How Did The Three Wise Men Find Jesus

The wise man’s guide in finding Jesus

Men are not always uninformed when it comes to the Bible, and the problem is that so much of what they “know” to be true is not actually taught by the Bible, which is a problem when it comes to religious beliefs. The story of the “three wise men,” for example, is a good illustration of this principle, and it is frequently cited. Ask the typical person about the three wise men who came to see Jesus when he was a kid, and they would tell you that they arrived at the stable where the newborn was resting in a manger, together with the shepherds, and that they brought gifts for the child.

Unfortunately, the majority of what you’ve read is inaccurate.

The birth of Jesus and the arrival of the shepherds are recorded by Luke (Luke 2), but the wise men arrived some time after Jesus’ birth, according to Matthew 2, and discovered him in a home in Bethlehem, according to Matthew 2.

Matthew 2:3 (Matthew 2:3) It is also unclear how old Jesus was when the wise men arrived, but we do know that Herod executed male children under the age of two after their visit, indicating that Jesus was older than a baby but less than two at the time of their visit.

The wise men arrive first in Jerusalem, according to Matthew’s account (Matthew 2:1-11), with inquiries regarding the new-born King.
Matthew 2:2).
Instead, the star signified the impending birth of a child, prompting them to fly to Jerusalem.
It is reasonable to anticipate that the heir of David will be born there.
Matthew 2:5-6; Micah 5:2).
We don’t know what type of star directed the three wise men, but it clearly did not behave in the manner that we would expect from a star in the context in which the word is usually employed.
The other was God’s inspired word, which was the Bible.

A single star may tell a man absolutely nothing about what is going on in the globe.

Although this is a topic of considerable conjecture, it is a valid one.

This prophesy served as a guide for the three kings as they traveled from Jerusalem to Bethlehem on their journey.

The wise men, on the other hand, took God’s word at its value and set off in the proper way.

God still wants us to locate Jesus today, and, like the wise men of old, God has provided us with a written record that will direct us in the right direction to find His Son, Jesus.

Acts 4:12).

It is appropriate for everyone of us to learn from the wise men, and For direction in discovering the truth about the One who died for our sins, look to God’s word whenever you are in doubt.

Look into the Scriptures. Jonathan McAnulty is the preacher of the Chapel Hill Church of Christ in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

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:

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 search for Him after His birth. It is not specified in the Bible how many of them there were, or that they were kings, despite the common name of “Three Kings.” Several theories have been advanced, including the possibility that they were Yemeni kings, which would make sense given that the Yemeni kings at this period were Jews. Although the number three is simply an estimate because they carried three presents with them, it is likely that they had a large number of slaves with them regardless of how many there were. He and his colleagues were unquestionably intelligent individuals. When you hear the name Magi, you’re probably thinking of the Greek word’magos,’ which is whence we get the word “magic.” Magnus is derived from the ancient Persian term ‘Magupati,’ which means “magupati is a place of worship.” According to ancient Persian faiths such as Zoroastrianism, this was the designation given to priests of a particular sect. The term “astrologers” was coined for them today. As far back as I can remember, astronomy and astrology were both considered to be a part of the same broad disciplines (and’science’) and went hand in hand. The patterns of the stars would have been closely observed by the magi. They would have also been extremely wealthy and well-regarded in their own community as well as by people from other countries and religions who did not share their views. When they looked up at the sky, they noticed a strange new star, and they realized that it promised the birth of a unique ruler in Israel. The origin of the new star in the sky is still a mystery, and there are several ideas, including comets, supernovae, planets colliding, and perhaps something supernatural, to explain it. In the Christmas Customs section, you may learn more about the star of Bethlehem and its significance. They would have heard about 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 in recognition of their importance. Their characteristics are frequently summarized as follows.

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.

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.” TIME Magazine has more must-read stories.

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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?

