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But there are several major problems with all of the
astronomical solutions. First stars do not appear, disappear, and then re-appear. Matt. 2:16 tells us that
the star had appeared in the east two years before Jesus was born. Matt. 2:9-10 strongly suggests that the
star disappeared. Why would the magi be glad when they saw the star if it was always present? In fact, why
would the magi stop at Jerusalem to ask where the King of the Jews was to be born? The answer appears to be
that the star disappeared, and so they stopped by to obtain the information. God apparently caused the star
to disappear so that Herod would be motivated to fulfill prophecy in Matt. 2:16-18.
Second, stars do not stop and stand over a fixed location on our earth. Since the earth rotates
on its axis, a star would also need to rotate with the earth in order to remain fixed over Bethlehem. That
is not possible.
No, the star cannot be explained by astronomy. The star was simply a miracle of God. It was
God’s map to guide the magi to Jesus. God cared about these eastern magi.
The Magi and Jesus. The Holy Spirit says that the star "stood over the place
where the Child was." That is, it stood over the house in which Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were living.
After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (NASB) Matt. 2:11
Notice that Joseph and his family were now living in a house. Why did they remain and live in a house? Why didn’t they return to Nazareth? The answer is probably found in the fact that it would have been best for Mary and Jesus not to make the long trip back to Nazareth immediately. Since Joseph needed to get his family out of the cave with the manger, he moved them to a house. He probably started working locally to support his wife and new baby. As with most of us, time slips away, and two years later the magi arrive. |
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| Life & Heart of Jesus | ||||||
