Category: Christmas

Matthew 2:11 – God Meets Our Needs

Posted on by Will

And having come into the house, they saw the young child with His mother Mary, and falling down, they worshiped Him. And opening their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold and frankincense and myrrh.

Truth to Learn

Read your Bible carefully and watch God provide for you.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “house” is oikos, which refers to the family dwelling place and is never used in reference to a stable.

The word “young child” is translated from paidion, which we also saw back in verse nine. It is the diminutive of the word pais, meaning “a child.” Thus, paidion literally means “a little child.” It can refer to anything from an infant to a young boy or girl. However, the word brephos, used in Luke 2:16 refers to “an unborn child or a new born child.”

The word translated “treasures” is thēsauros, which refers to “something of great value.” As used here, it probably refers to the receptacle or box that the valuable things were carried in.

Chrusos is the word translated “gold.” It can refer to anything made out of gold, or it can refer figuratively to anything of great value.

“Frankincense” is from libanos, which refers to a tree or the highly valued transparent and fragrant incense that is produced from its sap. It has been discovered that frankincense was a valuable healing agent as well.

“Myrrh” is translated from smyrna, a bitter tasting but fragrant substance from the sap of the small, thorny smyrna bush. Like frankincense, myrrh has been found to be a valuable healing agent.

 

Meaning Explained

Most nativity scenes show three kings offering gifts to the Christ child who is lying in a manger surrounded by the stable animals. However, a careful examination of the text along with Luke 2:21, 22 and Leviticus 12:1-8 reveals that Mary and Joseph remained in Bethlehem for at least 40 days after Jesus’ birth in order to fulfill the law. If the Magi had come to the stable, since Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt with Jesus immediately after the Magi departed, there wouldn’t have been time for the purification. Also note that verse eleven says “having come into the house …” And notice that Luke refers to Jesus in the manger as a newborn child, whereas Matthew here calls Him a young child. Based on these facts, it is obvious that the magi did not come to the stable where Jesus was born, but to the house in which Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were staying.

Have you ever wondered why God would have these magi present such valuable gifts to the young King of the Jews? Consider this: immediately after the magi left, Joseph was warned by an angel in a dream that he, Mary, and the baby should flee to Egypt. In Egypt they would be foreigners, and as a carpenter Joseph would not likely be able to sustain the family through his profession. The precious gifts would provide for this young family while they were in Egypt.

 

Application

There are two things of particular note in this passage of Scripture. The first is that we are sometimes misled by traditions that have been handed down to us. Nearly all nativity scenes show the three magi offering gifts to Jesus in the manger. Traditions can be misleading.

The other thing is that God knows what we need before we do.  A number of times in my life I received unexpected “extra” money only to have a need show up right afterward. I used to complain about these unexpected needs, feeling that it wasn’t fair that I had to use the recently received “riches” to pay for these newly acquired “necessities.” Now, instead of complaining, I realize that God is providing me with what I need, just as I need it and I thank Him for His loving provision.

On this Christmas day, let’s thank God for the Christmas gift of a precious little baby, who was given to us, not because we asked for it, but because He knew what we needed it and He gave it to us at just the right time!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Matthew 2:10 – Strong Faith?

Posted on by Will

Having seen the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.

Truth to Learn

Faith in anything other than Jesus Christ is futile.

 

Behind the Words

“Having seen” is translated from the verb horaō, which means “to see” or “to stare at.” It is expressed here as an aorist participle, so it is properly translated as “having seen.” The implication is that they had not seen the star for a while, but now having observed the guiding star once again, they rejoiced.

The expression “rejoiced with exceedingly great joy” loses its effect in English because we tend to read it as “they were glad,” however, it is much more than that. It is translated from the Greek echarēsan charan megalēn sphodra. Echarēsan is the verb form of charis, which means “delight or joy.” The verb form means to express that joy, hence “rejoice.” The next word, charan is also a form of charis. When Greek repeats a word in both verb and noun form it implies intensity. In English we would say they joyfully rejoiced. The next word, megalēn is a form of megas, meaning “large” or “great.” Here it is describing charis, so it is saying “they joyfully rejoiced greatly.” The word sphodra, means “to a high degree.” Putting this all together we get, “they joyfully rejoiced exceedingly greatly.” It expresses the utmost in joyful exuberance!

 

Meaning Explained

The fact that the magi rejoiced with exceedingly great joy indicates that they probably had not seen the star recently. It is even possible that they had not seen the star for a long time. Perhaps it was because it was not as brilliantly evident as it had been previously. Perhaps it had been cloudy for a while. Or, perhaps the event that they beheld while in the east had not been visible while they were traveling and after they left Herod, the event in the stars took place again. Whatever the reason, after leaving Herod, they once again were able to see the star and it gave them exceedingly great joy.