According to the nature of their endowments and Old Testament prophesy, they came “from the east,” which suggests they were most likely from the ancient Arabian kingdom of Sheba. Africa’s gold mines, as well as the Boswellian and Commiphora trees — from which the essential oils of frankincense and myrhh emanate — were among Arabia’s most valuable resources. 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 monarch.

Who were the three kings in the Christmas story?

As part of our examination of the history of the Bible and the hunt for sacred books, National Geographic analyzes important biblical people in our ongoing seriesPeople in the Bible. Many Christmas songs make mention of the three kings, who go to Bethlehem in the company of a star to pay their respects to the newborn Jesus. In the Bible, they are not referred to as kings, nor is their number given; rather, they are referred to as “wise men from the East.” The art of magic was performed by knowledgeable astrologers in several courts in the east, including ancient Babylon and Persia.

As a result of this interpretation, the three magi have come to be known as kings.

The magi bowed down to the newborn Jesus and “presented him with presents of gold, frankincense, and myrrh,” according to the Bible.

Understand the distinctions betweenArabian Camels and Bactrian Camels.) When King Herod heard reports of the birth of a new “king,” he became envious and went in search of the child.

Building a backstory

As part of our coverage of the history of the Bible and the hunt for sacred books, National Geographic analyzes important biblical personalities in our ongoing series People in the Bible. There are several references to the three kings, who go to Bethlehem following a star to pay their respects to the newborn Jesus. They are referred to as “wise men from the East” in the Bible, rather than “kings,” and their number is not given. The art of magic was performed by knowledgeable astrologers at numerous palaces in the east, notably ancient Babylon and Persia, who functioned as priestly advisors.

A brilliant star guided the magi from the east until it came to rest “over the location where the kid was,” and when they arrived at the home, they were surprised to see the boy with his mother, according to the Book of Matthew (Matthew 1:24).

Understand the distinctions betweenArabian Camels and Bactrian Camels.

It is recorded in the Book of Matthew that on their approach to Bethlehem, the magi stopped at King Herod’s palace, where he requested that they inform him as to where the newborn infant was so that “I may also go and do him honor.” After receiving a warning from Herod in a dream, the magi decided to return to their home country by a different route, and they were never seen or heard from again (Matthew 2:12).

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.
Because the wise men had informed him that they had been monitoring the star for almost two years, he decided to investigate.

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 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?

Because the gifts from each day are repeated (and added to the next day’s offerings), the total is 364! That is a significant number of presents. However, they are little when compared to the singular gift that God provided to the world when He sent His Son into the world.

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?

When the wise man visited and delivered gifts to Jesus, it was on this day that we celebrate. This day is referred to as “The Three Kings’ Day” in various churches’ liturgical calendars. Epiphany is also celebrated as the day on which John the Baptist baptized Jesus, according to some religious traditions. Is this, however, the case in actuality.

Arrival After The Dedication of Jesus?

Mary and Joseph carried their kid to the temple in order for him to be dedicated to the Lord, as prescribed by the Law of Moses. 2:22 (Luke 2:22) As soon as the days of her purification stipulated by the Law of Moses were over, they carried him to Jerusalem to offer him to the Lord; the period for this dedication was expressly defined by the Law of Moses (Lev 12:2-4). After the birth of Jesus, the days of Mary’s purification were to take place at least 40 days later. A lady was considered filthy for seven days after giving birth.

After then, it was necessary to wait 33 days before a woman’s purification was complete.

12:6 (Lev 12:6) If she is expecting a son or a daughter, when the days of her purification are completed, she is required to bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon or a turtledove, for a sin offering, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to the priest:This offering was to be made before the Lord, in order to make atonement for the woman and to cleanse her from the issue of blood.

What an appropriate offering it would be to make “a lamb of the first year” and a bird of prey (a young pigeon or a turtledove).

There was also a provision created for individuals who could not afford to make a lamb offering.

