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Explanation for:
Matthew
2
:
2
Saying, Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to adore him.
14
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Ignatius of Antioch","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d0244079222ed1845a0_Ignatius%20of%20Antioch.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":1,"exegesis-text":"Mary's virginity and her giving birth, along with the Lord's sacrificial death, represent three glorious mysteries that were concealed in the quietude of God, hidden from the ruler of this world. How were these mysteries unveiled throughout the ages? A star appeared in the heavens, shining brighter than all surrounding stars, its brilliance indescribable, and its message brought wonder. The other stars, along with the sun and the moon, gathered in a celestial chorus around this star, which illuminated all creation. There was bewilderment at the emergence of this extraordinary sign, unlike anything seen before. From that moment, all forms of sorcery began to wane, and the chains of wickedness were broken, ignorance faded away, and the ancient dominion shattered; for God revealed Himself in human form to bring renewal to eternal life, initiating what had been prepared with Him. Henceforth, all things were steeped in loving-kindness, for it marked the defeat of death."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"To ensure that the Jews would hear the message of Christ's birth as a reminder of their disgrace, a star appeared in the east. This celestial sign was noted by the Gentile Magi, who inherited their knowledge from Balaam's prophecy found in Numbers, chapter 24. Following the guidance of the star, the wise men journeyed to Judea. However, when they inquired of the priests about the birthplace of Christ, they received no response, revealing their own lack of understanding regarding His arrival."},{"author-name":"Athanasius the Great","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c889457b66f7fc274d1066_Athanasius%20the%20Great.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"We observe His star shining in the east. If there existed a star in the heavens for each individual, why would the sky be adorned with countless stars on the third day when Adam was formed on the sixth? That our lives are not dictated by fate, heredity, or the movements of celestial bodies is made clear through the following reasoning. If every action hinged solely on what is predetermined rather than the will of mankind, then why would a servant who steals be punished? Why bring a wayward spouse to trial? Why experience shame when wrongdoing occurs? Why not endure slanderous remarks? If someone labels you as an adulterer, a fornicator, or a leper, why do you perceive this as an offense? If the act of sinning is not a matter of your own volition, then you bear no guilt and your words hold no blame. Now, since you do not extend forgiveness to one who has transgressed, and since you feel shame for your own misdeeds and attempt to hide them, regarding anyone who attributes a fault to you as an offender, you implicitly affirm that our deeds are not determined by necessity but are characterized by free will. For we are indeed capable of forgiveness when circumstances demand it. If someone tormented by a demon tears our garment or strikes us, we do not rebuke him; rather, we feel compassion and grant forgiveness. Why? Because his actions are not a result of his own choosing but arise from the demon's influence. Therefore, if other wrongdoings were committed out of an unavoidable fate, we would extend our forgiveness. Yet, knowing that such a necessity does not exist, we refrain from it—whether between masters and their servants, husbands and wives, wives and husbands, teachers and students, fathers and children, or rulers and their subjects. Instead, we often take on the role of stern judges and enforcers of justice, conducting trials, meting out punishment, chastising wrongdoers, and employing various measures to turn them away from evil. The declaration, \\"We come to worship Him,\\" signifies the moral integrity and faith of the wise men. Those who journeyed such a considerable distance to honor Christ would surely have gone to great lengths had this divine event occurred in their own land. Thus, they deserve commendation for their faith and accolades for their virtue."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"It is evident that the wise men exemplified virtue not only through their journey but also by their courageous actions. To avoid any suspicions, they openly shared their guiding star and the extensive travels taken, demonstrating their bravery. They called out, urging others to come and worship Him, showing no fear of the mob's outrage or the king’s malice. This leads me to believe that they acted as instructors to their fellow countrymen back home; if they spoke so openly in Jerusalem, they surely proclaimed the message with great boldness in their own land after receiving divine revelation from an angel and the testimony of a prophet."