Also, notice that these magi were believers. They were probably not believers in the sense that they believed all of God’s promises. But, they had a strong belief in the fact that there was a new-born King of the Jews. In fact, their belief was so strong that they set off on a long and dangerous journey just to see the King. The gifts that they brought indicated that they expected to see a king.

Herod was a believer too. Not in the sense that he believed in the coming Messiah, but He believed the report that there was a new king of the Jews recently born. This is evident by the fact that when the magi returned home without reporting back to him, Herod proceeded to have all the male children in Bethlehem two years old and younger killed.

Then seeing that he was mocked by the wise men, Herod was exceedingly angry; and having sent, he killed all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had specifically asked from the wise men. (Matthew 2:16)

 

Application

Many people have strong beliefs. Some people even have a strong belief that there is a God. However, those who believe anything other than that Jesus Christ is God and that He gave His life on the cross to pay for our sins has a misplaced faith. Their faith will not do them any good when they stand before Jesus Christ as their Judge.

for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).

The magi were extremely excited to have an encounter with the King of the Jews. Have you ever experienced that kind of joyous joy regarding Jesus?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Matthew 2:9 – Diligently Seek Him

Posted on by Will

And having heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they saw in the East went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was.

Truth to Learn

Let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. (1Chronicles 16:10)

 

Behind the Words

The words “having heard” are from akouō, which literally means “to hear” or “to listen to.” It is expressed here as an aorist participle, so it literally means “having heard.”

“Departed” is from the verb poreuomai, which means “to go from one place to another.”

Idou is the Greek word translated “behold.” It is an imperative (command) form of  horaō, which means “to stare at.” In today’s English, we might say, “Look!”

The words “went before” are from proagō, which is made up of pro, meaning “before” or “forth” and agō, meaning “to lead” or “to go.” Thus proagō means “to lead forth” or “to go before.” It is expressed here in the imperfect tense, indicating continuous action in the past. It could be translated as “it began leading them” or “it was going before them.”

The words “stood over” are translated from the Greek words estathē epanō. Estathē is a form of the verb histēmi, which means “to stand” and epanō means “above” or “over.”

“Child” is translated from the Greek noun paidion, which is derived from pais, meaning “a child.” It denotes a baby, but it is different from the word used in Luke 2:16, where he referred to a brephos, meaning “a new born child.”

 

Meaning Explained

In this quest for the true King, we find three types of people in this narrative who represent unsaved people even today. If you read verses four through nine, you find Herod, who was opposed to the new born King, the chief priests and the scribes (the “religious” people) who ignored the new born King, and the magi who were zealously seeking the new born King in order to worship Him.

Once the magi knew where to find the King, they immediately set out to find Him. They had left the comforts of their homes and set out on a quest for the true King. God had already spoken to them through scripture (prophesy) and the diligence of their own profession about how to find the King. Upon leaving Herod, they were once again guided by the star, which implies that it was evening or even night when they left Herod.

There has been a lot of speculation as to the nature of the star the magi followed. Some claim it was a comet, while others claim that it was a supernova (a star exploding) or even a conjunction of several planets lining up in the sky. However, none of these fully explain how they could have been guided to a specific spot within the town of Bethlehem. We don’t need a full scientific explanation of what occurred that night. We simply need to believe what the Bible tells us (and not worry about what it doesn’t tell us). What we do know is that God somehow provided just the guidance these seekers needed in order to find the true King.

The same applies today for those who are whole-heartedly searching for the truth. For unsaved people who are searching for truth, God will miraculously guide them to just the right place or person that they need in order to meet our Savior. And — for Christians who are honestly seeking a closer walk with God, He is ever faithful and always available.

 

Application

Many Christians who have been saved for years have forgotten how exciting it is to have a personal relationship with God. Others are hungry for that close fellowship and walk with God on a daily basis and are diligently seeking Him. So, let me ask you, my friend; Are you like Herod, trying to disprove the truth and destroy faith that others have in Christ, or – are you like the chief priests and scribes, simply ignoring the messages that God is sending you, or – are you like the Magi, diligently seeking Him, eager for a closer walk with your Savior, your God?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Matthew 2:2 – Worship The True King

Posted on by Will

saying, "Where is He who was born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the East and came to worship Him."

Truth to Learn

On this Christmas Day, let’s truly worship the true King.

