When Did The Three Wise Men Visit Jesus

When Did the Three Wise Men Visit Jesus?

The sequence of events that occurred between the time of Christ’s birth and the time He went to live in Nazareth is hotly debated. The time of the Magi’s arrival is the most contentious issue, and this is where the debate begins. If this can be known, it may be possible to schedule the other events with relative ease. The arrival of the Magi was traditionally dated to the 6th of January, or the 13th day after the birth of Jesus, according to ancient and contemporary traditions. In that case, assuming that the star heralded His birth and that they departed as soon as it appeared, they would have been on their trip for just around 10 days at that point.

It is currently commemorated in both the Greek and Roman Churches with reference to the two preceding events, with the adoration of the Magi being the most significant of these events in both churches.

The tradition, on the other hand, did not command widespread acceptance.

Others have speculated that the date of January 6th was chosen only for the sake of convenience, rather than having any actual chronological relation to the event.

Secondly, Jesus and His parents returned to Nazareth immediately after the presentation, indicating that the presentation must have taken place prior to their visit (Luke 2; see also Mark 2).
However, none of these arguments is conclusive.
Many of the fathers believe that they discovered Him still in the manger, or stall, which may be correct if the manger was in a cave at the back of the home.
However, this is a purely arbitrary interpretation.
He doesn’t tell anything about the Magi, about the slaughter of the children, or about the journey into Egypt.

The following is an adaptation of The Life of Our Lord on the Earth by Samuel James Andrews. Credit for the photo: iStock/Getty Images Plus/Denis-Art Photo Credit:

Here’s What History Can Tell Us About the Magi

Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25, but the tale of Christmas does not end there. In many Western Christian traditions, Christmas is celebrated over 12 days, with the feast of the Epiphany falling on January 6, the culmination of the season. Many people think that’s when the “Magi,” or “wise men,” or “three kings,” came to view the newborn infant Jesus for the first time. But were any of these individuals influenced by real-life historical figures? It is difficult to link their depictions to specific individuals, but their descriptions in the Gospel of Matthew, which are only a few sentences long, do correspond to current understandings of the world at the time the Gospel was written, which is thought to have occurred sometime between 70 CE and 85 CE.

Also absent from the record is any indication of the number of males in attendance.

Immediately after Jesus’ birth at the town of Bethlehem in Judea, which was then under the reign of the Roman King Herod, according to Matthew’s Gospel, “certain men who studied the stars came from the East to Jerusalem and inquired, ‘Where is the infant born to be the king of the Jews?'” Our attention was drawn to his star as it rose in the East, and we have come to adore him.” They arrived at Jesus and Mary’s home after following the light of a star, and they brought presents of gold, frankincense and myrrh to them, as described in the Gospel.

Gold was then, as it is now, a symbol of riches and power.

According to Kristin Swenson, an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University and author of the forthcomingA Most Peculiar Book: The Inherent Strangeness of the Bible, myrrh is a “outlier” in the Bible.

Swenson explains that Jesus is served wine with myrrh before his crucifixion because it is a painkiller in Mark 15:23, and this is because myrrh is a natural analgesic.

It is clear from the lavish presents that these Eastern guests are “people of immense money and power,” as Swenson puts it, since they “bring things that are kind of evident based on the things they bring.” “They are referred to as Magi in Greek, which was a title that referred to a category of Persian priests at the time of the Greek invasion.

“Their orientation was considerably more in the direction of what we would today characterize as scientific.” Looking to a star is “very much in keeping with the religious tradition of this place at the time of looking to the heavens, the stars, and the planets for information about the gods’ wishes and doings, and some stars or planets were identified with God.” Looking to a star is “very much in keeping with the religious tradition of this place at the time of looking to the heavens, the stars, and the planets for information about the gods’ wishes and doings” The author of the Gospel of Matthew also points out that the Gospel of Matthew portrays a prophecy from hundreds of years earlier, found in the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament, in which the nations of the world recognize Israel as the light of the world and celebrate this recognition with gifts of gold, frankincense, and other valuable gifts.

TIME magazine’s cover article “Secrets of the Nativity,” published on December 13, 2004, highlighted decades of efforts to make sense of the Magi, as well as the numerous futile searches for tangible proof of the nativity scene: After all, from whence exactly in the Orient (which literally translates as “East”) were they coming from?

