Why did the wise men avoid returning to King Herod?

The story of the wise men, often referred to as the Magi, visiting the infant Jesus is a beloved part of the Christmas narrative, found in the Gospel of Matthew. Their journey and subsequent avoidance of King Herod is a tale woven with divine intervention, political intrigue, and the fulfillment of prophecy. Understanding why the wise men avoided returning to King Herod requires us to delve into the historical, theological, and narrative elements of this account.

The Gospel of Matthew, chapter 2, introduces us to these wise men from the East who arrive in Jerusalem seeking "the one who has been born king of the Jews" (Matthew 2:2, NIV). Their journey is guided by a celestial phenomenon, often interpreted as a star, which they had seen in the East. This star led them to Jerusalem, where they expected to find this newborn king. Their arrival and inquiry naturally disturbed King Herod and all of Jerusalem with him. Herod, a ruler known for his paranoia and ruthlessness, was troubled by the news of a potential rival to his throne.

Herod’s reaction is one of cunning and deceit. He gathers the chief priests and scribes to ascertain where the Messiah was to be born, learning from them that Bethlehem is the prophesied location (Matthew 2:4-6, referencing Micah 5:2). Herod then secretly calls the Magi to determine the exact time the star had appeared and sends them to Bethlehem with instructions to report back to him so that he too could "go and worship him" (Matthew 2:8, NIV).

However, Herod's intentions were far from worshipful. Historical accounts and the narrative itself suggest that Herod saw the newborn Jesus as a threat to his throne. This is consistent with Herod's character as described by historians like Josephus, who portrays him as a king who would go to great lengths, including murder, to eliminate any perceived threats to his rule.

The wise men, after finding Jesus and presenting their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, are warned in a dream not to return to Herod. Dreams in the biblical narrative often serve as a medium of divine communication. In this case, the dream is a divine intervention that reveals Herod's malicious intent and instructs the Magi to return to their country by another route (Matthew 2:12, NIV). This act of obedience to the divine warning is crucial, for it not only protects the child Jesus but also aligns with the fulfillment of God’s plan.

Theologically, the avoidance of Herod by the wise men can be seen as part of the broader theme of God's sovereignty and protection. Throughout the Bible, God often intervenes in human affairs to protect His purposes and His people. The Magi's decision to heed the divine warning and avoid Herod underscores the idea that God's plans will not be thwarted by human schemes. This incident is a precursor to God’s continued protection of Jesus, as seen when Joseph is later warned in a dream to flee to Egypt to escape Herod's massacre of the infants in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:13-15, NIV).

The wise men's journey and their decision to avoid Herod also highlight the theme of true worship versus false intentions. The Magi, though Gentiles and outsiders to the Jewish faith, demonstrate genuine worship and reverence for Jesus. Their gifts are symbolic and prophetic, acknowledging Jesus' kingship, divinity, and eventual suffering. In contrast, Herod’s feigned interest in worship is exposed as a facade for his ulterior motives of destruction and self-preservation.

Furthermore, the narrative of the wise men and Herod can be interpreted as a microcosm of the broader biblical theme of light versus darkness. The Magi, guided by a star, seek the light of the world, Jesus Christ. Herod, on the other hand, represents the darkness of worldly power and the fear-driven attempts to extinguish the light. This theme resonates with the prologue of the Gospel of John, which speaks of the light shining in the darkness and the darkness not overcoming it (John 1:5, NIV).

In Christian thought and tradition, the story of the Magi and their avoidance of Herod has been interpreted as a reflection of the call to discernment and obedience to God’s guidance. It serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning one's actions with divine will, even when faced with earthly powers and potential danger. The wise men's choice to heed the dream and avoid Herod is a testament to their wisdom, not only in recognizing the significance of the Christ child but also in discerning the true nature of Herod's intentions.

In conclusion, the wise men avoided returning to King Herod because they were divinely warned of his true intentions. This decision was pivotal in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, protecting the infant Jesus from Herod's murderous plot. The narrative invites readers to reflect on themes of divine sovereignty, true worship, and the triumph of light over darkness, offering a profound insight into the nature of God's kingdom and the call to follow divine guidance amidst worldly challenges.