voice over God's and sinned. As the second sinless Adam, Jesus took that lost authority back. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords (1 Timothy 6:15, Revelation 19:16). When the Gabriel the angel spoke to Mary he reiterated the words of the prophet Isaiah: 

Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

II. FRANKINCENSE: Jesus is God

Frankincense is an aromatic, burned by priests as an offering to God. It comes from the sap, or resin from a tree and can be used to make perfume or burning incense for use in worship. It was an appropriate presentation that recognized and honored Jesus as Divine. Jesus is fully God, of one essence with the Father and has always existed.

III. MYRRH: Jesus is a Man

Myrrh was a perfume that was used in burial preparations. This gift foreshadowed Jesus’ death on the cross and his subsequens burial and resurrection. Jesus would die for our sins, to reconcile us back to God. Jesus if fully man, and can relate to us.

These gifts symbolically demonstrate that Jesus is both God and man. He would die to save us. They remind us that Christ is both human and divine, a man of suffering and the victorious risen King. Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and while he chose to come humbly as a savior, offering peace, he will one day return bringing justice and judgement upon his enemies.  

These gifts were products of the land of the East. Genesis 25:6 tells us that Abraham gave gifts to the grandchildren of Ishmael, the son he had with his wife Sarah's handmaid named  Hagar. He also gave gifts to his grandchildren from his second wife Keturah, whom he married after Sarah died. He sent the descendants across the Jordan river to the Land of the East. 

Abraham gave gifts to the sons of his concubines, but while he was still alive he sent them eastward, away from his son Isaac, to the land of the East. 

God had promised that ALL of the nations of the world would be blessed through Abraham's lineage.  Isaiah prophesied reconciliation with these children from across the river as they too would be blessed by Jesus, a descendant of Abraham. Here are some highlights from Isaiah Chapters 59-60 that relate directly to the visit of the Magi.

They will fear (revere) the name of Yahweh in the West and his glory in the East...The Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those in Jacob who turn from transgression. 

The word Jacob here refers to the nation of the descendants of the man whose name was changed to Israel. The Redeemer is promised to those who repent and turn away from their sins.  This reminds us that in order to be redeemed, or saved, we must turn away from our sins and toward Jesus. In the verses that follow God promises to send His Holy Spirit to those who believe. After that, the prophet declares:

Arise, shine, for your light has come and the glory of the LORD shines over you. For look, darkness will cover the earth and total darkness all the peoples, but the LORD will shine over you and his glory will appear over you. Nations will come to your light and kings to your shining brightness...

Caravans of camels will cover your land--young camels of Midian and Ephah--all of them will come from Sheba. They will carry gold and frankincense and proclaim the praises of the LORD. All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth will serve you and go up on my altar as an acceptable sacrifice. I will glorify my beautiful house. 

Out of the darkness, came a great light, Jesus. The star shining over the place where Jesus' was, drawing the Magi to Him, reminds us of this important truth.  The cities mentioned are named after descendants of Abraham, all East of the Jordan River. The gold and frankincense the Wise Men brought as presents to the Christ child were products of Arabia and an offering laid at the feet of the newborn King. 

The original audience of Isaiah's prophetic discourse would likely have assumed these verses were about God blessing Israel by returning the people back into the promised land from exile and bringing prosperity to Jerusalem, the shining city on a hill. The predictions of these chapters were partially fulfilled, but not completely. They were intended to leave the people of Israel and even ourselves asking, is more yet to come? These prophecies actually have a dual fulfillment, an initial partial down payment on the promise, but with a glance toward the future, looking forward not only to the coming incarnation of Christ, but to his redemptive work and the completion of the promise at the end of days. 

Caravans did indeed visit Jerusalem with camels and dromedaries raised in Midian, bringing riches and goods. On the occasion of the Magi's visit we specifically see that the prophet's words were true, God's promise was kept and the great light drawing the children of Abraham together is Jesus. The Wise Men were the beginning, many more of the children of Abraham living in the land East of the Jordan would come to know Jesus as Messiah and Lord. 

