The Battle for Your Soul

"Matthew 2:1–3 introduces us to an extraordinary moment in history—a collision of power, prophecy, and divine revelation. These three verses lay the foundation for a story that speaks not only to the time of Jesus' birth but to our modern lives as well. Let’s take a closer look.

Verse 1: 'Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem.'

Here we are introduced to two key figures: Herod the king and the wise men from the east. Herod, known historically as Herod the Great, ruled under Roman authority. His reign was marked by political cunning, monumental architectural achievements, and a paranoid cruelty that spared no one—not even his own family. He represents earthly power, often built on fear, corruption, and the ruthless pursuit of control. Herod embodies the kind of authority that opposes divine truth, seeing it as a threat to his fragile empire.

In stark contrast, we meet the wise men—or Magi—from the east. These were likely scholars or astrologers from Persia, Babylon, or another eastern region. In their time, wisdom and knowledge were deeply tied to the observation of the stars and celestial phenomena. Despite their pagan background and a focus on astrology, they were seekers of truth, able to perceive a divine sign and respond with faith. This challenges us to consider how God can reveal Himself even to those far from traditional faith—a reminder that no one is beyond His reach.

Verse 2: '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.'

Here, the wise men’s purpose is made clear: they have come to worship the newborn king. But let’s pause to unpack the significance of the star. What was this star? Historically, there are theories of celestial events—a planetary conjunction, a comet, or a supernova. Spiritually, the star represents divine guidance, a light breaking into darkness to lead seekers to truth. The wise men, experts in interpreting the heavens, recognized this light as extraordinary and followed it with faith.

This prompts a deeper question: Why would God choose to speak through a star?

The star is a powerful reference here. Let us unpack it. In many traditions, astrology is viewed skeptically, even condemned, as it often represents humanity's attempt to control or predict life apart from God. Yet here, God uses a medium familiar to these eastern scholars to draw them closer to Him. This shows us that God meets people where they are, speaking in ways they can understand—even if their starting point is imperfect. The wise men trusted the star’s direction, even after an encounter with Herod, whose intentions were not pure (Matthew 2:9). This highlights the importance of discerning divine direction over worldly influence. These verses remind believers that God provides guidance for those who seek Him. Just as the star directed the wise men, God may use “stars” (signs, intuition, or circumstances) in our lives to lead us toward His will. The star is a divine sign, it represents God’s guidance and revelation. It symbolizes light in the darkness, leading humanity to Christ, the ultimate source of spiritual enlightenment. The wise men could not have discerned God's revelations from a celestial star alone.

In today's society are we are we not distracted by things such as astrology, politicians, royal families, influencers, and Hollywood 'stars'? We often find ourselves seeking guidance, influence, and knowledge from sources that are a distraction from the one true star. A star that is born from the darkness. A light that must be sought out and can only be lit from within. Christ is the star that is born within, birthed from the dark night of the soul, hence one being 'born again'.

The wise men came from 'the east'. This is also rich in symbolism. Biblically, the east often represents separation from God.

For example, (Genesis 3:24) Adam and Eve are exiled to the east of Eden, and the people of Babel migrate eastward in their rebellion. (Genesis 4:16) Cain, after murdering his brother Abel, is cast further away from God’s presence, symbolically moving eastward. (Genesis 13:11) "Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other." Lot’s choice to move eastward toward Sodom and Gomorrah symbolizes a decision driven by materialism and self-interest, ultimately leading him into a morally corrupt environment.

The east can signify being far from God, walking in darkness, or possessing knowledge without true wisdom. Yet these wise men, despite being 'from the east,' are drawn out of the darkness by the light of the star to the ultimate source of wisdom—Jesus Christ. This contrast reminds us that no matter how far we are, God’s light can reach us if only we choose to seek it.

Matthew 2:3: 'When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.'

Why was Herod troubled? As a ruler obsessed with maintaining power, the idea of a 'King of the Jews' being born threatened his authority. Herod likely saw this as a direct challenge to his political stability. But why was all Jerusalem troubled? Perhaps they feared the consequences of Herod’s paranoia—his history of violent overreactions was well known. This moment underscores the tension between earthly power and divine purpose, a theme that resonates throughout the Gospel and still reigns true today.

Herod, like many of our rulers and 'stars' today, abuses his power and spreads false light. Consumed by the flesh and the material word. A prisoner to his ego and an addict to his lower desires.

The power and light of Jesus Christ is not of this world. Jesus' authority is birthed from the creator of all creators. The birth of Jesus Christ represented the dawning of a new era. The rebirth of the soul, which lights a power and authority, within, that no material ruler can oppress.

Matthew 4:1 'Then Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.


Was Jesus not taken into the wilderness and tempted? To have the authority of God running through his veins, how easy would it have been to give in to His lower desires of the material and the flesh? How tempting it must have been to know that He could use this power to manifest His lower desires at any time to further his material gain.

We the people must see that we are in a spiritual warfare. That there are people, places, and things of this world that wish to deceive us for temporary satisfaction and material gain. There are forces at play that take joy in our oppression, applaud our victimhood, and affirm our lower desires.

The book of Matthew introduces us to a story of profound contrasts: Herod’s corruption versus the wise men’s faith, the darkness of earthly power versus the light of divine truth. Jesus is born into a world marked by oppression, fear, and abuse of power yet even in this darkness, the light of the star shines, leading those who seek it to Him.

The wise men’s journey reminds us of the importance of seeking God, even when we are far from Him. Their story teaches us that wisdom isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about humility, the willingness to follow, and the courage to worship. God can use anyone—regardless of their background or starting point—who earnestly seeks Him. The star, born from the darkness of the night sky, symbolizes hope, guidance, and God’s ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

In today’s world, we also live amidst corruption and abuse of power, much like the time of Herod. But the message of God's word is timeless. God’s light still shines, calling us to turn inward, seek His wisdom, and align ourselves with His kingdom. Just as the wise men followed the star to find Jesus, we too are invited to look beyond the material world and allow God’s light to guide us from darkness into His truth, his authority.

So, as you reflect on these verses, ask yourself, what does the star represent in your life? Are you willing to follow it, even if it leads you away from comfort and toward transformation? And how might you, like the wise men, respond with faith and worship when God’s light breaks through your own darkness?"