 

Behind the Words

“Was born” is translated from the verb tiktō, meaning “to bring forth a child.” It is expressed here as an aorist passive participle. In Greek, participles are among the trickiest verb forms to translate. Literally, the word here means “having been born.” However, it could also be translated as “was born” or “has been born.”

The word translated “King” is basileus, which is probably from basis, meaning “a base or foundation.” Therefore, basileus most likely refers to a “foundation of power.” It is most often translated as “king” or “monarch.”

“Star” is from the Greek word astera (from which we get our English word asteroid), which refers to any shining heavenly body.

The word “East” is translated from anatolē, which is from the verb anatellō, meaning “to rise.” Therefore, anatolē refers to “the rising,” or the direction from which the sun rises.

“Worship” is translated from the Greek verb proskuneō. This is a compound word made up of pros, meaning “to or toward” and kuneō, meaning “to adore” or “to kiss,” like a dog licking its master’s hand. This is different from the normal word for kiss, which is phileō. Thus, proskuneō carries the notion of kneeling or bowing down before someone as an act of homage, adoration, or worship.

 

Meaning Explained

As we mentioned in the previous verse, the magi had come to Jerusalem seeking the one who had been born King of the Jews. They had come, probably because of a prophecy that had been handed down from Daniel the Jewish prophet (who was raised in Babylon and had become the chief among the wise men of that time). They were also astrologers who studied the stars and based their belief of the new born king on the unusual character of the star they observed. It appears that they had come to the city of Jerusalem and started inquiring among the people there, expecting that all the people would have known about the birth of this king.

When Herod heard about these inquisitive magi and the questions they were asking, he gathered all the religious leaders together and asked them where the Christ (the Messiah) was prophesied to be born. Upon learning that Bethlehem was the location foretold by Micah, he secretly called the magi to him and asked them about when they first saw the star. Then Herod informed them of the place and asked them to come back and tell him so that he could go worship the baby also. In reality, however, Herod had no intention of worshipping the Christ-child. He only wanted to know where He was so that he could kill this newest rival of his.

One thing to notice in today’s verse is that the star did not appear in the eastern sky. Rather, the magi said that the star appeared to them while they were themselves in the East. The kingdom (or kingdoms) from which they had come was east of Jerusalem. One belief is that the star appeared to them in the western part of the sky and they followed it to the land of Judea.

The Constellations Virgo and Coma

This section of today’s study is long and complex. For those of you interested in delving deeper into the stars that were studied by the Magi, read on. For those of you who aren’t really interested in such detail, skip down to “Application.” Much of what follows is taken from a manuscript entitled “Is There a Gospel in the Stars?” by Dr. Barry Setterfield.

The constellation Virgo (the virgin) is made up of nine stars, which are referred to as “the alpha star, the beta star, the gamma star, the delta star, etc.” as a listing of the stars from the brightest one to the dimmest one. Note the names of some of these stars:

  • The alpha star is Spica (Roman name), but in Hebrew it is referred to as Zerah, meaning “seed.” This is the very word used to describe Messiah to Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:15.
  • The beta star (Beta Virginis in most modern astronomy books), in Hebrew is referred to as Tsebiyahweh. This is an interesting name, because Tsebi means “beautiful” and Yahweh is the Hebrew word for “LORD.” Thus, the name of this star is “Beautiful LORD.”
  • The gamma star (Gamma Virginis in most modern astronomy books) has the Roman name Porrima, the Roman goddess of childbirth. However, in some very ancient star maps, this star is named Al Tzemech. In Hebrew, Tzemech means “branch.” Tzemech is the word used to describe the Messiah in Isaiah 4:2, Jeremiah 23:5,6 & 33:15, and Zechariah 3:8 & 6:12.
  • The epsilon star (Epsilon Virginis) is commonly called Vindemiatrix, which means “grape gatherer.” However, ancient Arabic star maps called this star Al Muridin (The One Sent Forth.) In Chinese star maps, this star was called Tsze Tseang, meaning The Second General (believed to be a reference to the second person of the Trinity).

Thus, part of the story indicated by the constellation Virgo is that Messiah, the Beautiful Branch of the LORD, the Second Person, the Sent One, was to come as the Seed of the Virgin from the nation of Israel. That is the beginning of the Gospel story.

Many of the constellations we know today have lesser constellations associated with and very close to them. These constellations are called Decans. The first Decan of Virgo is called Coma. The original Hebrew name for this Decan was Kamah or Comah, meaning “the Desired One, or Longed for One.” In the Egyptian temple of Denderah there is a Zodiac depicted. It contains a figure of a woman and child representing Virgo and Coma. The Egyptian name for Coma was Shes-nu, meaning “the Desired Son.”