},{"author-name":"Ephraem the Syrian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b589fc3e99eb7bb1839_Ephraem%20the%20Syrian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"A star emerged, signaling the end of prophetic messages. This star appeared to indicate the One to whom the prophets had pointed. Just as for Hezekiah the sun reversed its course from west to east, so too, for the Child in the manger, the star traveled from east to west. The ancestors, recognizing the sign of the sun, rendered judgment upon Israel; yet, the descendants approached with gifts that brought honor to the very people who had once shamed them. The Magi arrived with their symbols, acting as prophets to witness His birth. This was intended so that He would be embraced, not as an unfamiliar visitor, but rather that all creation would be made aware of His arrival. Zacharias was rendered mute, and Elizabeth conceived so that the earth might rejoice in His coming."},{"author-name":"Gregory the Great","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88c2b032f5f6e5effaa54_Gregory%20the%20Great.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":6,"exegesis-text":"In the Gospel passage, dear brothers and sisters, it was shared that upon the birth of the Heavenly King, the earthly ruler experienced great distress. This turmoil arises because when the heights of Heaven are unveiled, the heights of the earth are likewise shaken. We must ponder what it signifies that after the advent of the Redeemer, an angel appeared to the shepherds in Judea while wise men from the East were drawn to worship Him, not by an angel's guidance but rather by a star. This difference illustrates that the Jews, endowed with reason, were to receive the message through a rational being, that is, an angel; while the Gentiles, who lacked that reasoning, were brought to the knowledge of the Lord not through speech but through celestial signs. In accordance with this, Paul states, \\"Prophecy is not for unbelievers, but for believers; and signs are not for believers, but for unbelievers\\" (1 Cor. 14:22). Thus, prophecies are delivered to believers while signs are meant for those who do not believe. Notably, our Redeemer, even in His youth, is proclaimed to the Gentiles by the Apostles when He reached full maturity, and He who was once an infant, unable to articulate as humans do, is heralded to the Gentiles through the guidance of a star. This reflects the necessity of reason; those who would speak of the Lord could be identified through discourse, while those who had yet to speak were proclaimed by the silent elements of creation."},{"author-name":"Maximus the Confessor","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8951a1dea23713695271e_Maximus%20the%20Confessor.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":7,"exegesis-text":"The natures are transformed, as God takes on human form; not only does the divine essence, unchanging and eternal, engage with the transient, changeable nature in order to overcome the hold of decay, but also human nature, which is beyond seed and transcendent, assumes complete flesh for the Word so that it may be freed from the grip of corruption. Moreover, the star that shone brightly during the day arose in the east, guiding the wise men to the site of the Incarnation of the Word, symbolically revealing this Word that surpasses human understanding, communicates through the Law and the prophets, and directs the nations toward the ultimate illumination of knowledge. The Word found in the Law and the prophets serves, much like a guiding star, to lead those chosen according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28) to a deeper understanding of the incarnate Word, empowered by grace."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"It is believed that these sages descended from Balaam, the renowned seer, and upon discovering his prophecy, \\"A star shall shine forth from Jacob, and shall destroy the princes of Moab,\\" they grasped the mystery of Christ. Hence, they set out with the intention of witnessing the birth of the Messiah. When you hear of the star, do not perceive it as one of those common celestial bodies; it was a divine and supernatural force manifesting itself in the guise of a star. Since these wise men were knowledgeable in astrology, the Lord guided them through what they were accustomed to, similar to how Peter, the fisherman, was astonished by the abundant catch he made in Jesus’ name. The notion that the star represented angelic power is supported by its ability to shine during the day, its movement alongside the Magi, and its ability to halt when they paused, notably traveling from the northern region, where Persia is located, to the southern region, where Jerusalem sits—a movement that is not typical for a star. These wise men were evidently individuals of considerable virtue; if they desired to offer their worship in a foreign land, they surely could have been bold enough to proclaim their message in Persia."