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

We know that Jesus was born in a stable, which was a facility for keeping animals. The location may have been a stable or a cave, but it was most likely 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 come for the census had left, the relatives invited Mary and Joseph to the upper level.

for more information on this topic).

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

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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Who Were the Three Wise Men of the Christmas Story?

When did the Three Wise Men arrive in Bethlehem, and how long did it take them? The truth is that we don’t know anything. The available evidence, on the other hand, is adequate to conclude that the period was not 12 days long. Even though it would have taken longer than 40 days, it would have taken less time than 2 years. When it comes to Jesus, we know from the Wise Men that the right reaction is to bow our heads in reverence. As soon as they saw Him, the Wise Men bowed down and worshipped Him, regardless of his age.

And when they entered the home, they saw the small boy with Mary his mother, and they dropped on their knees and worshipped him; and after they had opened their treasures, they offered presents to him, including gold, frankincense, and myrrh, which he accepted.

What Does the Bible Say about the Wise Men and the Christmas Story?

The wise men are referenced in Matthew 2, and they are described as follows: In the years following Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, Judea, during the reign of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem and inquired, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?’ We came to adore Jesus because we saw his star as it rose in the sky” (Matthew 2:1-2). In the following chapters, Matthew describes their quest for Jesus. Their journey took them to King Herod’s palace where they inquired as to where they may locate “the king of the Jews,” who had recently been born.

As predicted by the prophets, they discovered Jesus in Bethlehem in a home (not a stable), and they brought him presents to show their gratitude.

Herod, who was secretly scheming to kill Jesus, was unaware of their presence.

Who Were the Wise Man/Magi in the Christmas Story?

The Greek word o (mgoi) can be translated as “wise men” or “magi,” depending on how the term is rendered in the English language. According to the original meaning of the word, it was intended to allude to a class of Persian wise men who served in a similar capacity to priests in terms of interpretation of specific signs, and particularly astrology. Eventually, the term “magician” evolved to refer to anybody who possessed supernatural knowledge or aptitude, as well as to a magician himself. The same term is used in Acts 13:6 to characterize the false prophet Bar-Jesus, who is also referred to as Bar-Jesus.

The term Mgoi, as it is used to refer to the wise men, is most likely consistent with the first definition.

These Persian smart men were interested in astrology, and the magi were also from the east (in the direction of Babylon/Persia), just as these Persian wise men were from the west. The magi are sometimes described to as kings, although this is not what the Bible says about them.

How Many Wise Men Were There in the Christmas Story?

The Bible does not specify how many magi were present. There were at least two of them, but there is no evidence to suggest anything else. The notion of three wise men is most likely derived from the fact that they gave three gifts to the infant Jesus. There were twelve wise men, according to early church traditions; however, we have no way of knowing how many there were.

What Was the Star They Followed in the Christmas Story?

No one knows for certain which star the three wise men followed, or even if it was a “star” in the traditional meaning of the word. Some have speculated that it may be a supernova. Others have speculated that it may be a comet. One of the most popular hypotheses involves a specific concentration of planets, such as Jupiter and Saturn, within meaningful constellations, such as Pisces. Because of the symbolic implications that planets and constellations had for ancient astrologers, there are several astrological events that may potentially meet the description.

Some researchers believe that when these three got together in 7 B.C., they may have seen something similar to what the magi witnessed.

You may learn more about some of them by visiting this page.

The most essential point is that the star directed the wise men to Jesus, regardless of what it looked like.

Why Did the Wise Men Bring Jesus Gifts in the Christmas Story?

The wise men thought that Jesus was “the king of the Jews,” and that his birth had been foreshadowed by a great sign in the sky before his conception. They expressed a desire to come before Him and adore Him (Matthew 2:2). We don’t know enough about the wise men to be able to say with certainty why they thought a Jewish monarch was so crucial. The sky must have held a tremendous amount of power. Had they heard anything about the Messiah’s significance from Eastern Jews? The Babylonian exile in the sixth century B.C.