Albumazar (or Abu Masher, who lived from 787 AD to 885 AD), an Arabian astronomer to the Caliphs of Grenada, said:

There arises in the first Decan [of Virgo], as the Persians, Chaldeans, and Egyptians … teach, a young woman, whose Persian name denotes a pure virgin sitting on a throne, nourishing an infant boy (the boy, I say) having a Hebrew name, by some nations called IHESU, with the signification IEZA, which in Greek is called CHRISTOS.”

This is all the more interesting given that Albumazar was a Muslim.

Some scholars today believe that what the Magi saw while they were in the East is an event that took place in the constellation Coma, which they knew to be a representation of the Messiah, the King of the Jews. Although some of this is speculation, I still find it very interesting, indeed!

 

Application

As we approach yet another Christmas Day, may we be as focused on the King of Kings as the magi were. They probably travelled for months, through foreign countries, for a single opportunity to worship at the feet of Jesus. For most of us it’s just a ten minute drive on Sunday morning, and even then we often have “more important” things on our mind than to bow at the feet of our Savior. That’s something to think about, isn’t it?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Matthew 2:11 – God Meets Our Needs

Posted on by Will

And having come into the house, they saw the young child with His mother Mary, and falling down, they worshiped Him. And opening their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold and frankincense and myrrh.

Truth to Learn

Read your Bible carefully and watch God provide for you.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “house” is oikos, which refers to the family dwelling place and is never used in reference to a stable.

The word “young child” is translated from paidion, which we also saw back in verse nine. It is the diminutive of the word pais, meaning “a child.” Thus, paidion literally means “a little child.” It can refer to anything from an infant to a young boy or girl. However, the word brephos, used in Luke 2:16 refers to “an unborn child or a new born child.”

The word translated “treasures” is thēsauros, which refers to “something of great value.” As used here, it probably refers to the receptacle or box that the valuable things were carried in.

Chrusos is the word translated “gold.” It can refer to anything made out of gold, or it can refer figuratively to anything of great value.

“Frankincense” is from libanos, which refers to a tree or the highly valued transparent and fragrant incense that is produced from its sap. It has been discovered that frankincense was a valuable healing agent as well.

“Myrrh” is translated from smyrna, a bitter tasting but fragrant substance from the sap of the small, thorny smyrna bush. Like frankincense, myrrh has been found to be a valuable healing agent.

 

Meaning Explained

Most nativity scenes show three kings offering gifts to the Christ child who is lying in a manger surrounded by the stable animals. However, a careful examination of the text along with Luke 2:21, 22 and Leviticus 12:1-8 reveals that Mary and Joseph remained in Bethlehem for at least 40 days after Jesus’ birth in order to fulfill the law. If the Magi had come to the stable, since Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt with Jesus immediately after the Magi departed, there wouldn’t have been time for the purification. Also note that verse eleven says “having come into the house …” And notice that Luke refers to Jesus in the manger as a newborn child, whereas Matthew here calls Him a young child. Based on these facts, it is obvious that the magi did not come to the stable where Jesus was born, but to the house in which Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were staying.

Have you ever wondered why God would have these magi present such valuable gifts to the young King of the Jews? Consider this: immediately after the magi left, Joseph was warned by an angel in a dream that he, Mary, and the baby should flee to Egypt. In Egypt they would be foreigners, and as a carpenter Joseph would not likely be able to sustain the family through his profession. The precious gifts would provide for this young family while they were in Egypt.

 

Application

There are two things of particular note in this passage of Scripture. The first is that we are sometimes misled by traditions that have been handed down to us. Nearly all nativity scenes show the three magi offering gifts to Jesus in the manger. Traditions can be misleading.

The other thing is that God knows what we need before we do.  A number of times in my life I received unexpected “extra” money only to have a need show up right afterward. I used to complain about these unexpected needs, feeling that it wasn’t fair that I had to use the recently received “riches” to pay for these newly acquired “necessities.” Now, instead of complaining, I realize that God is providing me with what I need, just as I need it and I thank Him for His loving provision.

On this Christmas day, let’s thank God for the Christmas gift of a precious little baby, who was given to us, not because we asked for it, but because He knew what we needed it and He gave it to us at just the right time!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Matthew 2:10 – Strong Faith?

Posted on by Will

Having seen the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.

Truth to Learn

Faith in anything other than Jesus Christ is futile.

 

Behind the Words

“Having seen” is translated from the verb horaō, which means “to see” or “to stare at.” It is expressed here as an aorist participle, so it is properly translated as “having seen the star.” The implication is that they had not seen the star for a while, but now having observed the guiding star once again, they rejoiced.

