Matthew: King of the Jews

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He that is born King of the Jews?  For we have seen His star in the east and are come to worship Him.   

Matthew 2:1-2

The religious leaders of Israel were well-acquainted with the prophecies that heralded the coming of the Messiah.  As soon as Herod demanded to know the when’s and where’s of the coming of another ruler, the priests just happened to have the scriptures right in front of them.  The prophet Micah said, “But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me One who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.”  [Micah 5:2 NRSV]  The prophet Balaam proclaimed:  “I see him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near – a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.”   [Numbers 24:17 NRSV]  If you are going to rule Israel with a scepter, then we are talking about a new King.  Herod did not look on such news with great favor!

The magi enter Jerusalem with all the pomp and splendor of eastern monarchs, following the star that they had researched in the writings of Balaam.  Their inquiry – "Where is He that is born King of the Jews."  We do not see this title again until the end of Jesus’ life.  After the mockery of a trial before the Sanhedrin, the religious leaders took Jesus to Pilate.  His question to Jesus:  “Are you the King of the Jews?”  Jesus replied, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?”   Are you looking at me as a peasant teacher, or are you making the connection with my birth in Bethlehem?  Am I no one to you, or are you remembering the baby - God made flesh? Do you have a clue that the Messiah of the universe stands before you? Finally, Jesus answered, “I am a King, but my kingdom is not in this world.” 

Pilate was so shaken, so moved by this stranger before him. Could it be that he somehow knew of the stories of the Messiah in the manger?  We will never know, but when Pilate succumbed to political pressure and Jesus was crucified on a Roman cross, Pilate inscribed a sign that read:

JESUS OF NAZARETH

THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Alleluia, O how the angels sang,

Alleluia, how it rang!

And the stars were bright with a holy light:

`Twas the birthday of a King.