It is possible that the presents they carried–gold, frankincense, and myrrh–were brought by camel trains from Arabia, as described in unrelated Bible accounts from Sheba and Midian, both of which are located on the peninsula.
The most fortunate of all the guesses turned out to be the one made in the 4th century by the designers of the Church of the Nativity in Palestine, whose golden entrance mosaic showed the Magi clothed as Persians, who were also well-known stargazers at the time.
The Magi enjoyed a long and fruitful postbiblical existence.
Their number, which fluctuated from two to twelve in different tales, finally settled on three, most likely as a result of their three gifts.
This is how a medieval Irish account of the guy described him: “The first is supposed to have been.
beardless and ruddy-complexioned.
Researchers have speculated that the combination was either intended to emphasize Christianity’s global ambitions or pointed back to an earlier varied threesome, Noah’s sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth, as a point of reference.

Melchior died on January 1st, at the age of 116; St.

Gaspar died on January 11th, at the age of 109.” Many modern Christmas customs depict these three wise men in a way that is influenced by medieval art.

In popular imagination, paintings by painters such as Botticelli, Peter Paul Rubens, and Hieronymus Bosch (as seen above) contributed to solidifying the idea of the Magi as a varied bunch of men.

in 1857, is perhaps the most famous musical depiction of the three men.

And, just as interpretations of the Magi evolved over time in response to events in the world, so too will current events influence how individuals find meaning in the Bible in order to make sense of their own lives.

While doing so, it is critical to remember and acknowledge that we are reimagining for our times texts that, in some cases, defy our expectations, at times confound us with contradictions, and, unless we read them in their ancient Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek originals, rely on translations that are themselves interpreted.” Write to Olivia B.

Waxman at the following address: [email protected].

Did The Wise Men (Magi) Arrive 12 Days After Jesus’ Birth? Or Was It Much Later?

“WHO Were the Wise Men?” has previously been discussed. as well as “HOW Did They Know?” Let us now explore the question, “WHEN DID THE WISDOM MEN ARRIVE?” “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” a classic Christmas carol, is about the twelve days of gift-giving that occur throughout the holiday season. Gifts are added to the list with each passing day, based on the day’s number. The most famous feature is the ringing chorus of “five golden rings,” which is sung on the fifth day of the festival. In addition to being a lovely tune to sing, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” also has a nice trivia question: How many gifts were given out during the song?

That is a significant number of presents.

A Theological Significance to the 12 Days of Christmas

The church has historically held that the 12 days between the birth of Jesus and the arrival of the Magi indicate the period of time between the two events. The celebrations begin on Christmas Day (or, in some traditions, the day following Christmas) and conclude with the feast of the Epiphany, which is celebrated on January 6th this year.

The Feast of Epiphany

This feast day remembers the day the three wise men arrived at Jesus’ home and presented him with gifts. Some churches’ liturgical calendars refer to this day as “Three Kings’ Day,” which is a reference to the three kings of Saudi Arabia. Some traditions also say that the Feast of the Three Kings commemorates the day on which John the Baptist baptized Jesus. Is this, however, the case in reality?

What does the Bible say?

According to the gospel of Matthew, the Three Wise Men came from the Persian Empire (see Who were the Three Wise Men? for further information). While traveling to Jerusalem in search of the Christ child, they were guided by a bright light in the sky. When they came, they approached King Herod and enquired about the location of the one and only “born King of the Jews” (Mat 2:2). Then, guided once more by the light, they ultimately discovered the infant near the spot where the star had come to rest.

Arrival After The Dedication of Jesus?

Our textual evidence indicates that the Three Wise Men originated from the Persian Empire (see Who were the Three Wise Men? for more information.) During their journey to Jerusalem in search of the Christ child, they were directed by a star. After arriving, they approached King Herod to enquire about the location of the one and only “born King of the Jews” they were looking for (Mat 2:2). When they were finally able to track down the infant, they were once again guided by a bright light. Even while church history asserts that the Three Wise Men arrived 12 days after the birth of Jesus, the Holy Scriptures reveal that this is not the case.

An Offering of Birds by Mary and Joseph

It is recorded in Luke 2:24 that Mary made an offering of birds (plural). That Mary and Joseph did not have the sufficient means to purchase a lamb for their burned offering is an evidence of their financial inability. It has long been speculated that if the Three Wise Men had visited 12 days after the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph would have been presented with the priceless gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. If this had been the case, Mary would have been able to present a blood sacrifice in the shape of a lamb to the Lord in order to cleanse herself.

The Wise Men could not have come before that period, based on the Bible’s description of the dedication of Jesus and the purification of Mary, which occurred at least 40 days after Jesus’ birth.

Arrival When Jesus was Two Years Old?