The expression “rejoiced with exceedingly great joy” loses its effect in English because we tend to read it as “they were glad,” however, it is much more than that. It is translated from the Greek echarēsan charan megalēn sphodra. Echarēsan is the verb form of charis, which means “delight or joy.” The verb form means to express that joy, hence “rejoice.” The next word, charan is also a form of charis. When Greek repeats a word in both verb and noun form it implies intensity. In English we would say they joyfully rejoiced. The next word, megalēn is a form of megas, meaning “large” or “great.” Here it is describing charis, so it is saying “they joyfully rejoiced greatly.” The word sphodra, means “to a high degree.” Putting this all together we get, “they joyfully rejoiced exceedingly greatly.” It expresses the utmost in joyful exuberance!

 

Meaning Explained

The fact that the magi rejoiced with exceedingly great joy indicates that they probably had not seen the star recently. It is even possible that they had not seen the star for a long time. Perhaps it was because it was not as brilliantly evident as it had been previously. Perhaps it had been cloudy for a while. Or, perhaps the event that they beheld while in the east had not been visible while they were traveling and after they left Herod, the event in the stars took place again. Whatever the reason, after leaving Herod, they once again were able to see the star and it gave them exceedingly great joy.

Also, notice that these magi were believers. They were probably not believers in the sense that they believed all of God’s promises. But, they had a strong belief in the fact that there was a new-born King of the Jews. In fact, their belief was so strong that they set off on a long and dangerous journey just to see the King. The gifts that they brought indicated that they expected to see a king.

Herod was a believer too. Not in the sense that he believed in the coming Messiah, but He believed the report that there was a new king of the Jews recently born. This is evident by the fact that when the magi returned home without reporting back to him, Herod proceeded to have all the male children in Bethlehem two years old and younger killed.

Then seeing that he was mocked by the wise men, Herod was exceedingly angry; and having sent, he killed all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had specifically asked from the wise men. (Matthew 2:16)

 

Application

Many people have strong beliefs. Some people even have a strong belief that there is a God. However, those who believe anything other than that Jesus Christ is God and that He gave His life on the cross to pay for our sins has a misplaced faith. Their faith will not do them any good when they stand before Jesus Christ as their Judge.

for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Matthew 2:9 – Diligently Seek Him

Posted on by Will

And having heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they saw in the East went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was.

Truth to Learn

Let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. (1Chronicles 16:10)

 

Behind the Words

The words “having heard” are from akouō, which literally means “to hear” or “to listen to.” It is expressed here as an aorist participle, so it literally means “having heard.”

“Departed” is from the verb poreuomai, which means “to go from one place to another.”

Idou is the Greek word translated “behold.” It is an imperative (command) form of  horaō, which means “to stare at.” In today’s English, we might say, “Look!”

The words “went before” are from proagō, which is made up of pro, meaning “before” or “forth” and agō, meaning “to lead” or “to go.” Thus proagō means “to lead forth” or “to go before.” It is expressed here in the imperfect tense, indicating continuous action in the past. It could be translated as “it began leading them” or “it was going before them.”

The words “stood over” are translated from the Greek words estathē epanō. Estathē is a form of the verb histēmi, which means “to stand” and epanō means “above” or “over.”

“Child” is translated from the Greek noun paidion, which is derived from pais, meaning “a child.” It denotes a baby, but it is different from the word used in Luke 2:16, where he referred to a brephos, meaning “a new born child.”

 

Meaning Explained

In this quest for the true King, we find three types of people in this narrative who represent unsaved people even today. If you read verses four through nine, you find Herod, who was opposed to the new born King, the chief priests and the scribes (the “religious” people) who ignored the new born King, and the magi who were zealously seeking the new born King in order to worship Him.

Once the magi knew where to find the King, they immediately set out to find Him. They had left the comforts of their homes and set out on a quest for the true King. God had already spoken to them through scripture (prophesy) and the diligence of their own profession about how to find the King. Upon leaving Herod, they were once again guided by the star, which implies that it was evening or even night when they left Herod.

There has been a lot of speculation as to the nature of the star the magi followed. Some claim it was a comet, while others claim that it was a supernova (a star exploding) or even a conjunction of several planets lining up in the sky. However, none of these fully explain how they could have been guided to a specific spot within the town of Bethlehem. We don’t need a full scientific explanation of what occurred that night. We simply need to believe what the Bible tells us (and not worry about what it doesn’t tell us). What we do know is that God somehow provided just the guidance these seekers needed in order to find the true King.

