The Light Has Dawned – Part 5

The Light for All Nations – Matthew 2:1-9

Crosspoint – Lee Eclov – December 28, 2025

Introduction

• The magi. Probably from modern-day Iran (Persia), Zoroastrian priests with deep knowledge of astrology, astronomy, ancient prophecies, and religious ceremonies. Long heritage of studying the stars—movements and meaning. Astrologers who believed that the great God had diagrammed the grand workings of history in the stars. They very likely knew the biblical prophecies of Balaam (in Num 24:17), Daniel, Isaiah, and others.
• The star. Num 24:17: “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.” A comet was called a scepter star because of its tail. Biblical scholar, Colin R. Nicholl, in an interview in Christianity Today, 12/15, “Comet of Wonder”:

The Magi seem to have concluded that Balaam’s oracle in Numbers, about the rising scepter-star, was the key to interpreting the comet’s behavior. I also believe that the opening verses of Revelation 12 paint a picture of the heavenly sign the Magi witnessed. (Rev. 12:1–2 reads, “A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of 12 stars on her head. She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth.”) The Magi saw a nativity drama unfolding in the heavens, in which the constellation figure “The Virgin” [Virgo] played the role of a pregnant mother giving birth to a baby, whose part was played by a great comet. This celestial drama was strongly suggestive of Isaiah’s oracles about a virgin becoming pregnant and giving birth to a son (7:14), and about a great light shining in the darkness to signal the Messiah’s coming (9:2–7).

• “We have seen his star…”
• The problem with “he who is born king of the Jews”

For those with eyes to see, Jesus is the king we long to worship (2:1-2)

• The star was God’s silent _____________________

“Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.
Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” – Isaia 60:1-3

• The magi were the gospel’s pioneer seekers.

For those who have no interest another king, the news of Jesus’ birth is disturbing (2:3-8)

• Herod, the king of the Jews…
• Herod is the forerunner of all the God-despising tyrants who would come against God’s King
• Why do the nations conspire
  and the peoples plot in vain?
  The kings of the earth rise up
  and the rulers band together
  against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,
  “Let us break their chains
  and throw off their shackles.”

The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord scoffs at them.
He rebukes them in his anger
and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
“I have installed my king
on Zion, my holy mountain.” – Psalm 2

The next time the Gospels record the use of this title, King of the Jews, was at Jesus’ trial and crucifixion.

For all who seek God’s King, our quest ends in joy and worship before Jesus (2:9-11)

• The magi now had two signs from God – the star and the prophecies read in the presence of Herod.
• If they were overjoyed to see the star leading them to the place where the child was, imagine their joy upon seeing Jesus!
• They were students of biblical prophecy, especially Daniel who had lived among their ancestors. He wrote:

“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” (Dan. 7:13-14)

• “Then they opened their treasures….”
• The magi came seeking the King of the Jews even though they weren’t Jews.