What are the key takeaways from Matthew’s account of the visit of the wise men from the east (Matthew 2:1-12)?
The visit of wise men from far away shows how Jesus’ birth has worldwide significance.
The visit of pagan wise men contrasts with the fact that Jesus’ own people did not know him (John 1:11), foreshadowing how the gospel will move out of Israel to the nations (Matthew 28:19).
God uses the wise men to witness to Christ’s birth, just like the shepherds did in Bethlehem, and Anna did in the temple, and like the women who later witnessed to the resurrection.
It is notable that Matthew does not explicitly mention the fulfillment of prophecy in this passage, even though the account shows the fulfillment of Micah 5:2, Psalm 72:10, and Isaiah 60:6.
This account shows the beginnings of enmity to Christ, as Herod and the Sanhedrin seek to hold on to their own power, something that those in high places would continue to do throughout Jesus’ ministry.
The arrival of the wise men in Judea is of tremendous importance. The birth of Jesus has worldwide significance, and in these men, the world starts to recognize it. Luke amplifies that in his version of the story (Luke 2:1–7) and Matthew specifically highlights how the East is involved with Jesus’ incarnation. People from the East and the West, and people from all the tribes of Israel (Simeon and Anna), and pagan men glorify Christ and worship him, and following the humble the high-ranking also come to him.
The pagans bring shame to Israel, given the fact that foreign wise men from the East are more inclined to worship him than his own people (John 1:11). This also serves as a prophecy of what will follow: Israel will be rejected, and the gospel will be proclaimed to the Gentiles. Christ will be a blessing unto the nations, and to Him will be given all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).
The wise men are to be commended for their witness. They first proclaim the birth of Christ in Jerusalem, just like the shepherds did in Bethlehem and Anna did under the common people, and of course just like the women would later do after witnessing the resurrection.
It is noteworthy that Matthew does not in this pericope expressly mention the fulfillment of a prophecy, despite the fact that not only Micah 5:1–2, but also the prophecies of Psalm 72:10 and Isaiah 60:6, are fulfilled here.
The first expression of enmity towards Jesus is seen here. Herod and the members of the Sanhedrin are conservative in the worst sense of the word, and they remain focused on their own glory and power. As such they have no interest in worshiping the newborn Messiah. This rejection by high-ranking officials would also characterize Jesus’ public ministry throughout1
12 Puis, divinement avertis en songe de ne pas retourner vers Hérode, ils regagnèrent leur pays par un autre chemin.