Much of the area we know as the Middle East today once sheltered a flourishing Christian community and thriving church. I have an English copy of The Diatessaron by Tatian, a 4 part harmony of the Gospels dating back to 150 A.D. written in Syriac, a Christian form of Aramaic that was used by these believers in the East. It was only after the religion of Islam was invented by Muhammed in 610 A.D. that these nations, some of them predominantly Christian, were attacked and forcibly "coverted," to Islam in the following centuries. Islam is a religion whose primary belief is inscribed inside their temple built on top of the site of the fallen temple in Jerusalem: "Far be it from God that he should have a son." The entire religion exists as an anti-Christian movement, leading the physical descendants of Abraham astray. As Christians, who are the true, spiritual children of Abraham, rather than view Muslims as enemies, we should view them as prodigals, people who were conquered and led astray, people Jesus died for, people God wants to save. Muslim countries are not the enemy of Christians, they are our mission field, the most difficult mission field because their leaders actively persecute Christians and try to prevent the good news about Jesus from being shared. They are stealing the birthright of Abraham's other children. Our goal is evangelization and reconciliation. 

After presenting their gifts and worshipping Jesus, the magi went home.

And being warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their own country by another route. Then Herod, when he realized he had been outwitted by the wise men, flew into a rage. He gave orders to massacre all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under; in keeping with the time he had learned from the wise men. Then what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning. Rachel weeping for her children; and she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.

Herod himself was not a Jew. He was an Idumean. Idumea is the Greek way of pronouncing Edom, where the Edomites lived. Edom means “Red,” which was the nickname of Esau, Jacob’s brother. Herod was a descendant of Esau. The Jews were descended from Jacob. It is significant that God sent wealthy royal advisors to Herod because he sent messengers he would listen to. From the beginning of Jesus’ life on earth, God reached out to Gentiles or non-Jews, just like Simeon prophesied. God immediately reached out to one of Esau’s descendants. Many of them would become Christians eventually, but not Herod. The Magi brought the message of good news right to his doorstep, but he rejected it. He refused to accept the Gospel. Not only that, but he tried to have Jesus murdered so that he could stay in power. Sadly, many of the religious leaders would react in similar fashion. Like Herod, they hardened their hearts and rejected the Messiah.   

 

The magi were warned in a dream about Herod's scheme and altered their route home to avoid him. Even though they told him precisely when the star appeared, Herod flew into a mad rage and ordered the execution of every child within a 2 year age range, from birth all the way to two years old in and around Bethlehem. History tells us that eleven innocent children died by the order of this power hungry lunatic, a fact that Jeremiah had sadly prophesied. After the visit of the wise men, the star is not mentioned again and since Herod was not able to use it to find Jesus, we can reasonably deduce that the phenomena disappeared. 

After they were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream saying “Get up! Take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt and stay there until I tell you. For Herod is about to search for the child to kill him. So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and escaped to Egypt. He stayed there until Herod’s death so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled: Out of Egypt I called my son.

As soon as the magi left, once again Joseph was visited in a dream by an angel who warned him of impending danger. He took Mary and the child and fled in the middle of the night, narrowly escaping Herod's wrath as he whisked his family safely away to Egypt, gifts in hand. As I alluded to earlier, it is common for Old Testament texts to have 2 meanings—a literal and immediate meaning and a future, prophetic meaning. Originally, the Bible spoke of God calling his “son,” the nation of Israel out of Egypt. Now, we see this statement having a secondary meaning, prophetically pointing to Jesus who would deliver us out of bondage and slavery to sin in the same way that God delivered Israel out of bondage and slavery to Egypt, which symbolically represents sin.

 

After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling of Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned in a dream, he withdrew to the region of Galilee. The he went and settled in a town called Nazareth to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.  

 

Once Herod was dead, an angel from the Lord told Joseph it was safe to come back to Judea, so He, Jesus and Mary returned home to Nazareth. With their return to their own town of Nazareth, every prophecy about the birth of Jesus had been completely fulfilled, including the prophecy that He would be called a Nazarene. The Messiah had come. 

Matthew's account of the events surrounding Jesus' birth ends there. Luke ends his account of these early events with these words:

The boy grew up and became strong, filled with wisdom and God's grace was on Him. 

 SERIES CONCLUSION

In this Advent series we have studied a variety of responses to the news of Jesus’ birth. The Shepherds heard the news proclaimed by God’s holy angels who are ministering spirits. They believed it, came to Jesus, worshipped Him and then shared the good news with others. This sets the precedent for the preaching of the Gospel. We tell others the good news and the Holy Spirit works in their hearts. If they believe it they come to Jesus, worship Him and then tell others the good news about the forgiveness of sins and salvation that is found in Him.

The Holy Spirit drew Simeon to the temple. He believed, came to meet Jesus and then praised Him out loud. Anna heard Simeon’s exclamation, believed and declared the good news to all who were awaiting redemption. But not everyone responded that way. Herod rejected the good news, refused to accept Jesus as his Messiah and tried to kill him.

