The wisdom of the wise

The 'wise men' of Matthew's Gospel were not just wise by the world's standards; they had been granted heavenly wisdom.

From their words we can see their certainty: they know that one has been born who is King of the Jews, perhaps with some sense that he is the true Messiah.

We can see their clarity: there is much that they don't know (and much that we don't know about what they know!) but they knew that they had seen his star - they seem clear that whatever heavenly phenomenon they have seen, it indicates the coming of the King of the Jews, a King who brings light to those who bow to him, a King that they wish to serve.

That brings us to their urgency: they brook no delays, difficulties or discouragements in seeking out this King. Nothing will keep them from finding him.

Finally, we must notice their humility: they come to worship him. When they find him, despite all appearances, they bow down before him and offer him kingly gifts.

It is not enough for us to come to church, come to a meeting; it is not enough for us to know about Jesus. We, like these truly wise men, must put our knowledge to use, and seek for him, and find him, then bow before him and serve him.