Why The Wise Men?

[Webers_Home]

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Angels announced Jesus' birth up around the teensy community of
Bethlehem, but they didn't go to Jerusalem; which seems to me would've
been a far more sensible venue. Important news deserves an important
audience, i.e. Jerusalem was Israel's religious center whereas Bethlehem
was no-account. (Micah 5:2)

I mean: imagine NASA limiting its release of information about the success
of Apollo 11 to the tiny community of Lakeview Texas, population 107.
(2010 data)

There's some interesting points about the two events.

1» Celestial beings made the announcement up at Bethlehem whereas
human beings made the announcement at Jerusalem.

2» The angel's announced a savior, whereas the wise men announced a
sovereign. In other words: the angels and the wise men were talking about
the same person, but definitely not the same status.

3» The wise men were foreigners rather than home-grown prophets.
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[Mark51]

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Angels announced Jesus' birth up around the teensy community of
Bethlehem, but they didn't go to Jerusalem; which seems to me would've
been a far more sensible venue. Important news deserves an important
audience, i.e. Jerusalem was Israel's religious center whereas Bethlehem
was no-account. (Micah 5:2)

I mean: imagine NASA limiting its release of information about the success
of Apollo 11 to the tiny community of Lakeview Texas, population 107.
(2010 data)

There's some interesting points about the two events.

1» Celestial beings made the announcement up at Bethlehem whereas
human beings made the announcement at Jerusalem.

2» The angel's announced a savior, whereas the wise men announced a
sovereign. In other words: the angels and the wise men were talking about
the same person, but definitely not the same status.

3» The wise men were foreigners rather than home-grown prophets.
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The “wise men” that you mention is not scriptural. They were astrologers or magi-either of which-under the Mosaic Law-the Israelites were not to consort with. Considering this, why would “divine” intervention lead them to Herod (Jerusalem) first and not to Jesus (Bethlehem). Actually, it certainly lacks a purpose for God to summon them. Doing so, He would be violating his own just standard/laws.

Have you ever wondered why the star led the magi to King Herod first? It was Satan that led them to Herod. Matthew, chapter 2, relates the outcome of this diversion. The purpose was to destroying Jesus. Divine sources would not have maneuvered events to cause danger to Jesus and innocent deaths.

 

[Webers_Home]

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• Matt 2:1-2 . . Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the
days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to
Jerusalem, saying: Where is he that is born King of the Jews?

(Their star often gets more publicity than Jesus.)

I had never given so much as the slightest inkling of thought about Jesus as
a sovereign until someone came along to tell me about the scope of his
jurisdiction.

Back in 1968, when I was 24, an acquaintance asked me if I was prepared
for Christ's return. Well; that was curious because up till then I didn't know
he was coming back. So I asked my friend why Jesus would even want to
come back, and for the very first time in my life discovered that Jesus was
on track to rule the entire planet.

That news shook me to the core because I instinctively knew that were
Christ and I to meet for a face-to-face, it would not go well for me because I
have a lot to answer for; and that was before I knew anything at all about
the sheep and goats event depicted at Matt 25:31-46, the judgment seat of
Christ depicted at 1Cor 3:13-15, and the great white throne event depicted
at Rev 20:11-15.

But the news isn't all doom and gloom. For example:

It will be difficult to wage war during his reign. (Mic 4:4)

It will be safe to go for a walk in the woods without fear of being attacked
and/or bitten by critters. (Isa 11:6-9)

Justice will be fair across the board for everyone; whether rich or poor. (Isa
11:4, Ps 98:7-9)

Private property will be common. (Mic 4:4)

The Earth's fertility will be vastly improved. (Isa 35:1-2)

Longevity will be increased. (Isa 65:20)

Grief will be reduced. (Isa 65:19)
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