The question is, how will you respond? Will you harden your heart against God like Herod? Or will you be like Simeon, Anna and the Shepherds? Will you accept Jesus as your Messiah, your Deliverer, your Savior?

Simeon & Anna Meet Jesus: An Eventful Day in Jerusalem, Part 1

 Jesus’ first trip into the storied city of Jerusalem was an eventful one. Forty days after he was born, Mary and Joseph took him into Jerusalem to continue fulfilling what the Law required. Their obedience provides us with special insight into the longing and attitude of faithful Jews who had been awaiting the arrival of their promised Savior. Mary and Joseph followed Leviticus 12:2-5 to the letter which delivered instructions for allowing a woman time to heal after giving birth to a child and provides directions for how an Israelite child was to be cared for as well:

Tell the Israelites: When a woman becomes pregnant and gives birth to a male child, she will be unclean seven days, as she is during the days of her menstrual impurity. The flesh of his foreskin must be circumcised on the eighth day. She will continue in purification from her bleeding for thirty-three days. She must not touch any holy thing or go into the sanctuary until completing her days of purification. 

After allowing Mary 7 days to heal, the young couple took Jesus to receive the sign of God's Covenant with Israel, a promise Jesus came to keep, follow, fulfill and otherwise complete from both sides.  Luke 2:21-38 narrates these historical events that took place after the Christ child was born:

At the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Jesus was named before he was even conceived. Eight days after he was born, the Christ child was circumcised by a local priest in Bethlehem and the name that is above all other names, Jesus, was formally bestowed upon him. This name means “Yahweh is Salvation.” Yahweh is the personal name of God. Such a name tells us that we have a God who loves and cares for us and desires a personal relationship with us so much that He sent His Son to provide a way for us to be saved and reconciled to Him.

Circumcision was the sign of the Old Covenant, but like much of the Old Testament instructions for cleanliness, it also has practical medical benefits and is still common today for that reason. Baptism has replaced circumcision as the sign of the New Covenant, but it is for believers who are old enough to make a decision to follow Christ. This is why we Baptists do not baptize infants. 

It is, however, common to have baby dedications, a practice which also has Biblical roots. While it is not a requirement, it is still meaningful and a good form of worship. About a month after his circumcision, Jesus, Himself, was dedicated in the temple:

And when the days of their purification according the Law of Moses were finished, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord) and to offer a sacrifice (according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons)

Thirty-three days after Jesus was circumcised, forty days after he was born, Mary's days of purification were completed. This means that she would no longer be considered "unclean" because her body had received sufficient time to heal after giving birth and she could go to the temple. It was God himself who instituted the concept of a rest for mothers after delivering a child.  

The couple took Jesus to the temple to present and dedicate him to the Lord and to present offerings in accordance with God’s Law. According to Leviticus 12, they were to bring a yearling lamb to sacrifice as a burnt offering and either a pigeon or a turtle dove as a sin offering. A couple that could not afford a lamb could offer two fowl instead. Mary and Joseph were of humble means so they availed themselves of this option presenting one bird as a burnt offering and one as a sin offering. I view the burnt offering as an offering of thanks to God. Joseph and Mary were righteous people, they were in a right standing with God because they followed His laws, but they were not sinless. The sin offering was not because anything about having a child was sinful, but rather a recognition that all people have sinned and need to be forgiven. Mary would leave the temple completely clean, both physically and spiritually.

These offerings were a special act of worship, thanks and reverence for God who had blessed them with a child. The word holy means to be set apart. This dedication of the firstborn child was a way of setting him apart for a special purpose and asking God’s blessing that the whole family would be blessed through him. In fact, all of Abraham’s family tree would be blessed through Jesus.

While visiting the temple complex, Joseph, Mary and Jesus met two true believers:

There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple.

The word translated as consolation, is the Greek word paraklesis, which means comfort or “Comforter.” This was a title given by rabbis to the Messiah. How fitting that Simeon was refer to Jesus as “The Comforter of Israel.” Jesus himself would one day promise to send the His Spirit to believers to live inside of us as our Comforter. Beginning with the proclamation of the angel Gabriel to Mary, then to Joseph and now with the Spirit’s interaction with Simeon, we see that the Holy Spirit will be front and center throughout the New Testament. That very day as Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to present him to the Lord, the Holy Spirit guided Simeon to come to the temple. God had promised him that he would live to see the Messiah, the Savior of his people. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, meaning that he was eagerly waiting hoping and anticipating the coming of the Messiah and trusting in God to deliver His people. Simeon was surely comforted that day as he lay eyes upon the Lord and held him in his arms.

