The Three Wise Men

Visit of the Wise Men

Matthew 2:1–2 “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.””

How did they recognize the Star of Jacob? During the exile when Daniel was in Babylon many Israelites were held in captivity. It only makes sense that the prophecies of the one true God were known by the Magi of the East (Persia). Persia conquered Babylon during this time. When the new star appeared over the toward the East, the Magi recognized it and understood its significance. The Jewish Priests did not.

When did it appear? Most biblical scholars believe it appeared on or just before the night when Christ was born. This would have been probably sometime around 3BC to 6AD, the timelines aren't clear and may never agree completely. For me, the Biblical timeline presented is enough for my faith and understanding.

How long did it take the Magi to get there? In the days of Jesus, the trip from Persia to Jerusalem would take about 90 days to make. The bible says they met Mary and the child, its not clear the age of the child because later Herod would kill all children in Bethlehem born between the first sighting of the star and that day which was about two years. Some will say it was early in the life of Christ while He was still and infant and some may say He was already a young child or toddler. I’m not sure it really matters though. They came to worship Him either way, for they recognized who He was by the signs and the scriptures. (Micah 5:2; Num 24:17)

Does it make a difference if Christ is a baby or a man before you will worship Him? I see a lot of people celebrate Christmas, which incidentally comes from the Catholic term Christ’s Mass, the service on Dec 25th dedicated to the birth of Christ. Many discount the whole birth of Jesus and simply celebrate it as time of coming together, of peace and goodwill. Its easier to discount a child than it is a man who dies on the cross for you. But for true Christians this is the celebration of the birth of our savior who would later die on the cross for our sins and bring about a path for peace on earth and goodwill toward man …from God. Christ is the only good person to ever walk the face of the earth.

Herod Plots Against the Messiah

Matthew 2:3–8 “When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ” Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.””

We know that Herod was power hungry, he was a vassal king of the Romans and craved power and wealth. The birth of the true king of Israel, the messiah threatened that seat of power he was sitting on. It also threatened the Priests and their power over the people through the established pseudo theocracy.

How often today do we see people in power do horrible things to justify staying in power? A lot, just turn on any news channel for 5 minutes. Nothing has changed in the world since Herod the Great.

When the wise men showed up looking for the one “Born King of the Jews” Herod and the temple establishment got worried. Herod plots to use the three Magi as hound dogs to sniff out the threat and eliminate it. But the Magi were warned by God and took heed the warning.