The same applies today for those who are whole-heartedly searching for the truth. For unsaved people who are searching for truth, God will miraculously guide them to just the right place or person that they need in order to meet our Savior. And — for Christians who are honestly seeking a closer walk with God, He is ever faithful and always available.

 

Application

Many Christians who have been saved for years have forgotten how exciting it is to have a personal relationship with God. Others are hungry for that close fellowship and walk with God on a daily basis and are diligently seeking Him. So, let me ask you, my friend; Are you like Herod, trying to disprove the truth and destroy faith that others have in Christ, or – are you like the chief priests and scribes, simply ignoring the messages that God is sending you, or – are you like the Magi, diligently seeking Him, eager for a closer walk with your Savior, your God?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Matthew 2:2 – Worship The True King

Posted on by Will

saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the East and came to worship Him."

Truth to Learn

On this Christmas Day, let’s truly worship the true King.

 

Behind the Words

“has been born” is translated from the verb tiktō, meaning “to bring forth a child.” It is expressed here as an aorist passive participle. In Greek, participles are among the trickiest verb forms to translate. Literally, the word here means “having been born.” However, it could also be translated as “was born” or “has been born.”

The word translated “King” is basileus, which is probably from basis, meaning “a base or foundation.” Therefore, basileus most likely refers to a “foundation of power.” It is most often translated as “king” or “monarch.”

“Star” is from the Greek word astera (from which we get our English word asteroid), which refers to any shining heavenly body.

The word “East” is translated from anatolē, which is from the verb anatellō, meaning “to rise.” Therefore, anatolē refers to “the rising,” or the direction from which the sun rises.

“Worship” is translated from the Greek verb proskuneō. This is a compound word made up of pros, meaning “to or toward” and kuneō, meaning “to adore” or “to kiss,” like a dog licking its master’s hand. This is different from the normal word for kiss, which is phileō. Thus, proskuneō carries the notion of kneeling or bowing down before someone as an act of homage, adoration, or worship.

 

Meaning Explained

As we mentioned in the previous verse, the magi had come to Jerusalem seeking the one who had been born King of the Jews. They had come, probably because of a prophecy that had been handed down from Daniel the Jewish prophet (who was raised in Babylon and had become the chief among the wise men of that time). They were also astrologers who studied the stars and based their belief of the new born king on the unusual character of the star they observed. It appears that they had come to the city of Jerusalem and started inquiring among the people there, expecting that all the people would have known about the birth of this king.

When Herod heard about these inquisitive magi and the questions they were asking, he gathered all the religious leaders together and asked them where the Christ (the Messiah) was prophesied to be born. Upon learning that Bethlehem was the location foretold by Micah, he secretly called the magi to him and asked them about when they first saw the star. Then Herod informed them of the place and asked them to come back and tell him so that he could go worship the baby also. In reality, however, Herod had no intention of worshipping the Christ-child. He only wanted to know where He was so that he could kill this newest rival of his.

One thing to notice in today’s verse is that the star did not appear in the eastern sky. Rather, the magi said that the star appeared to them while they were themselves in the East. The kingdom (or kingdoms) from which they had come was east of Jerusalem. One belief is that the star appeared to them in the western part of the sky and they followed it to the land of Judea.

The Constellations Virgo and Coma

This section of today’s study is long and complex. For those of you interested in delving deeper into the stars that were studied by the Magi, read on. For those of you who aren’t really interested in such detail, skip down to “Application.” Much of what follows is taken from a manuscript entitled “Is There a Gospel in the Stars?” by Dr. Barry Setterfield.

The constellation Virgo (the virgin) is made up of nine stars, which are referred to as “the alpha star, the beta star, the gamma star, the delta star, etc.” as a listing of the stars from the brightest one to the dimmest one. Note the names of some of these stars:

  • The alpha star is Spica (Roman name), but in Hebrew it is referred to as Zerah, meaning “seed.” This is the very word used to describe Messiah to Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:15.
  • The beta star (Beta Virginis in most modern astronomy books), in Hebrew is referred to as Tsebiyahweh. This is an interesting name, because Tsebi means “beautiful” and Yahweh is the Hebrew word for “LORD.” Thus, the name of this star is “Beautiful LORD.”
  • The gamma star (Gamma Virginis in most modern astronomy books) has the Roman name Porrima, the Roman goddess of childbirth. However, in some very ancient star maps, this star is named Al Tzemech. In Hebrew, Tzemech means “branch.” Tzemech is the word used to describe the Messiah in Isaiah 4:2, Jeremiah 23:5,6 & 33:15, and Zechariah 3:8 & 6:12.
  • The epsilon star (Epsilon Virginis) is commonly called Vindemiatrix, which means “grape gatherer.” However, ancient Arabic star maps called this star Al Muridin (The One Sent Forth.) In Chinese star maps, this star was called Tsze Tseang, meaning The Second General (believed to be a reference to the second person of the Trinity).