When the parents brought the child Jesus to do for him according to the custom of the Law, Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God and said: “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace according to you word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

Simeon praised God in a song declaring that Jesus would be a light, not only to the Jews, but also to the Gentiles. He could now die in Shalom, in peace, knowing that his people would be redeemed. The Holy Spirit also revealed to Simeon that God’s salvation would be for both Jews and Gentiles, for all tongues, tribes, nations and people groups on earth, for all who believe. God had promised that all of the nations of the world would be blessed through Abraham, and now, they would indeed be blessed and reconciled through his descendants, the people of Israel and more specifically through Jesus.

And his father and mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also) so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

Mary and Joseph were amazed at what Simeon said about Jesus. He had been blessed and would now pronounce a blessing upon the new parents. He prophesied that Jesus would be the reason for both the rise and fall of many in Israel. Those who elevated themselves would be brought low and those who humbled themselves would be exalted. The arrogant religious leaders would be brought low and the poor believers would be lifted up. Those who place their faith in Jesus as the only source of salvation will be raised from the dead to live with Him in heaven. Those who do not believe will destroyed in Limne Pur, the Lake of Fire.

In prophesying that a sword would pierce Mary’s soul, he predicts the sword of the Roman soldier who pierced Jesus’ side to confirm his death on the cross, which must have been a heartbreaking, devastating moment for her. God knows the thoughts and intentions of the human heart. In the act of crucifying Jesus, the religious leaders would finally reveal their true nature to the world. The wolves showed their teeth. Their pride led to a fall. Their power and grip on the people would be lessened as Christianity grew. Their authority would be taken away and given to the humble followers of Christ.

During their trip to the temple, Mary and Joseph also encountered a prophetess named Anna.

There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and was a widow for eighty-four years. She did not leave the temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers. At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

  Just as Simeon was speaking to Mary and Joseph, Anna arrived. If married at age 20, she would have been about 111 years old and had been faithfully serving God through prayer for most of her long life. She was so excited that she spoke to everyone who was waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. This means that she told the good news to the faithful Jews of the city and those visiting the temple from around the world who, like Simeon, were hoping, trusting and eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Messiah. 

After her husband’s untimely death left her as a widow, Anna lived her entire life alone without a kinsman redeemer to marry her.  She must have been intimately acquainted with the feeling of longing for redemption and the need for a redeemer. Some of the hearers might have understood that they were being redeemed, rescued and saved from their sins, while others might have mistakenly thought this news meant they were being freed from Roman rule. Time would reveal the truth. Either way, the news of the Messiah must have been very exciting. The city of Jerusalem must have been buzzing with excitement. Could this be true? Could this be real? 

Simeon and Anna learned the truth about the Messiah and they responded appropriately. The Holy Spirit revealed the truth directly to Simeon and he believed, came to Jesus, praised Him and then blessed and encouraged Mary and Joseph, proclaiming a message of good news to the young couple. Anna heard Simeon’s proclamation, believed, thanked/worshipped God and then began proclaiming the good news of Jesus’ birth to men and women who had been eagerly awaiting the coming of the Messiah. 

Simeon and Anna responded with enthusiasm to Jesus. When the good news or Gospel of Jesus Christ is preached, the Holy Spirit speaks to the hearts of men and women calling on us to respond. How will you respond? Will you believe Jesus is the Son of God? Will you believe that He died for your sins and rose again victorious over death? Will you place your faith in Him and worship Him too? Will you be like Anna and share the good news by telling others?

Here is the link to the Final Installment of this series: The Journey of the Magi

Bethlehem: An Awkward Homecoming

 While our Savior is often called “Jesus of Nazareth,” because that is where his parents lived and where he grew up, it was also prophesied that he would be born in Bethlehem, which seemed highly unlikely until…

I. THE CENSUS WAS ORDERED

A decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town.

The taking of a census is an important Biblical theme. God designed the census as way to atone for the sins of the people and to avoid punishment. A Census involved exercising authority as God’s representative. Moses made a record of this in Exodus 30:2:

When you take a census of the Israelites to count them, each one must pay the LORD a ransom for his life at the time he is counted. Then no plague will come on them when you number them.

When the people sinned and got out of control, the leader would deal with any flagrant sin that was occurring, then count the men, assign them to their duties and responsibilities and then take an offering so that they understood there was a price to be paid for sin. The ransom offering taken during Moses’ census was used to construct the Tabernacle. 3 Things happened: 

1. The people were counted

2. A ransom offering was taken

3. A dwelling place was built for God

After initially failing to conduct an appropriate census as ordered by God and suffering the consequences, David eventually completed the task and the offering taken was used to build the First Temple. In the days of the exiles returning from Babylon, the people were counted and the ransom offering given was used to build the Second Temple on the site where the first one had been destroyed. 

