The Faith of the Wisemen

Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (Jn 20:29)

I recently read a blog post (read it here) that challenged by thinking about the wisemen, the magi from the east. Before a few days ago, I hadn't really considered their role in Matthew's gospel. Sure, they were a key part of the Christmas story. Sure they were integral to Matthew's overarching message to proclaim Jesus as King. But what about the wisemen themselves? Isn't there anything we can learn from them and how they approached the King of kings?

Enter J.C. Ryle. When I read some of his thoughts about the wisemen from his commentary on Matthew, I was stunned. Why hadn't I seen this before? Here's an excerpt:

The conduct of the wise men is a striking example of faith. They believed in Christ when they had never seen Him – but that was not all. They believed in Him when the Scribes and Pharisees were unbelieving – but that again was not all. They believed in Him when they saw Him a little infant on Mary’s knee, and worshiped Him as a king. This was the crowning point of their faith. They saw no miracles to convince them. They heard no teaching to persuade them. They saw no signs of divinity and greatness to overawe them. They saw nothing but a new-born infant, helpless and weak, and needing a mother’s care like any one of ourselves. And yet when they saw that infant, they believed that they saw the divine Savior of the world. ‘They fell down and worshiped Him.’

Faith without evidence? Believing in one you've never seen? As Ryle says, this is an incredible display of faith. Yet, as I reflected on this a little, what struck me is not so much their example of faith, as great as it is, but rather the object of their faith. How great is the King, if he is worshiped while he is still an infant? How great is the One who has all authority who is submitted to before he exercises any of it? How great is the Savior who is trusted before he has shed one drop of blood?

So, the question before us today is this: What is your estimation of Jesus? Is your vision limited to what you can see? If so, you may be stuck with a baby in a manger or teacher who needs to convince you of the truth or a savior who must demonstrate his authority and ability to save. Yet, if our vision can go beyond what's in front of us we will see that the baby is the king, and the truth and the one with all authority and the one who has saved all who will believe in Him.

I now send forth this post with a deep sense of its many defects; but with an earnest prayer that it may do some good. (JC Ryle)

To God Alone be the Glory