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"How did they come to understand that this celestial body signified the arrival of the King of the Jews? Drawing from the lineage of Balaam, the soothsayer, and inheriting his prophecies, they recognized his declaration, “A star shall shine forth from Jacob, and a man shall arise from Israel” (Num. 24:17). This prediction led them to discern that a sovereign would emerge from the Jewish people, radiant and luminous like a star. They had been studying the heavens for some time, but upon witnessing this remarkable and newly appeared star, they eagerly set out to pay homage to the newborn King, hoping to build a friendship with him from his earliest days. Having discovered his identity and the location of his birth, they desired his companionship as he matured. The star guided them as far as Palestine, but it vanished once they approached Jerusalem. This happened so they would be prompted to seek information and thus reveal the birth of Christ, preventing the Jews from later claiming ignorance of his arrival. The star’s purpose was to disclose Christ to fulfill Balaam’s prophecy. Since the prophets who had proclaimed Christ to the Jews were unable to convince them, it was essential for the star to direct the Gentiles toward the True Light that had emerged from the earth; they had no prophets or angels to instruct them. Only the Persians noticed this star, having diligently studied astrology from a young age, yet not every Persian perceived it, as not all shared the same insight or belief. In response to those who attribute this star to natural science, it should be clarified that it was not a star in the conventional sense but rather a divine manifestation presenting itself as one. This is evident for several reasons. Firstly, while usual stars travel east to west, this celestial body moved from north to south, aligning with Palestine’s location relative to Persia. Secondly, though stars generally cannot be seen during the day due to the overpowering sunlight, this one shone so brightly that it could not be obscured. Thirdly, it appeared and vanished as needed, guiding them to Palestine and then hiding as they arrived in Jerusalem, reappearing when they departed, adjusting its movement to their needs: advancing when they walked and pausing when they halted. Lastly, it moved low in the sky; had it been high among other stars, it would not have revealed the location of the cave, yet it settled over the dwelling where the child was found."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"WHERE WAS THE KING OF THE JEWS BORN? Their astonishment was evident when it became clear that the locals were unaware of the miraculous event that had occurred, prompting the Jews to question the wise men in amazement about how they had learned of the King’s birth. The wise men replied, “It is remarkable that you Jews are uninformed about Him; we did not come here out of mere curiosity, but were guided by a heavenly sign, for we observed His star in the eastern sky. How could we not journey here? Now, tell us where your new Sovereign is. Our motivation is not for gain or political agendas but stems from a sincere reverence for Him and from faith; we have come to worship Him and bestow upon Him the honor due to such a magnificent and holy figure.” \\n\\n“This star,” remarks St. Ignatius the Theologian, “shone more brightly than all others and its brilliance was indescribable, causing astonishment among all: the other stars gathered, along with the sun and moon, as though forming a choir around this star, which illuminated all the other lights. What was this star that they beheld? According to St. John Chrysostom’s interpretation, it was an unseen force of angels manifesting as a star. Indeed, observe the extraordinary nature of this star! While all stars typically move from east to west, this one traveled from the north, from Persia, to the south, to Jerusalem; while others only appear at night, this one shone even during the day. It would appear and then vanish; when the Magi arrived in Jerusalem, it was hidden, but when they departed, it reappeared. Moreover, like the pillar of cloud guiding the Hebrews through the wilderness, it led the Magi as they traveled, stopping when they paused, ultimately revealing the precise location of the Divine Child before disappearing completely. Clearly, a regular star could not guide the Magi in such a manner; it was indeed the power of angels.\\n\\n“Why did God direct the Magi to Christ through a star rather than by other means?” St. John Chrysostom poses, and answers, “This was due to His special condescension to human frailty. God utilized what was familiar to them for their summons; they observed the stars, so He guided them by a star.” Hence, in keeping with the words of the church hymn, those who behold the stars learn to worship the Sun of righteousness—Christ. How did they discern that the star signified the birth of the King of the Jews? St. Chrysostom suggests, “It was not merely the work of a single star, but rather God Himself moved their hearts, akin to how He influenced King Cyrus of Persia to liberate the Jews from Babylonian captivity” (1 Ezra 1:1). Anticipating the arrival of the great King of the Jews, the grace of God, which perpetually dwells in pure souls, compelled them to leave everything and journey to Judah. \\n\\nWhen did this star first appear? St. Chrysostom asserts that the Magi observed the sign well before Christ’s Nativity, at least for the time it took them to travel to Judea. Our St. Demetrius of Rostov agrees with St. Chrysostom and posits that it is reasonable to believe that this star appeared nine months before the Nativity, at that blessed moment when the Archangel proclaimed and the Holy Spirit enabled the conception of our Lord Jesus Christ in His Mother’s womb. Yet, why did the star not guide them directly to Bethlehem? Had they not entered Jerusalem, all dangers—including to the Holy Child from Herod—could have been avoided. God intended to proclaim Christ’s birth to Jerusalem, to the chief priests and scribes of the Jews, thereby rebuking their spiritual complacency and negligence."