At the turn of the Millennium, Bethlehem was part of the Roman Empire in the region of Judea and even though a pagan ruler held power over them, it was still a census that brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, falling in line with the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in that town. The Christ Child would grow up to present himself as an offering that would pay the ransom for all of our lives so that we could be forgiven of our sins. That offering is still being used to build God’s Temple, the Church. For the census, by order of Caesar, Joseph and his wife Mary would have to travel to...

II. THE HOMETOWN OF JOSEPH'S ANCESTORS

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

As we learned in the earlier posts in this advent series, Jesus would be a legal descendant and heir of King David through Joseph. He would be a literal, physical descendant of David through his mother Mary. This is why he is often called the Son of David. At this time, Joseph had already taken Mary into his home and they were living as husband and wife. While they had not yet consummated the marriage through physical intimacy, no one knew that and it was assumed by everyone in Nazareth that she was pregnant with Joseph’s child.

Bethlehem is located far to the south of Nazareth. The reason the Bible says they went UP to the city of David is because it was higher in elevation.

Bethlehem, which means house of bread, had been the ancestral home of Joseph's family going all the way back to the time of Boaz and Ruth. How fitting that Jesus, the bread of life, would be born in this town. While a few Jews may have looked askance at anyone coming from Nazareth in the region of Galilee, as we learned in the previous post there is no reason to believe that Mary and Joseph were social outcasts as some have postulated, but rather that they were closely related family members from the tribe of Judah participating in a homecoming of sorts. And they arrived just in time for... 

THE BIRTH OF THE PROMISED ONE

So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

How interesting that the English version of this text reads: the days were completed for her to be delivered. Obviously, it is referring to the fact that it was time for Mary to give birth. But it reminds me of the song lyric “this child that you delivered will soon deliver you.” The time had come for Jesus to deliver, or save the world from our sins and darkness.

When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, some translations say there was no room for them in the inn, others read: there was no guest room available for them. If there was a local inn, it would certainly have been full, but this was much worse, every home in the town was filled with visitors or they would likely have been welcomed into the home of one of their relatives. Speculation as to the attitude with which they were received isn’t particularly helpful. I believe it best to accept the simple explanation that by the time they arrived, the only accommodations available for the night were in the stable.

They may been offered shelter in a barn or stable out back, but in that day, many people lived in 2 story stone structures. They often slept in one large room upstairs, used the rooftops like a front porch and cooked and worked on the bottom floor. The few animals the family owned were sometimes stabled for the night on the first floor. Inns may have been built and used in the same manner, more like a hostel than a luxury hotel with separate rooms. Whether the young family spent the night in a barn, a cave, or the bottom story of an inn or home, what we know for sure is that they slept in the place where the animals slept, the stable.

I often here city folk speculating about the filth and muck of a stable, as if Mary and Joseph were wading around in a squishy pile of wet manure. But any real cattleman, horseman or shepherd keeps their barn mucked out and in good shape. Animals would have been valuable to a family and kept in a sheltered, safe place. Think of kids at the fair cleaning up after their animals and families sleeping in the barns near them, and you will probably have a more accurate picture of what the stable was like. It wasn’t ideal, and it was certainly humble, but I think it’s important to paint the most accurate picture we can and that is of a safe, dry place with shelter from the wind and cold of night.

It would have been rather awkward to deliver the baby in a room where many people were crowded and trying to sleep, but the shelter of a stable, while very humble, would have afforded more privacy than other options. If you have ever spent time in a barn, it can be pretty peaceful. Animals down for the night are quiet. I am sure that midwives were called. December was wintertime in ancient Bethlehem, so Mary bundled Jesus up warmly in soft cloths and laid him in a feed trough because there was no other crib available. Warmly wrapped, cushioned by cloths and safely surrounded by the stone walls of the trough, the baby could not fall, be dropped or become injured. 

Jesus wasn’t born in a palace because he didn’t come to be an earthly king. He didn’t come to pander to the wealthy and powerful religious leaders who were living like kings and taking advantage of the poor. God is not mocked and He was not fooled by the religious pretense of the Jewish leaders, He knew the thoughts and intentions of their hearts. Jesus did not come to play the politics of the Roman Empire or seek wealth and privilege. He humbled himself, stepped down from heaven and came to the poor and needy. He came to those living in darkness who needed light and hope. Fully God, He also became fully man so that He could understand us and relate to us. Not only did he choose this, he planned it. 