Thus, part of the story indicated by the constellation Virgo is that Messiah, the Beautiful Branch of the LORD, the Second Person, the Sent One, was to come as the Seed of the Virgin from the nation of Israel. That is the beginning of the Gospel story.

Many of the constellations we know today have lesser constellations associated with and very close to them. These constellations are called Decans. The first Decan of Virgo is called Coma. The original Hebrew name for this Decan was Kamah or Comah, meaning “the Desired One, or Longed for One.” In the Egyptian temple of Denderah there is a Zodiac depicted. It contains a figure of a woman and child representing Virgo and Coma. The Egyptian name for Coma was Shes-nu, meaning “the Desired Son.”

Albumazar (or Abu Masher, who lived from 787 AD to 885 AD), an Arabian astronomer to the Caliphs of Grenada, said:

There arises in the first Decan [of Virgo], as the Persians, Chaldeans, and Egyptians … teach, a young woman, whose Persian name denotes a pure virgin sitting on a throne, nourishing an infant boy (the boy, I say) having a Hebrew name, by some nations called IHESU, with the signification IEZA, which in Greek is called CHRISTOS.”

This is all the more interesting given that Albumazar was a Muslim.

Some scholars today believe that what the Magi saw while they were in the East is an event that took place in the constellation Coma, which they knew to be a representation of the Messiah, the King of the Jews. Although some of this is speculation, I still find it very interesting, indeed!

 

Application

As we approach yet another Christmas Day, may we be as focused on the King of Kings as the magi were. They probably travelled for months, through foreign countries, for a single opportunity to worship at the feet of Jesus. For most of us it’s just a ten minute drive on Sunday morning, and even then we often have “more important” things on our mind than to bow at the feet of our Savior. That’s something to think about, isn’t it?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Matthew 2:1 – Learn the Truth

Posted on by Will

And Jesus having been born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,

Truth to Learn

We need to believe what the Bible says, not what tradition has taught us, no matter how interesting they might make the story.

 

Behind the Words

“Bethlehem” is a transliteration of the Hebrew Bēth Lechem, which literally means “house of bread.” It previously was called Ephrath, where Jacob’s wife Rachel was buried.

The words “wise men” are translated from the Greek magos, which refers to a priest or wise man among the Medes, Persians and Babylonians. In Daniel 2:48 we find that Daniel was made the leader of the magi (plural form of magos). It is believed by some that these magi were following a prophecy of Daniel that predicted the birth of the King of the Jews.

The word translated “East” is anatolē, which is from the verb anatellō, made up of ana, meaning “up” and tellō, meaning “to set out for a goal.” Anatolē literally refers to “the rising [of the sun.]” Thus, it is a reference to the direction from which the sun rises each day, that is, the East.

 

Meaning Explained

Matthew’s gospel account portrays Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, King of the Jews. In the first chapter of his gospel, Matthew traces the lineage of Jesus back to King David, the greatest of the earthly kings of the Jewish people.

At the time that Jesus was born, Herod the Great was the king over the country of the Jews. Initially, he was made governor (tetrarch) of Galilee and his brother, Phasael, was made governor of Jerusalem. Later, Herod was proclaimed “King of the Jews” by the Roman senate and became the ruler of all of Judea. He was the son of an Idumean man named Antigonus and his mother was Arabian. The Idumeans were descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother (God renamed Jacob as Israel). Even though Herod practiced the Jewish religion, he was never accepted by the religious leaders as a Jew. Because of his many massive building projects, including the expansion of the Temple in Jerusalem, he became known as “Herod the Great.”  He had at least nine sons by five wives and five of his sons were named Herod (Herod Phillip I, Herod Antipas, Herod Archelaus, Prince Herod, and Herod Phillip II).

About 700 years before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Micah prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem:

And you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, being least among the thousands of Judah, out of you He shall come forth to Me to become the one ruling in Israel, and His goings forth have been from of old, from the days of eternity. (Micah 5:2)

However, Herod was a highly jealous man who maintained his power by killing off anyone who might become a rival of his. Therefore, when the magi came seeking the new born King of the Jews, Herod was determined to eliminate this new king any way he could.