},{"author-name":"Philaret of Moscow (Drosdow)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896ffb7a2ebaf99e46539_Philaret%20of%20Moscow%20(Drosdow).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The precise essence of the celestial phenomenon observed by the wise men remains a matter of conjecture, particularly regarding its characteristics, its heavenly origin, and the guidance it provided on their journey. It is most likely that this was not a conventional star, but rather a star-like meteor exhibiting a brilliance far exceeding that of ordinary stars, unshadowed by the daylight. They observed the phenomenon over Judah; how else could it have evoked in them the notion of the birth of the King of the Jews had they seen it within the land they inhabited? The prophecy declaring, “A star shall shine forth from Jacob” (Numbers 24:17) prompts inquiry: does this relate to the star that appeared over Arabia? As they entered Jerusalem, the celestial sign faded from their view. If we propose that God allowed it to vanish as a trial of their faith, we can also suggest that Divine Providence intended it so the Jews would learn about the Messiah's birth through the wise men, while the wise men would discover from the Jews the birthplace of the Messiah, correlating the prophecies with the extraordinary sign that drew them forth. We are invited to emulate the wise men; the light of faith illuminates our path. May it guide us to that sacred Bethlehem, where we may worship our Savior in spirit and truth and present ourselves as an offering to Him. The Magi acted promptly upon seeing the star; such dedication serves as a model for believers across all times. St. John Chrysostom aptly notes that it is simple to follow Grace when it requires little from our nature and to heed God's call when no worldly challenges intervene. The integrity of Christian faith and wisdom lies in the ability to relinquish, when necessary, those cherished attachments, to break free from familiar ties, and to forgo earthly comforts and pleasures—all vital to attaining the Kingdom of God. Let us, therefore, pursue our faith with the same courage displayed by these blessed travelers. Let us depart from the affluent realms where worldly lives stray from Jesus Christ and speed towards the manger, regardless of the sacrifices required, in hopes of encountering our Divine Master. Let us not flinch at the obstacles ahead; had the Magi not chosen to leave their homeland, they would have been left with only the star and missed the indescribable joy of witnessing the Sun of righteousness and the Savior. Therefore, let us be bold, shun the vanities of the world, and journey joyfully toward the abode of the Divine Child."},{"author-name":"Innocentius of Kherson","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d18072d36d1a976dd2c_Innocentius%20of%20Kherson.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The fact that they traveled from distant lands can be gathered from their statement, \\"We have seen His star in the east.\\" Had they resided nearby, they would likely have been more specific. Additionally, Herod’s decree to kill children \\"from two years old and under\\" (Matthew 2:16) suggests that the Magi set out shortly after the appearance of the star, indicating a long journey from regions such as Armenia or Persia. The narrators of this account mention that a group of twelve individuals formed in Persia, driven by legends and prophecies, to watch for an extraordinary star; yet, this tale lacks credible support and seems to have arisen from a need to explain why the Magi did not observe the star. This raises the question: what kind of star was it? St. Chrysostom posits that it represented some intelligent force. The rationale for this includes: 1) its movement from the north to the south, which defies the usual path of stars; 2) it appeared not at night but during the day. However, one might speculate that the Magi traveled by night or at least in the evening, as is customary in warm regions; 3) the star appeared and then vanished. When they reached Jerusalem, the star was concealed, but upon departing, they saw it once more and rejoiced; 4) it directed them to the very temple where the child was located, as if it had alighted upon it. While it is conceivable that this was an extraordinary meteor, it likely operated under the command of a higher intelligence. It would have been improbable for an ordinary star to remain stationary before the Magi and indicate the specific location of the Holy Child. The phenomenon may have been natural, yet under angelic guidance. However, this does not constitute a \\"miracle upon a miracle,\\" for one must consider that the actions of this star aligned with God's divine will. \\n\\n\\"Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?\\" indicates that they were not expecting detailed guidance either from the star or their own insights, and thus felt compelled to inquire of others. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, they would have naturally proceeded to the palace of the king, yet their intentions seemed to suggest otherwise. They deduced that the newborn King would not reside in the royal palace. They asked: where is \\"the King of the Jews who is born,\\" but it appears that those in Jerusalem were unaware that a King of the Jews had been born. Their inquiry is limited to His relationship with Judea, neglecting His significance for the entire world. This limitation likely stemmed from their lack of broader understanding and their reluctance to express any uncertain notions in public. “We saw His star in the east, and have come to worship Him.” These words convey the purpose behind their journey. They seemed to wish to clarify that their inquiry about the birth of the King of the Jews was not out of trivial curiosity but was motivated by divine direction. They acknowledged that they have \\"seen the star,\\" despite it not being visible at present. The fact that those in Jerusalem did not witness the star is evident, as Herod asked the Magi about the time of its appearance; had he seen it himself, there would have been no need for such inquiry. \\"In the east\\" refers to when they were situated in the east, rather than implying the star's location. \\"And we have come to worship Him.\\" This gives rise to interpretations suggesting that these wise men were merchants who visited Judea for trade, and upon learning of the King of the Jews' birth, sought to perform a noble act. Though they possessed treasures, these were not meant for sale but rather as gifts for the newborn. It is likely that they were landowners, who brought these valuable offerings. The Gospel narrations detail the early life of Jesus Christ leading up to His public ministry for the salvation of humanity, including the journey of the Magi and their adoration of Christ."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"‘Where the king of the Jews is born’ - During this time, there was widespread anticipation in Judah for the emergence of a significant figure, with the Jews looking forward to the Messiah, the Redeemer foretold from ancient days. Yet, they lacked a complete understanding of the promises and prophecies concerning Him, and their expectations of the Messiah did not align with His humble and lowly arrival. Instead, they envisioned a king who would free their homeland from Roman rule, gather all Jewish people in Palestine, and establish a tangible, external kingdom that would compel all nations to submit. This expectation was well-known among other nations, as many Jews resided in large numbers both to the east and west. However, they were mistaken: the Messiah came, fulfilling the true essence of the prophecies, as a king who was not of this world, a fact that eluded both them and the world initially (John 1:10-11). The wise men who traveled, either due to pure and untainted tradition or revelation, clearly recognized the significance of the visage of the newborn king through their journey, worship, and gifts, even if their understanding was incomplete. Certainly, the angelic revelation must have further illuminated their perception. - ‘We saw His star in the east’: without doubt, it was an extraordinary star, though its exact nature is difficult to ascertain. St. Ignatius the Theologian, Origen, and Eusebius theorized that it was a uniquely created star, while Chrysostom and Theophylact suggested it was an intelligent being (Angel) appearing in star form. For the profound miracle of the Incarnation of God the Word, such lesser miracles, like a new star’s emergence or an Angel appearing as a star, could not fully encapsulate its significance. Notably, astronomers observed that around the time of the Lord's birth, specifically in the year 747 from the foundation of Rome, a remarkable alignment occurred involving the planets Jupiter and Saturn in the constellation of Pisces, making them appear as one extraordinary star to the naked eye; this conjunction was observable three times throughout that year—in May, August, and December—followed by a similar occurrence in the subsequent year, 748, involving Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars, leading to the sighting of another extraordinary star. Those who subscribe to this interpretation of the Messiah's star do so without endorsing astrological beliefs about celestial influences on human births, but rather acknowledge that noteworthy occurrences in the moral realm are often paralleled by remarkable phenomena in the physical world. However, they still encounter challenges in explaining the Evangelist's assertion that the star halted over the location where the child was. It's also significant to mention that around the same period, Chinese records indicate the sighting of an extraordinary comet, potentially linked to this planetary alignment. - ‘In the east’: this indicates that the Magi saw the star of the king of the Jews while they were still in their own country, rather than observing it to the east of their current location (Jerusalem). - To ‘bow down’ signifies an act of reverence; it was customary among the peoples of the East. However, this term must be interpreted more broadly here: the Magi arrived with a religious intent—to honor the newborn child as an extraordinary king and as God incarnate, evident from their gifts and inferred from the revelation they received, alongside the well-known Jewish tradition regarding the Messiah. The phrase ‘they came to worship Him’ reflects the Magi’s sound judgment and faith. For those who traveled such a great distance to offer their homage to Christ, one can only imagine the extent of their actions had this incredible mystery unfolded in their own homeland. Therefore, they deserve commendation for their faith and are praiseworthy for their virtue."