Great affirmation is given to the validity of Old Testament prophecy by the fact that the prophet Micah accurately predicted the unlikely location of Jesus’ birth:

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah; one will come forth from you to be ruler over Israel for me. His coming forth is from long ago, from the days of eternity. Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor has given birth, then the rest of the ruler’s brothers will return. He will stand and shepherd them in the strength of the LORD his God. They will live securely, for then his greatness will extend to the ends of the earth. 

Jesus coming from heaven to be our Savior was planned from the very beginning. Redemption was always God’s plan. After around 400 years of silence from the prophets, God’s was reaching out to His people. He would send the Messiah to lead and guide us, and this redeemer would be born in Bethlehem. It is no coincidence that the Great Shepherd would come from this little town. Long before he was king, David himself had been a shepherd. The birth of the promised Savior was first announced by angels in spectacular fashion to...

THE SHEPHERDS

Shepherds are used throughout Scripture as an example of how God's men are to shepherd, or pastor His people. Think of the example given in the 23rd Psalm. In fact, the word translated in our New Testaments as Pastor is the word Poimen, the Greek word for Shepherd. The Shepherds in the fields between Bethlehem and Jerusalem had an incredibly important job. They watched over the lambs that would be used for the Passover and the sacrifices in the temple. Since the lambs had to be spotless, or without blemish, they had to guard and protect them carefully. They led them to nourishing pastures and refreshing streams, protecting them from predators like wolves, lions and bears, risking their lives to protect their sheep just like David had done. In the same way, Jesus would give up his life to save His sheep. The Shepherd of a smaller flock would often sleep at the entrance to a sheepfold, making himself the door, so that no predators could get in. So it is with God's Kingdom, Jesus is like the gate, the only way in is through Him. The Shepherds of these enormous flocks basically lived out in the fields with the sheep, or at least slept out there while they were on duty near fires or in shelters. 

In the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: You will find the baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and laying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and earth peace, goodwill toward men.”

The word angel means messenger. The most notable aspect of the angel's visit to the shepherds is that they proclaimed a message of peace on earth, good will toward men. They didn't bring warnings, fear, or threats of punishment. They proclaimed glad tidings of great joy for everyone. They declared grace. God had come in peace. Jesus was coming to pay the ransom to atone for the sins of all people so that anyone who believes and trusts in him will be saved. The heavenly army of angels did not show up that night wielding swords to destroy God’s enemies as instruments of God’s wrath, they were sent as emissaries of peace. The heavenly ambassadors declared that the long awaited Messiah had arrived, Jesus had been born in Bethlehem. The angelic choir filled the sky with God's praises and brought a joyful message to the Shepherds. 

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen as it had been told them.

The humble Shepherds recognized that it was God who had chosen them to share this special news with. They had the wonderful privilege of being among the first people to gaze upon the face of the Messiah. They responded by giving honor, praise and glory to God. They worshipped. The Shepherds had been entrusted with valuable animals, possibly even Passover lambs and sacrificial lambs, now they would be entrusted with the Good News about Jesus, the Lamb of God...and they told everyone they encountered. What an appropriate response to the Gospel. It is fitting that the name Jesus chose for those who would lead his people would be pastors, or Shepherds. But it isn’t only the shepherds who are called to proclaim the good news of Jesus’ birth, all believers share in that privilege and responsibility. And I am here to tell you that the good news of Jesus birth is for you. Jesus came to save you, forgive you and give you hope if you will believe, turn away from your sins and accept him as the Shepherd of your life.

Mary carefully thought over and remembered all of these things, pondering them in her heart, safely tucking them away in her memory. Years later, Luke, the writer of this historical book, interviewed Mary and recorded these events for us to read…so that we might Believe!!!

Here is the link to the next article in this series: Simeon & Anna Meet Jesus

Mary & Joseph: Visits with Angels and Country Cousins

Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a remarkable woman. Her fascinating story, recorded in Luke 1:26-38, begins with an abrupt interruption to her life and plans when an angel from God suddenly burst onto the scene:

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 

During the 6th month after Elizabeth conceived, the angel Gabriel visited her cousin Mary. This was likely in mid to late March. King David of Israel lived about 1,000 years before the parents of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Both could trace their family tree back to him. Jesus would be a LEGAL descendant and heir of David through Joseph. He would be a PHYSICAL descendant of David through Mary. It is significant that the angel was sent to a town in Galilee. This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 9:1-2 which predicted the coming of a savior to Israel:

In the future he will bring honor to the way of the sea, to the land east of the Jordan, even to Galilee of the nations. 