Some believe that the Wise Men did not visit until Jesus was two years old and was residing in a home in Nazareth, rather than when he was born. This is based on Matthew 2:11-11, to be precise. When the Three Wise Men “went into the home and saw the little boy,” we are informed that they were “astonished.” When you combine that with Herod’s command that all children under the age of two should be put to death, it’s easy to see why some believe Jesus was close to two years old when the Three Wise Men came.

There isn’t any proof to back up this claim.
The Greek term paidion, which is translated as “little kid,” is used by Matthew to describe a small child.
The assumption of Jesus’ age in accordance with Herod’s order is also dubious.
Keep in mind that the Wise Men were meant to report back to Herod on their findings (Matt 2:8).

The Wise Men “Came Into the House”

We know that Jesus was born in a stable, which was a facility that housed animals. The location may have been a stable or a cave, but the most likely location was the bottom floor of a relative’s house, where animals were housed during the colder months. The word “inn” that we translate as “upper room” comes from the Greek word for “lower level,” and it has been hypothesized that Mary and Joseph stayed in the lower level of a Bethlehem house, and that after all of the guests who had been there for the census had left, the relatives invited Mary and Joseph to the upper room where they were welcomed.

for more information on this topic).

As a result, it’s plausible that the Wise Men were guided to Nazareth by the star, but it’s improbable that their journey would have taken more than two years.

The Timing

It seems undeniable that the story of the Three Wise Men arriving 12 days after Jesus’ birth is inaccurate. The time does not seem to be right. Because Mary and Joseph were devoted Jews, if they had received the beautiful gifts of great value from the Three Wise Men, they might have sold part of the gold, frankincense, or myrrh and used the proceeds to purchase a lamb to sacrifice to God.

Instead, they offered birds, with the offering intended for the impoverished who did not have the financial resources to purchase a lamb on their behalf.

Conclusion

So, how long did it take the Wise Men to get to Bethlehem after Jesus’ birth? We simply do not know what to do. The available evidence, on the other hand, is adequate to conclude that it was not 12 days. It would have taken more than 40 days, but it would have taken less time than two years. When it comes to Jesus, we know from the Wise Men that the right reaction is to bow our heads and worship him. When the Wise Men discovered Him, they bowed down and worshipped Him, regardless of His age at the time.

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We Three Kings

Three wise men are frequently seen in nativity scenes. Is there anything in the Bible that reveals anything about these wise men? Who were they, and where did they come from? Who were they and where did they come from? Tim Chaffey, AiG–US, debunks some of the most popular myths about them in this article.

Clearing Up Misconceptions

In recent years, numerous doctrines that have little or no biblical foundation have seeped into mainstream Christian thinking. The purpose of this web series is to dispel some of the most widely held misconceptions about the Bible. They may be found in nativity scenes all around the world. They have been the subject of songs and poetry written on them. They have appeared in films, plays, and Sunday school skits, among other things. They are perhaps of the most well-known figures in our society, since practically everyone has seen depictions of three wise men traveling on camels and following a star in their travels across the world.

What exactly do we know about these three individuals, who are now known by the names Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar?
Several specifics about the magi are provided in Scripture, and this essay will investigate many of them.
How did they find out about the King of the Jews, you might wonder?
When and when did they have their encounter with the LordJesusChrist?

Magi, Kings, or Wise Men?

According to the New King James Version, the Greek word o (mgoi) is translated as “wise men,” although the NASB and NIV render it as “smart men.” originally referred to a group of Persian wise men and priests who were tasked with interpreting extraordinary signs, notably those related to the stars and the zodiac. In the end, the term was used to indicate to a person who possessed supernatural knowledge and aptitude, a magician, or even a deceiver or seducer, depending on the context and context.

2 This is the story of the three wise men, as told in the book of Matthew: After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea during the reign of Herod the Great, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?” It is for this reason that we have come to worship Him after having seen His star in the East.” (Matthew 2:1–2; Mark 2:1–2) Most likely, the original meaning ofmgoiis in mind here—wise individuals who were able to understand extraordinary signals.

This identification can be attributed to at least three different factors.

Second, the Bible indicates that they came from “the East,” which would put them in the general area of Babylon and ancient Persia, respectively.

At the time of Daniel’s prophecy (Daniel 9:24–26), he was a powerful government figure in Babylon, about 600 years before the birth of Jesus.

Thousands of Jews resided in Babylon during the time of the Exile (605–536 BC), and they continued to have a significant presence there for several centuries afterward.

How Did They Learn of the King of the Jews?

