The star of Bethlehem – What was it?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The star of Bethlehem is mentioned as guiding wise men to Jesus' birthplace (Matthew 2:1–12), fulfilling Old Testament prophecies (Numbers 24:17; Daniel 9:24–27). It led these magi, who were likely ancient astronomers, to seek and worship Jesus. They offered Him gifts and then departed by another route after being warned in a dream (Matthew 2:9–12). The star could have been a comet, nova, or other celestial event. Others view the star of Bethlehem as a miraculous light specifically for Jesus’ birth. The sign of the star guided the magi; they knew it indicated the birth of the king of the Jews, and they responded. Our worship today should be based on the revelation of Jesus in Scripture. Hebrews 1:1–2 says, "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son." Faith in His Word is key to following Him (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Biblical prophecies referred to the Messiah or King of the Jews in connection with this time and with a star. Number 24:17 predicts, "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." Daniel 9:24–27 offered a general timeline that may have given the wise men insight regarding the time period in which Jesus would have been born.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The star of Bethlehem is noted in the account of the visit of wise men (or magi) from the east to Jesus and His family (Matthew 2:1–12). The star appeared to mark the birth of Jesus, leading these wise men to seek the king who had been born in the land of the Jews (Matthew 2:2). The men first went to the capital city of Jerusalem and asked King Herod for the location of the one who had been born king of the Jews (Matthew 2:2). Herod in turn asked the Jewish religious leaders, who referred to the prophecy of the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:5–6; cf. Micah 5:2–5). The wise men then followed the star to the place Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were staying. There they worshiped Jesus and gave gifts (Matthew 2:9–11). The wise men left by another way as warned in a dream (Matthew 2:12). Jesus and His parents fled to Egypt after Joseph was warned in a dream (Matthew 2:13). When Herod realized the wise men were not returning to tell him the location of the child, he had all boys two years old and under put to death in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16).
• The star was something special in the night sky that these wise men could observe during the time Jesus was born. The Greek word for star (aster) (Matthew 2:2) could refer to any celestial body, whether an actual star, comet, or other light.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The star of Bethlehem was certainly orchestrated by God. It is possible it was miraculous. It is also possible God used an astrological event that is not outside of the laws of nature. These wise men were likely ancient astronomers (often associated with wise men from the east). God gave these men some kind of insight based on light they saw in the sky. Based on this information and leading of God, they became the first non-Jews to worship Jesus. As many say today, wise men still seek Him.

We, too, are called to worship Jesus. For us, we do not find Him by following signs or celestial phenomena but by following what is revealed about Him in Scripture. While the star guided the wise men to the Messiah, our guidance comes from the Word of God. The wise men linked what they saw with what they apparently knew from God's Word, and the star prompted them to seek more. Jesus is revealed to us through His Word, by which we are invited to know Him, worship Him, and live according to His truth. As Jesus Himself said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). Our worship is called to be like that of the wise men who followed the star of Bethlehem—by faith in response to the Scriptures, embracing the profound truth that Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promises, the ultimate revelation of His love, and the only way we can be saved.

UNDERSTAND

• The star of Bethlehem fulfilled prophecy from Numbers 24:17 and guided the magi to Jesus.
• The star of Bethlehem could have been a comet, nova, or miraculous light.
• The star of Bethlehem guided the Magi to worship Jesus just as the Word of God does the same for us.

REFLECT

• How does the story of the star of Bethlehem challenge or enhance your understanding of how God guides us today?
• How do you find yourself looking for signs or miracles, and how does this compare to seeking guidance through Scripture?
• How can the faith of the magi, who followed a celestial sign to worship Jesus, encourage you on your personal journey of faith and worship?

ENGAGE

• We cannot fully explain the origin of the "star" of Bethlehem. Various astronomers have suggested that an alignment of various planets that caused a bright light, a comet, supernova, or other astrological event would best explain the light seen by the wise men. Others simply accept that the "star" was a miraculous light that appeared just for the occasion of the wise men to find Jesus.
• A nova (birth of a new star) is recorded by astronomers in the northern constellation of Aquila in 4 BC. The reason a nova is a strong candidate for the star of Bethlehem is based on its appearance to those on earth. When it first takes place, it looks like a new star, then fades over the following months.
• How can the idea of “wise men still seek Him” be applied to our daily lives and interactions with others?