Matthew 2:2

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying,"

Key Reflection

The arrival of the wise men signifies that God's plan for salvation extends beyond Israel, symbolizing the inclusion of Gentiles in the kingdom of heaven. Their journey also foreshadows Jesus' future mission as a light to the nations, highlighting his role as the Messiah for all peoples.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 2. Where is he, etc. There was, at this time, a prevalent expectation that some remarkable personage was about to appear in Judea. The Jews were anxiously looking for the coming of the Messiah. By computing the time mentioned by Daniel, (Da 9:25-27,) they knew that the period was approaching when the Messiah should appear. This personage, they supposed, would be a temporal prince, and they were expecting that he would deliver them from Roman bondage. It was natural that this expectation should spread into other countries.

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