The third argument mentioned above gives a viable answer to this query. Because the magi were said to have had access to the Hebrew Scriptures, it is possible that they were aware of the promises of the impending Messiah. The book of Numbers, according to some academics, provided the magi with information about the infant who would be preceded by a star. ” I see Him, yet not now; I behold Him, but not close; a Star shall spring out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel.” ” I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not close” (Numbers 24:17).

After all, God had cautioned them in a dream not to go back to Herod after they had seen the newborn Jesus and offered their gifts to Him in the first place (Matthew 2:12).

The fact that they were expecting to see a kid who was “born King of the Jews” may be inferred from historical records.

How Many Magi Came to See Jesus?

Despite the fact that the famous Christmas song and customs tell us that three wise men came to see Christ, the Bible does not specify how many wise men were there. The following is what Matthew had to say about the magi’s appearance: When they had finished listening to the king, they began to go; and lo, the star that they had seen in the East had preceded them all the way to where the little Child was, where it stood. When they spotted the star, they were filled with an excruciating amount of excitement.

And when they had finished opening their riches, they offered presents to Him, including gold, frankincense, and myrrh, among other things.

However, because theBibledoes not specify the number of magi, we can only make educated guesses.

When and Where Did They See the Lord Jesus Christ?

Although the popular perspective, as depicted in films such as The Nativity Story, holds that the three wise men saw Jesus on the night of His birth, research has found that this is exceedingly unlikely. It is revealed in Matthew 2:1 that the magi traveled to Jerusalem and later met with Herod after Jesus was born. Because the shepherds received the heavenly news of Christ’s birth at night, it is reasonable to assume that Jesus was born at night. “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord,” the angel announced to the shepherds in Luke 2:11: “For the Lord has come to you.” v (smeron) is the Greek word that is translated as “this day,” and it literally means “the same day as the day of the discourse” (i.e., today).

The idea that the three wise men would arrive in Jerusalem at night and instantly gain a meeting with Herod is thus exceedingly improbable to me.
Herod was informed by the experts that the Messiah would be born at Bethlehem, as promised in Micah 5:2 (the book of Isaiah).
It is reasonable to suppose that the three wise men met with Herod the day after Jesus’ birth, and that their first visit to Jesus occurred that evening.
Please also our article, “Christmas Timeline of the Biblical Account,” for further information.

The article will also provide an outline for further research. As we read the Bible in order to obtain a thorough knowledge of these events, may we, like the wise men, offer our adoration to the SaviorJesusChrist.

Where was Jesus when the wise men found Him and gave Him gifts?

Where was Jesus when the three wise men came upon Him and presented Him with gifts? I do not believe this occurred at the time of His birth since they had to move after they had stopped to meet Herod.

Bible Answer:

The traditional nativity scenes seen on Christmas cards, paintings, and in-church displays portray Jesus, Mary, Joseph, shepherds, and three wise men, among other people and animals. However, this is incorrect since the wise men did not pay a visit to the Christ on the day of His birth. The three kings of the East arrived many years after Jesus’ birth. Presented here is a section of the Christmas narrative from the gospel of Matthew. In the days of Herod the king, when Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, a group of magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, proclaiming.

Wise Men Arrive In Jerusalem

When the three wise men arrived in Jerusalem, they inquired as to the location of Jesus’ birth. The following is the response they received. It is at Bethlehem of Judea that the prophet prophesied: “AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH, ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER, WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.” (Isaiah 9:6) Matthew 2:5-6 (KJV) (NASB) This upset King Herod, who secretly convened a meeting with the three wise men. The wise men were asked how long ago the star had shone, and Herod then informed them that Jesus might be located in Bethlehem, according to tradition.

Then Herod secretly summoned the magi, who were able to establish the precise moment the star shone for him.

Matthew 2:9 (KJV) (NASB)

Where Was Jesus When the Wise Men Found Him?

The star was out of the ordinary since a typical star does not travel in front of a person and then come to a complete halt. A regular star does not appear to move since it is billions of miles away in the sky and so appears to be stationary. These three wise men were guided to Jesus’ home by a particular, divinely designed light that shone from the sky above them. And when they entered the home, they saw the Child with Mary His mother, and they dropped to their knees and worshiped Him, and they gave Him with presents of gold, frankincense, and myrrh from their treasuries, which He accepted.

The Greek term for house is isoikia, which means “household.” It simply refers to a house or a residence.
and not in a private residence In the meantime, she gave birth to her first-born son, whom she wrapped in cloths and placed at a manger since there was no room for them in the inn.
It indicates that the wise men arrived between one and two years after the king’s death.
The solution is found in Matthew 2:16, which is the Bible.
We learn in Matthew 2:16 (NASB) that King Herod slaughtered all of the infants who were two years old or younger in order to gain power.