Since God subsequently appeared to them in a dream, did they have any other knowledge of Him before that time?

Why Did the Wise Men Bring Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh in the Christmas Story?

These three presents were extremely expensive, and as a result, they were the best possible, suited for a king. The wise men were also historically imported from the Arabian peninsula or Africa, which implies they brought the finest of their respective homelands with them to the United States. Christians today appeal to other symbolic explanations, which the wise men may or may not have meant when they made their journey. Gold is a sign of divinity, and it refers to Christ’s status as theSon of God by referring to his divinity.

This might be interpreted as a representation of Jesus’ willingness to offer Himself as a sacrifice. Myrrh was a spice that was used in the embalming process. It is a representation of bitterness and pain. This may serve as a metaphor for how Jesus would grow up to suffer and die on the cross.

How Old Was Jesus When the Wise Men Came in the Christmas Story?

According to traditional nativity scenes and Christmas pageants, the wise men did not come to view Jesus in the manger as they are depicted in these representations. The wise men came to visit Jesus when he was around a year or two old, according to the majority of academics. Given that the angelic announcement to the shepherds implies that Jesus was born at night, it is highly unlikely that the wise men obtained an audience with Herod, followed by an audience with the chief priests and teachers of the law, in the middle of the night.

Then there was the matter of traveling the six miles from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, where they would eventually come upon Mary and Jesus in a home.

When the three kings arrive at the home in Bethlehem, the word Luke uses to describe Jesus is “young kid,” which suggests that He may no longer have been a baby at that point in time.

The only reason Jesus was able to flee was because an angel instructed Joseph to send the family to Egypt to hide.

Why Was the Wise Men’s Visit Significant for Jesus’ Birth in the Christmas Story?

The wise men, regardless of where they came from exactly, came from a long distance away to help. Jesus’ birth was significant not just for the Jews, but also for the rest of the world as a whole. The three wise men recognized and acknowledged Jesus’ kingdom and dominion long before the majority of people knew who He was. The angels appearing to shepherds demonstrated that God was concerned about the poor; the magi from the east honored Jesus as a king, revealing a glimpse of His grandeur; and the shepherds demonstrated that God was concerned about the lowest.

The wise guys were on the lookout.
They searched for Him with all their hearts, and when they finally found Him, they adored Him.
Photograph courtesy of Getty Images /kevron2001 Alyssa Roat attended Taylor University, where she majored in literature, theology, and the Bible.
Literary Agency, as the PR manager for Mountain Brook Ink, and as a freelance editor for Sherpa Editing Services, among other positions.
More information about her may be found here, as well as on social media at @alyssawrote.
It is our goal that these articles will assist you in understanding the significance and historical background of major Christian festivals and events, and that they will also encourage you as you take time to think on all that God has done for us through his son Jesus Christ!

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Why Did Wise Men Come From the East? – The #1 Wedding Chapel in the Heart of Texas

A wizard (originally spelledwisard) is just a wise man, like to the three wise men who followed the star to Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. The question then arises, “Is there a reason why those specific wise individuals came from the East?” You’ve posed a really intriguing question. Let’s go back to the sixth century BC and see what we can find. Do you remember Daniel from the story of the lion’s den? Do you recall what happened to him? While Jeremiah spoke to the Jews of Judah and Ezekiel acted as God’s representative to the Jewish prisoners in Babylon, Daniel served in the courts of the pagan monarchs who governed the globe at the time of his death.

Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius the Mede, and Cyrus the Great were the rulers under whose reign Daniel served.
When he awakens, he is extremely agitated by the dream, albeit he has no recollection of the specifics of the dream itself.
As a result, Nebuchadnezzar orders their execution.
And then he goes ahead and does it.
In chapter six, we read the well-known narrative of Daniel’s miraculous survival after being thrown into the lions’ den during the reign of Darius.
(You may recall that the Magi of Christmas are referred to as “magi” in Latin, which comes from the Greek word “magoi,” which was transliterated from the original Persian word “magoi”).
(In the 24th chapter of Matthew, Jesus makes reference to Daniel.) In the ninth chapter of Daniel’s book, God appears to Daniel in a dream and informs him of the precise number of years that would pass before the Messiah’s death.

As a result, the wise men traveled from Babylon!

“However, who told them that a star would appear to proclaim his birth?” Rewind the clock one more to the time of Moses, which was around 1,000 years before Daniel’s lifetime.

In the spring of that 40th year, a foreign king named Balak of Moab bribed a well-known gentile prophet named Balaam to curse the Jews, only a few months before the conclusion of that period of 40 years.

Do you remember the story of Balaam’s donkey and how it communicated with him?

Balaam opened his mouth four times, each time intending to condemn the Jews, but each time a blessing came forth.

According to Balaam’s prophecy, a star would rise out of the land of Jacob at the same time that Israel’s scepter would emerge from the earth.

It is likely that Daniel, as a Jew, would have been well acquainted with this prophesy because it is recorded in the sacred Torah.

Every 12 years, the planets Jupiter and Regulus come together in the sky.

However, when Jupiter goes backward in “retrograde” and comes into contact with Regulus a second time, astronomers are taken aback.

Thousands of years have passed since Jupiter was known as the Planet of Kings, and today the planet is dancing in a halo above Regulus, which has been known as the Star of Kings for just as long.

In addition, someone viewing from Babylon might see it flying right over central Israel.

Each of the terms is an abbreviation for King.

In addition, the 14th verse of the first chapter of Genesis states, “Then God said,’Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to distinguish the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years,'” which is a reference to the creation of the sun and the moon.

Signs?
To just a few things, the three wise men from the Christmas narrative, as well as Daniel from 500 years earlier, and Balaam from 1000 years before that, were all from a country that is now known as Iraq.
It was a little village about six miles south of Jerusalem, perched high on a limestone hill more than 2,500 feet above sea level, and it was the site of Christ’s birth.
Bethlehem is the only city in Israel’s history that has been known as the “city of David.” As a result, it was from there that God would dispatch the deliverer of His elect.

In spite of the fact that thou art little in comparison to Judah’s multitudes, “from of thee shall He come vnto me who is to be the ruler of Israel; whose goings forth have been from the beginning of time, from everlasting.” We should take notice that the wise men were aware of Balaam’s prediction, but they were not aware of Micah’s prediction about Bethlehem as the location of Christ’s birth, which is rather fascinating.

This is why they had to go to Herod and beg him, “Can you please guide us to the Messiah?” (Can you please point us to the Messiah?) This makes perfect sense when you consider that Balaam was from their own district (Babylon, about 50 miles south of modern-day Baghdad), whereas Micah was from the village of Moresheth, which was very close to Jerusalem, the city of Herod, which was many hundreds of miles away from their own district.

Because Micah lived and died in such a remote location, it seems doubtful that the wise men of Babylon came across copies of Micah’s writings.

As soon as he had assembled all of the top priests and scribes of the people in one place, he asked that they tell him where Christ should be born.

It was written as a result of this process – Roy H Williams Balaamis is referenced 65 times in the Bible, spread over eight distinct books.

You may find it in Joshua 13:22.

It may be found in Marco Polo’s Travels; the Description of the World, which was published in 1298.

Using Daniel’s prophecy as a reference, Isaac Newton projected the date of Christ’s crucifixion to be Friday, April 1, AD33, which corresponded to today’s date.

Taken from Newton’s book Observations on the Prophecies of Daniel and the Apocalypse of St.

An article by John P.

Dr. Pratt graduated from the University of Arizona with degrees in physics and mathematics, as well as a Ph.D. in astronomy. The article may be easily obtained on the internet.