Mary is actually an English transliteration of the name Maria or Miriam, a good Jewish name, after the sister of Moses. Mary was a true virgin, just as Isaiah had prophesied when he said:

Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means God is with us)

Mary and Joseph were betrothed. Despite what you may have heard, a betrothal was not the same as an engagement in modern society and Mary was almost certainly not a teenager when the angel visited her. As they entered their teen years, Jewish youths were considered to be bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah, sons and daughters of the commandments who were expected to know right from wrong and were responsible for their actions, but they were not considered to be fully adult until the age of 20. There is neither Biblical evidence to suggest nor logical reason to believe Mary would have been engaged before she reached adulthood. In fact, the first and second century church stood strongly against child marriage. Mary was likely in her early 20’s when she became betrothed to Joseph. 

To be betrothed meant that the couple had already agreed to a marriage covenant. The groom would present the Ketubah, or marriage contract, to the young woman and her father and then pour 3 cups of wine. If the father agreed to the proposal, he would drink from the cup. If the young woman agreed, she would signify her consent by drinking from the cup. The groom would also drink and seal the agreement. After the covenant was made, they were already considered legally married. Then the husband would go and prepare a place for them to live together and when it was ready, he would come and get his bride and take her home to consummate the marriage. A wedding feast would follow. But those plans were about to be interrupted.

And the angel came to her and said: “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you” But Mary was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting it could be. Then the angel told her: Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will have no end. 

The angel Gabriel suddenly showed up and told Mary she had found favor with God and would be the mother of our Lord. Since this was probably in the latter half of March it lines up with the beliefs of the early church that the Messiah was born on December 25. More importantly, He would be named Jesus and called the Son of the Most High. He would be God. The word translated favor is the Greek word for grace, charis. It conveys the meaning of its Hebrew equivalent, chesed, which is translated as lovingkindness, tender mercies, and steadfast, faithful love. When Mary was scared and troubled, the angel comforted her by telling her how much God loved her. She was to give her son the name Jesus (Iesous) which is the Greek version of the Hebrew word Joshua (Yeshua) meaning Yahweh is my Salvation. Gabriel's message was in reference to the prophecy of Isaiah 9:7

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. 

Jesus is the fulfillment of all the Old Testament prophecies about the coming of the Messiah, the Christ. After Gabriel’s prophetic recitation, Mary inquired:

How can this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man? The angel replied to her: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God…For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary Said: “I am the Lord’s servant, May it be done to me according to your word.”

Mary's response was truly remarkable. She was a WILLING servant of God. Mary gave her whole-hearted consent to be part of God's plan. Jesus was to be both truly God and truly man. This teaching is called the Hypostatic Union. Jesus, in the incarnation was a literal, physical, blood descendant of Mary and by extension, David. But He was also still God, truly divine, having been conceived through the Holy Spirit.

Mary Visits Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56)
After becoming pregnant, Mary hurried to her cousin Elizabeth's home in the hill country of Judah. Elizabeth and Mary exchanged encouraging greetings full of hope and faith. John, who would later be called, "the Baptist," jumped in Elizabeth's womb when he heard Mary's voice. Notice the affirmation that life begins at conception?  In response, Elizabeth enthusiastically exclaimed:

Blessed are you among women and your child will be blessed. How could this happen to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill what He has spoken to her.

These women believed every word the angel had spoken and they sang and prophesied over each other. Elizabeth professed that Jesus would be Lord. She understood that Jesus was the promised Messiah who would provide salvation. She proclaimed that Mary had been blessed and applauded her faith. This is how believers are supposed to greet one another and rejoice together. Mary's subsequent song of praise provides a sermon in itself.

And Mary Said:

My soul praises the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior

because he has looked with favor on the humble condition of his servant.

Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed,

Because the Mighty One has done great things for me and His name is Holy.

His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear Him.

Mary experienced exceeding joy in God her Savior, just as the name Jesus indicates. Savior comes from the word sozo, which means to rescue and heal, to restore and make whole. This describes the deep and powerful work that Jesus accomplishes in our souls when He comes into our lives. She believed that Jesus was the promised Messiah and her soul magnified God.

Mary also agreed with the prophetic declaration of Elizabeth saying surely she WOULD be called blessed. Yet she immediately recognized that God had done this wonderful thing for her and promptly pivoted to reflect attention away from herself and toward Him. She proclaimed His name as Holy and set apart. She reminds us that His mercy endures through the ages toward those who honor and respect Him.