Why? Because the wise men had informed him that they had been monitoring the star for almost two years, he decided to investigate. Because of this, it may be concluded that the wise men did not pay a visit to Jesus when He was resting in the manger at the inn.

Conclusion:

As a result, the wise men came about one to two years after the birth of Jesus. It is likely that one year is a more accurate estimate because the wise men required time to journey from the east to find Jesus. Nevertheless, Matthew makes it plain that Jesus was already in a dwelling when the three wise men arrived. God had arranged for these wise men to pay a visit to Jesus. Although the Bible never explains why this occurred, it does serve as a demonstration of God’s faithfulness and grace!

Did the three wise men visit baby Jesus at the manger?

The solution is as follows: The three wise men from the east traveled to Jerusalem to deliver gifts to Jesus and to honor Him. Because the Bible states they arrived at a home, it seems unlikely that they arrived at the manger. The three wise men from the east traveled to Bethlehem to present gifts to Jesus and to honor the newborn King. Because the Bible states they arrived at a home, it seems unlikely that they arrived at the manger. Although the Bible does not specifically state that there were only three wise men that arrived, it does state that they brought three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

It’s possible that you’ve seen the three wise men in a nativity scene around Christmas time, but these men did not appear during Jesus’ birth in the stable.
The Wise Men went to a dwelling, according to Matthew 2:11: “The Wise Men went to the house.” They spotted the youngster with his mother, Mary, when they arrived.
After that, they began to unveil their riches.
It was most likely Persia or the region now known as Iran that was responsible.
The Star of Bethlehem served as a guide for them during their journey.
Because Herod assured them that the event would take place in Bethlehem, the wise men continued their journey to Bethlehem.
God then forbade them from returning to Herod, prompting them to depart from Judea by a separate path.

This occurred during Herod’s reign as ruler of Judea.

They inquired as to the whereabouts of the boy who had been born to be the Jewish king.

‘We have come to worship him at this point.’ When King Herod learned of it, he became quite enraged.

As a result, Herod convened a meeting of all of the senior priests of the nation.

He received no response.

“After that, Herod secretly summoned the Three Wise Men.

He dispatched them to the town of Bethlehem.

As soon as you locate him, please inform me of your discovery.

The star that they had seen when it first appeared moved ahead of them.

When they first saw the star, they were overcome with happiness.

They spotted the youngster with his mother, Mary, when they arrived.

After that, they began to unveil their riches. They presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. God, however, forewarned them in a dream not to return to Herod. As a result, they took a different route back to their homeland” (Matthew 2:1-12).

Did Three Wise Men Really Visit Baby Jesus?

Our Readers Have a Question Is it true that the Three Wise Men came to visit Baby Jesus? From South America to Eastern Europe to Asia, Christmas tradition shows a Nativity scene with three kings, or wise men, presenting beautiful gifts for the newborn Jesus, who is the center of attention. Is this story a fabrication? Does it make sense in light of the facts? Let’s see what happens. In the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, the story of Jesus’ birth is recounted. According to some tales, only humble shepherds from adjacent fields paid a visit to Jesus during his birth.

The astrologers did not travel to the side of a baby in a manger, but rather to the side of a youngster who was residing in a house when Jesus was younger.
If you pay great attention to the narrative of Jesus’ birth written by the Bible’s author Luke, you will notice that it states: “There were.
You will see an infant tied in linen bands and lying in a manger,” said Jehovah’s angel to them as he stood by their side.
In the presence of the newborn Jesus, only Joseph, Mary, and the shepherds were there.
After that, consider the following passage from the King James Bible, Matthew 2:1-11: As a result, when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea under the reign of Herod the Great, “behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem.
By the time they arrived in Bethlehem, Jesus was no longer a “baby,” but rather a “young kid,” and he was no longer in a stable, but rather in a home.
Despite the fact that astrology and witchcraft are still popular today, the Bible strongly discourages their usage.
(See Deuteronomy 18:10-12 for more.) As a result, no angel of God appeared to the astrologers to herald the birth of Jesus.

Consequently, “they returned to their own nation in a different manner.” In Matthew 2:11-16, the Bible says: Why would genuine Christians seek to preserve a legendary Nativity that distorts the historical facts about Jesus’ birth and early life? Without a doubt, the answer is no.

