The King-Makers Bow
The King-Makers Bow: What the Magi Really Mean for Christmas Matthew 2:1-11 Hearers of the Word: Theme: Gentile king-makers from the East traveled hundreds of miles to worship a toddler because they recognized in Jesus the promised world-King that their own order had been waiting centuries to crown. Introduction: Kings, Magi, and wise men are often familiar Christmas-card imagery, but what do we learn from Scripture and history? So the questions to consider is threefold: Who are the wise men / Magi? (and) why did it matter to Matthew? (and) wha does it matter to us today? I. Who Are These Magi ? a. Dispelling the myths They were not kings There were not necessarily three of them (3 gifts ≠ 3 men) Names given to them later were Caspar, Balthazar, Melchior The supposed skulls are late traditions with no historical basis Unknown number; pastor believes there were “many” of the magi who came and not just three ...