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Magi observed a star rising in the east and journeyed to Jerusalem. What type of star did they spot? And what motivated their journey to Jerusalem? Theologians like Ignatius, Origen, and Eusebius posited that it was a unique star, intentionally created for this moment; while John Chrysostom and Theophylact viewed it as a celestial intelligence manifesting as a star. The astronomer Kepler suggested the star identified by the Magi was merely the alignment of two planets, Jupiter and Saturn, appearing close together. He reached this conclusion based on a similar alignment observed on December 17, 1603, when a third planet, Mars, later joined the pair, and noted that, according to astronomical calculations, the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn should have occurred in 747 years after the foundation of Rome, with Mars following in 748. This purely astronomical account of the remarkable star that guided the Magi does not diminish the miraculous nature of their pilgrimage to Judea and their adoration of the infant Jesus. John Chrysostom offers a perspective on the purpose behind the Magi's journey, harmonizing conflicting views about the star. In his writings on the Gospel of Matthew, he states: “The Magi know that the Newborn will be King not at them, but at other people, in a distant country. For what purpose do they undertake such a journey, being exposed to great dangers in this endeavor? They must have known that when they came to a city that had a king, and began to declare to the people that there was another king besides the one now reigning there, they would expose themselves to a thousand deaths. For what is there to worship a man lying in swaddling clothes? For a Persian, a barbarian, who has nothing in common with the people of Judah, to venture out of his own land, to leave his fatherland, his kinsmen, and his home, and to be subjected to a foreign dominion! To cross such a long way, only to bow down, to excite everyone, and to leave immediately! And what signs of royalty did they find when they saw the hut, the manger, the Babe in swaddling clothes, and the poor Mother? To whom were the gifts brought, and for what purpose? Was it established and customary to pay such homage to every king that was born? Did they go round the whole universe, and of whom they learnt that he was to be made king from a low and poor condition, that he was worshipped before he ascended the royal throne? Do you see how many incongruities are revealed if we judge these things from the course of human affairs?” In response to these inquiries, John Chrysostom continues: “Since the Jews, constantly hearing the prophets, proclaiming the coming of Christ, did not pay special attention to that, the Lord inspired the barbarians to come from a distant country to ask about the King born to the Jews; and they from the Persians first learn what they did not want to learn from the prophets.” The remarkable star was indeed observed by all the wise men of the east. If such a stellar phenomenon was supposed to signify the birth of a great King, it would follow that they would all embark on a collective journey to honor Him. Yet, only three wise men are named in this legendary account; where did the others go, and why did they not imitate the three if such travels were customary? The truth is that no such practice existed among the Magi; therefore, if three ventured to pay homage to the foreign King, it stemmed not from tradition but from deeper motivations. Suppose the Magi viewed the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn as an extraordinary star; being accustomed to interpreting exceptional celestial events as omens of significant earthly occurrences, they may have recalled the Star of Jacob, the expectations of the Jews regarding a great King, and the prophecies of Daniel, leading them to believe that the King of the Jews had been born. Yet it remains puzzling: Why did only three out of all the wise men undertake such a remarkable, perilous, and seemingly irrational journey? To answer this, we must acknowledge the miraculous nature of their expedition: God chose to reveal Christ's worship to first the shepherds, the Jews untainted by Pharisaic error, and then the learned Gentiles, the Magi, as individuals most open to recognizing Christ, the Son of God. The Magi, being divinely guided, were so confident that Christ, the King of the Jews, was indeed born that they did not inquire upon reaching Jerusalem whether the King of the Jews had come; instead, they sought to discover where the King of the Jews had been born. Such faith could not have arisen merely from observing a previously unseen star or from knowledge of some Jewish prophecies and traditions; it had to be inspired from above."}]}
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