Who Were the “Three Wise Men”? Did They Follow the “Star” of Bethlehem?

Although popular Christmas custom refers to three wise men or three kings as visiting Jesus after his birth, the Bible does not use such names to describe the travelers who came to see him after his birth. Jesus Christ (Matthew 2:1) Instead, the Greek wordma’goi was used by the Gospel writer Matthew to describe the people who came to see Jesus. Experts in astrology and other occult disciplines are most usually referred to by the term. They are referred to as “astrologers” or “magi” in some Bible translations.

What was the number of “wise men” in attendance
They were the rulers known as the “wise men”
The names of the “wise men” were not revealed. When did the “wise men” pay a visit to Jesus Christ? Is it possible that God directed the “wise men” to follow the “star” of Bethlehem?

How many “wise men” were there?

The number of “wise men” who attended was not known. Those rulers were referred to as “wise men.” The names of the “wise men” were revealed to us recently. When did the “wise men” pay a visit to Jesus and what was their purpose? Were the “wise men” directed to follow the “star” of Bethlehem, or did God direct them to do so?

Were the “wise men” kings?

Despite the fact that the guests are sometimes represented as kings in Christmas tradition, the Bible never refers to them as such. In the words of the Encyclopedia Britannica, that label was added centuries later as part of the traditions that “embellished the tale,” rather than as a result of the events themselves.

What were the names of the “wise men”?

The identities of the astrologers are not revealed in the Bible. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia states that “attempts to name them (for example, Gaspar, Melchior and Balthasar) are based on tales.”

When did the “wise men” visit Jesus?

It’s possible that the astrologers paid a visit to Jesus a few months after his birth. This is demonstrated by the fact that King Herod, who desired to have Jesus slain, ordered the death of boys who were two years old or younger. Based on the information he had gotten from the astrologers, he determined that age range. Matthew 2:16 (KJV). The astrologers did not pay a visit to Jesus on the night of his birth, according to tradition. “When they entered the home, they saw the little infant with Mary, his mother,” the Bible reads.

— Luke 2:16 (KJV).

Did God have the “wise men” follow the “star” of Bethlehem?

Some people believe that God sent the so-called star of Bethlehem to direct the astrologers to the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Consider the reasons why this isn’t possible.

The astrologers were directed first to Jerusalem by what looked to be a star. As recorded in the Bible, “Astrologers from the East came to Jerusalem, asking: ‘Where has been the one born king of the Jews?'” Because we spotted his star while traveling through the East, and we have come to pay our respects to him.” — Matthew 2:1, 2
1 Peter 5:8
It was King Herod, not the “star,” who was the first to guide the astrologers to Bethlehem, according to tradition. When Herod learned of a rival “king of the Jews,” he went on a search for the location where the prophesied Christ would be born. (Matthew 2:3-6
Luke 2:35-39) When he learned that the child would be born in Bethlehem, he sent the astrologers to travel to the city and search for the kid before reporting back to him. It was only after that that the astrologers traveled to Bethlehem. Following the king’s instructions, they proceeded on their route, and look! The star they had seen while they were in the East had moved ahead of them until it came to a complete halt above where the tiny kid was. — Matthew 2:9
The emergence of the “star” triggered a chain of events that jeopardized Jesus’ life and culminated in the massacre of innocent infants. After leaving Bethlehem, God issued a warning to the astrologers, advising them not to return to Herod. — Matthew 2:12
Revelation 22:18

What was Herod’s response? Seeing that he had been outfoxed by the astrologers, Herod became furious and sent out an army to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and all of its surrounding districts, starting at the age of two and continuing until they were killed according to the time that he had carefully calculated from the astrologers, according to the Bible. (Matthew 2:16; Mark 2:16) In the case of Job 34:10, God would not have permitted such an evil act to take place.

Meet the 3 Wise Men Who Visited Jesus

The Three Kings, often known as the Magi, are only referenced once in the Gospel of Matthew, in verses 1-12. Because so little information is provided in the Bible concerning these guys, we have to rely on oral tradition and guesswork to form our understanding of them.

The Bible does not specify how many wise men there were, but it is usually considered that there were three due to the fact that they brought three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh, which were all given to Jesus.

The Three Kings

The Magi were both real and symbolic at the same time. As actual beings, the three kings validated old prophesies about Jesus being the Messiah, and as symbols, they demonstrated that he had come to redeem all people, wealthy and poor, educated and uneducated, from all parts of the world, including their own. Compared to the shepherds who had visited Jesus shortly after his birth, these affluent tourists represented the polar opposite end of the social and economic spectrum. Many individuals in the Bible are unidentified. Ultimately, they all point to Jesus Christ, who is the physical incarnation of God’s love for humanity. The Bible is a book about Jesus, and the title “Wise Men” conveys a message to the reader. Wise individuals see their need for a Savior and actively strive to discover him in their lives. Some individuals, such as Herod the Great, are foolish enough to reject Jesus and even strive to destroy him.