 

Application

Because of traditions started centuries ago, many of the things we think we know about the Christmas story are not necessarily true. For instance, we don’t know if these magi were kings (they probably weren’t). Also, we don’t know how many of them there were. It is assumed that there were three because of the three different gifts that were offered to the Christ child (Matthew 2:11). We don’t know their names, and they didn’t come to the stable. But we do know that they were seeking a prophetically foretold King of the Jews and that they got incredibly excited when they knew they were about to come into His presence. As Christians, we all need to study our Bibles to learn the truth about the birth of our Savior. And, we too should be excited about coming into the presence of the King of King, the Lord of Lords, and our Savior.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Luke 2:13, 14 – Singing Angels?

Posted on by Will

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace on men with whom He is pleased."

Truth to Learn

We need to believe what the Bible says, not what tradition has taught us, no matter how good it might make the story.

 

Behind the Words

“Suddenly” is translated from the Greek word exaiphnēs, which means, ”without warning” or “suddenly.”

The word “multitude” is from the Greek noun plēthos, which refers to “fullness” or “an extremely large amount.”

“Host” is translated from stratias, derived from stratos, meaning “an army.” Stratias refers to God’s army of angels.

“Praising” is from aineō, which means “to declare the praises of and to give glory to someone or something.”

The word “saying” is the Greek verb legō, which literally means “to lay forth,” that is “to verbally deliver a message.” It is not a word that means “to sing.” There are three Greek words translated “sing.” They are adō (generic word for singing), humneō (to sing hymns), and psallō (to play music on an instrument or with the voice.)

The words, “among men with whom He is pleased” are translated from the words en anrhropois eudokias. The first word, en, means “in” or “on.” The word anthropois is a plural form of the word for “a man.” The word eudokias is from the verb eudokeo, which means “to please” or “to favor.” The noun form here is in the genitive case, meaning “of favor” or “of pleasure.” Now, we have to ask ourselves, “Of whose favor?” and the only logical answer is, “Of His favor.” Therefore, it is best understood to mean “of His favor” or “of His pleasure.” Thus, our translation of “with whom He is pleased.”

 

Meaning Explained

Every time I sing Gloria in Excelsis Deo (Latin for “Glory to God in the highest”), I imagine a sky full of angels singing in multi-point harmony with a few lowly shepherds and their flocks as the only audience. What a magnificent sound that must have been, coming from the voices of thousands of angels! There’s only one problem with that. The angels didn’t sing to the shepherds …    Say what!?

Before we get into that, let’s step back a little bit. On this particular night there were few shepherds camping out with their sheep. These shepherds were banned from entering the Temple in Jerusalem, the very Temple where the sheep under their care would someday be sacrificed. In spite of that, they were faithfully doing their job when they were surprised by the sudden appearance of a magnificent angel hovering over them, casting his glorious radiance all around. This angel announced to them that the Messiah had just been born. Then, as if telling the shepherds that they must go find this Messianic Baby, the angel informed the shepherds that they would find the child wrapped in strips of cloths, lying in an animal’s feeding trough.

But before the shepherds could even process all this information, the sky was suddenly and unexpectedly filled with thousands of angels, giving praise to Jehovah God and they were saying, not singing, “Glory to God in the highest!”

“So what’s the big deal?” you ask. I agree that singing angels makes a better story, but I believe what the Bible says, not what I want it to say. I believe that we are all sinners, deserving of Hell. I believe that the blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was shed to pay the penalty for my sins. I believe Christ died physically and rose from the dead physically. I believe these things, not because they’re reasonable and make perfect sense, because they don’t. I believe them because the Bible says so. Singing angels makes for a great Hollywood scene, but imagine what a wondrous sound it must have been when thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands, of angels proclaimed in unison, “Glory to God in the highest!”

 

Application

We may not understand why God tells us what He tells us in the Bible, but we need to believe what it says. Spiritual maturity comes from careful study, believing what the Bible actually reveals, not what tradition has taught us.

Laying all that aside, let’s remember what this passage of Scripture is here to tell us. The God of all creation, the Almighty, the All Knowing, the Everywhere Present Supreme Lord of the universe, humbled himself and took on the form of a poor carpenter’s son. His first bed was an animal’s feeding trough. He lived His life with little or no material possessions. He wasn’t forced to do this anymore than he was forced to die on the cross. He humbled himself for our sakes. Christmas is one of the greatest examples of God’s humbling Himself as an expression of His supreme love for His loved ones (you and me). And all that He asks in return is for us to humble ourselves as an expression of our gratitude to Him.

Let’s focus ourselves this Christmas on humbling ourselves before our Savior, the little baby lying in a manger.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved