Can you imagine what the wise men were thinking as they came into Jerusalem looking for clues to the identity of the child that would be King of the Jews? They saw the star in the east and traveled to the great city to worship Him. I suspect they were disappointed and maybe even shocked that there was not a grandiose party going on in celebration of a new King.
Herod and all of Jerusalem were troubled about this news of a new King being born and asked where the Messiah of the world would be born. The Magi explained by quoting from the prophet Micah that it would be in Bethlehem where “A Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel”. Herod sent them on their way with instructions to find the child and let him know where he was so that he too would be able to worship him. (Of course, he actually had different motives than worship).
Days later, in Bethlehem, as the magi stepped into the presence of Jesus they experienced a worship they had not anticipated. Originally, they thought that they would be at the temple worshiping the new King. Of course, as Gentiles, they would not have been allowed any closer that the outer courts. But, here in Bethlehem they were able to be in the presence of God like no other before. Here He was in the flesh. Even at the temple there were exclusions for Jews to how close a person could get to the Most Holy Place. But, here in Bethlehem, in this barn, in a manger, the wise men were entering the presence of the divine King with no restrictions.
Isaiah 60:3 says, “Nations will come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising.” Here they were following the star from the east to the small town of Bethlehem to worship the Child-king. What a blessing it is for us to be able to come and worship Him no matter who we are, no matter where we have come, no matter our past. O come, let us adore Him!
~ Alexander