As children, the three Kings recognizedJesus Christ as the Messiah, and they went hundreds of miles to pay him homage. The only thing Matthew tells about these people is that they arrived from “the east.” Scholars have theorized that they may have originated in Persia, Arabia, or perhaps India, although there is no evidence to support this. They steadfastly pursued a star that eventually brought them to Jesus. It’s possible that they encountered Jesus while he was already in a house and was a kid rather than a baby, meaning that they had come a year or more after his birth.

Three Gifts From Three Kings

Symbolizing Christ’s identity and purpose, the gifts of the Three Kings are made of gold for a king, incense for God, and myrrh, which was used to anoint the dead. Ironically, according to the Gospel of John, Nicodemus brought a combination of 75 pounds of aloe and myrrh to anoint Jesus’ body after his crucifixion, which was afterwards burned. God showed his appreciation for the wise men by sending them a dream instructing them to take a different path home and not to report back to King Herod.

The Three Kings in the Company of Herod.

Strengths

The Three Kings were considered to be among the most intelligent individuals of their day. When they learned that the Messiah was about to be born, they arranged an expedition to track him down, following a star that led them to Bethlehem along the way. Despite the fact that they were in a distant place with a different culture and religion, they embraced Jesus as their Savior.

Life Lessons

When we search for God with true resolve, we shall eventually come across him. Instead of hiding from us, he wishes to establish an intimate contact with each one of us. Thesewise menshowed Jesus the reverence and adoration that only God is worthy of, kneeling before him and adoring him. Jesus is not just a wonderful teacher and an amazing person, as many people now claim, but he is also the Son of the Living God, according to the Bible. Following their encounter with Jesus, the Three Kings did not return the way they had come.

Names of the Three Kings

Matthew does not tell anything about the ancestry of these guests. Gaspar, or Casper, Melchior, and Balthasar are among of the names that have been given to them by mythology over the years. The name Balthasar has a Persian ring to it. When Daniel prophesied about the Messiah or “Anointed One,” it is likely that these men were familiar with Daniel’s prophesy concerning the Messiah or “Anointed One.” Daniel 9:24-27 (New International Version). The name “Magi” refers to a religious caste in Persian culture, but at the time of the writing of this Gospel, the term was used more broadly to apply to astrologers, seers, and fortunetellers.

Nonbiblical sources began referring to them as kings about 200 AD, probably in response to a promise in Psalm 72:11, which states, “May all kings knee down to him, and all nations serve him.” (NIV) Because they were following a star, it is possible that they were royal astronomers and advisors to kings.

Key Verses

Matthew 2:1-2 (KJV) Following Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, Judea, during the reign of King Herod, Magi from the East traveled to Jerusalem and inquired, “Who is this child?” “Where has the one who was born king of the Jews vanished to? We came to him because we spotted his star in the east and wanted to adore him.” (NIV)

The Christmas Story – All About The Wise Men

The arrival of the Three Wise Men; trips, political intrigue, and not a stable in sight.

The Story in the Bible

“Where is he who is born King of the Jews?” they inquired after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea during Herod the king’s reign. Look, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem to inquire. Because we saw his star in the east and have came to adore him,” says the author. And when King Herod learned of it, he was concerned, as was the entire city of Jerusalem. And after collecting all of the top priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them as to where the Messiah would be born. “In Bethlehem of Judea, for it is stated via the prophet, ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are in no way least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come out a ruler who will shepherd my people, Israel,'” they explained.

When they arrived in Bethlehem, he told them to go and look for the tiny boy with diligence, and when they found him to bring me news so that I too might come and adore him.
And when they saw the star, they were filled with a tremendous amount of happiness.
They then presented him with presents, which included gold, frankincense, and myrrh, which they had opened from their riches.
Matthew 2:12 – 12:12

The History behind the Three Kings/Wise Men/Magi in the Christmas Story

Wise Men traveled to find Jesus after His birth, most likely from a territory that is now either Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia or Yemen, or from an area that is now southern Turkey and northern Syria, to seek for Him after His birth. Despite the fact that they are commonly referred to as the “Three Kings,” the Bible does not specify how many there were or that they were kings. One possibility is that they were the Kings of Yemen, which would make sense given that the Kings of Yemen were Jews at the period.

They were, without a doubt, guys of considerable intellect.
‘ Magos is derived from the ancient Persian term ‘Magupati,’ which means “magupati’s throne.” A priest of a sect of ancient Persian faiths such as Zoroastrianism was known by this title, which was awarded to him by his peers.
In those days, both astronomy and astrology were considered to be part of the same overarching study (and’science,’ as it were), and they went hand in hand with one another.
They would have also been extremely wealthy and well-regarded in their own community as well as by individuals from other countries and religions who did not share their beliefs.
The origin of the new star in the sky is still a mystery, and there are several possibilities, including comets, supernovae, planets colliding, and even something supernatural!
The Magi would have become familiar with the predictions of an unique Jewish Savior (also known as the Messiah) from their time as captives in ancient Babylon some hundred years before the birth of Jesus.

They have been the subject of legends, and they have been given names. They are frequently described in the following ways:

He has brown hair and a brown beard (or no beard!) and wears a green robe with green gems on it. Gaspar (or Caspar) also has brown hair and a brown beard (or no beard!) He is known as the “King of Sheba.” Gaspar represents the Frankincense that was given to Jesus, and Melchior, who has long white hair and a white beard and wears a gold mantle, represents the frankincense that was presented to Jesus. He is known as the “King of Arabia.” Melchior represents the gold that was presented to Jesus, while Balthazar, who has dark complexion, a black beard (or no beard!) and a purple cloak, depicts the silver that was brought to Jesus. He is the King of Tarsus/Macedonia as well as the King of Egypt. When Balthazar is presented before Jesus, he represents the gift of Myrrh that was delivered to Jesus.

Herod requested that the Wise Men locate Jesus and inform him of his whereabouts, not so that he might go and honor him as he had stated, but so that he could murder him! He interpreted Jesus’ words as if he were a new King who could come and usurp his position of authority. Because Jesus would have been between the ages of one and two when the Wise Men discovered them, it is likely that they were living in a typical dwelling, most likely in Bethlehem or Jerusalem, when the Wise Men discovered them.

Although the presents appear to be weird to give to a baby, Christians believe that they had the following symbolic meanings:

Historically, gold has been connected with kings, and Christians believe that Jesus is the King of Kings. Frankincense is a fragrant oil that is occasionally used in church services to indicate that people are willing to worship Jesus. It is a perfume that is applied to dead bodies in order to make them smell pleasant. According to Christian belief, it demonstrated that Jesus would suffer and die.

All of the presents are also from the Arabian Peninsula, which is located east of Israel. A dream forewarned the wise men that they should not go to Herod and inform him where Jesus was, preventing Herod from carrying out his heinous plot to kidnap and kill Jesus.

5 Common Myths about the Three Wise Men Story

Later on, this concept was incorporated into tradition. They were most likely from Arabia, not from any of the other nations or backgrounds shown here. Editor’s note: If you’re interested in learning more about the origins and purposes of the three wise men, the following information can help you:

Where did the wise men travel from?

Based on the nature of their talents and Old Testament prophesy, they arrived “from the east,” which suggests they were most likely from the ancient Arabian kingdom of Sheba. They were welcomed by the people of Israel. Saudi Arabia was well-known for its immense wealth gained from the gold mines of Africa, as well as the Boswellian and Commiphora trees, which are the sources of frankincense and myrhh. Of fact, these presents may have been given by men from Persia, but they represent a gift of the finest commodities from their own kingdom to a nearby King.

What gifts did the magi give?

The fundamental significance of gold, frankincense, and myrhh is found in their monetary value, which determines whether or not they are suitable for a King. It is said in Matthew 2:11 that these gifts were priceless jewels presented in worship, but it is possible that they had even greater importance. However, in 1 Kings 6:20-22 we see that the walls of the Most Holy Place and the altar have been plated with gold, which suggests that Jesus’ objective is to bring about a rebirth of the Jewish people.

This gift serves to reinforce their assumption that the newborn monarch was claiming to be a divinity in some way.

Possibly, Jesus’ humanity and the method in which he would rescue his people—that is, that he would die for them—were conveyed through this gift.

He is a graduate of Oxford University and Bob Jones University, and he has published sixteen books on various elements of religion, all of which are available online.

He is also the author of a new book, Mystery of the Magi: The Quest to Identify the Three Wise Men, which is currently available in bookshops. He lives in New York City. Please see dwightlongenecker.com for further information. The image is courtesy of Thinkstock