He has done a mighty deed with his arm;

He has scattered the proud because of the thoughts of their hearts;

He has toppled the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly.

Mary foresaw Jesus’ victory in life and in death and resurrection. She spoke prophetically with words full of faith as if Jesus had already conquered his enemies, proclaiming the victory of the cross before Jesus was even born. He would accomplish the great work God sent Him to do. 

Just as Mary prophesied, the arrogant religious leaders of Israel would indeed be scattered as the city of Jerusalem would eventually fall. Jesus took authority away from them and gave the inheritance of His kingdom to the humble. He entrusted His disciples with the leadership of the church. He gave spiritual power and authority to build His Kingdom to His followers.  This passage also indicates that the spiritual enemies of God would be defeated. The people of Israel likely expected Him to conquer earthly kings, but He defeated Satan and evil spiritual powers first to establish His spiritual Kingdom. Jesus gave his disciples power over demons and the forces of evil. Jesus would defeat spiritual enemies in high places. Strongholds, places where evil had taken control and darkness reigned would be broken and shattered as the whole earth shook when Jesus was crucified on the cross. Jesus will come again to defeat physical enemies, but only after showing grace to allow them time to repent. Mary prophesied something Jesus would also say directly Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. The next part of her song continues with this theme. 

He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty.

Jesus fed the 5,000 and on another occasion he fed 4,000, but he also gave people spiritual food and drink. Still today, He nourishes our souls. The rich young ruler couldn’t have this gift because he valued earthly treasure more than heavenly treasure. Jesus is the bread of life. He is living water for our souls. He promised that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness would be filled—satisfied.

He has helped his servant Israel, remembering His mercy to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as He spoke to our ancestors.

Mary recognized that this moment was the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham. God had kept His word and she would be a part of it. After about 3 months, just before John was born, Mary returned home. Seems a little strange that she would stay so long and then leave before seeing the baby....

Joseph and Mary Reunited (Matthew 1:18-25)

While Luke’s account of the events leading up to the birth of Christ focuses on Mary, Matthew’s account focuses on Joseph and in so doing, provides us with a more complete picture. The two accounts harmonize perfectly.

The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way. After his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit. So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly.

In this account, Jesus is referred to as The Christ, this is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word Messiah. Christ or Christos means anointed. He is the one God has chosen to save His people. Joseph is called righteous, or just. He was a fair and virtuous man who followed God’s commandments and took the necessary steps to atone for sin according to the Law of Moses. Joseph was in a right standing with God. Even though he might not have initially believed her, he showed mercy and great kindness to Mary. I believe his decision to put her away quietly led to her trip to visit her cousin Elizabeth in the privacy of the hill country, away from prying eyes.

But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

An angel appeared to Joseph, telling him it was ok to take Mary home to live with him as his wife and affirming the good news that she was indeed with child by the Holy Spirit. Just like he had done with Mary, the heavenly messenger immediately calmed Joseph’s fears. He added to the words spoken to Mary, explaining the reason for Jesus' name which means Yahweh is Salvation. He came to save us from our sins.

Matthew explains that this happened in order to fulfill the prophecy from Isaiah that: 

A virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will call his name Emmanuel.” Which is translated God is with us.  

Jesus would be fully God and fully man. God was reaching out to us, desiring a relationship with us. God was coming to earth to walk among us, just as He promised He would.

When Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her but did not have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. And he named him Jesus.

 

Joseph believed the angel and honored the prophecy. He immediately took Mary to be his wife. I have wondered why Mary visited the very pregnant Elizabeth, stayed for a few months and then left right before the baby was born. I believe this is because Joseph came and joyfully whisked her away to the home they would share together. Since their marriage covenant had already been sealed, Joseph had the right to take Mary into his home any time he wanted to, so there is no reason to believe there was any sort of scandal. Mary was only in her first trimester at the time and not showing in loose fitting, modest ancient clothing and they departed from their home in Nazareth to travel before Mary gave birth, so no one would have been able to count up the months of her pregnancy. Because of Joseph’s discretion, it would always be assumed that Jesus was his son. (John 6:42, Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3) He did not formally consummate their relationship until after Jesus was born, after which time they grew their family continuing to have other children together. 

After Joseph fetched Mary from her country cousin's home in the hills, they lived together in what we may assume was relative peace and quiet for about 6 months, when they were required to leave and travel to the city of Joseph’s forefathers to be counted in the census ordered by Augustus Caesar. That city was Bethlehem.  

We will continue this Journey in Session 3 of my advent series which you can find right here: Bethlehem: An Awkward Homecoming