The event of summoning the wise men, often referred to as the Magi, is a significant episode in the narrative of the birth of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. This event highlights the recognition of Jesus' kingship by Gentile seekers and underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah.

Biblical Account

The account of the wise men is found in Matthew 2:1-12. The passage begins with the arrival of the Magi in Jerusalem, following the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem of Judea during the reign of King Herod. The wise men, described as coming from the east, are traditionally understood to be scholars or astrologers, possibly from Persia or Babylon, who studied the stars and ancient prophecies.

Matthew 2:2 records their inquiry: "Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." This question troubled King Herod and all of Jerusalem, as it implied the birth of a new king, potentially threatening Herod's rule.

Herod's Summoning

In response to the Magi's inquiry, Herod summoned all the chief priests and scribes of the people to ascertain where the Messiah was to be born. They informed him, based on the prophecy in Micah 5:2, that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Herod then secretly called the wise men to determine the exact time the star had appeared, as recorded in Matthew 2:7 : "Then Herod called the Magi secretly and learned from them the exact time the star had appeared."

Herod's summoning of the wise men was driven by his desire to locate the newborn King under the pretense of wanting to worship Him. However, his true intention was to eliminate a potential rival to his throne.

The Journey to Bethlehem

Following Herod's instructions, the wise men set out for Bethlehem. The star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. Upon finding Jesus with His mother Mary, the Magi fell down and worshiped Him, offering gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts are often interpreted as symbols of Jesus' kingship, divinity, and eventual suffering and death.

Divine Intervention

After their visit, the wise men were warned in a dream not to return to Herod. Consequently, they departed for their country by another route, as stated in Matthew 2:12 : "And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they withdrew to their country by another route."

Theological Significance

The summoning of the wise men and their subsequent journey to worship Jesus is rich in theological significance. It demonstrates the recognition of Jesus as the King of the Jews by Gentiles, fulfilling the prophecy that nations would come to His light (Isaiah 60:3). This event foreshadows the universal scope of the Gospel, indicating that Jesus' mission would extend beyond Israel to all nations.

Furthermore, the narrative highlights the contrast between the responses to Jesus' birth: the worship and homage of the wise men versus the hostility and deceit of Herod. This dichotomy reflects the varied human responses to the revelation of Christ throughout history.

In summary, the summoning of the wise men is a pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative, emphasizing the fulfillment of prophecy, the acknowledgment of Jesus' divine kingship, and the inclusive nature of His redemptive mission.