The "Three" Wise Men (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 saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

The story of the wise men occurs in what Gospel(s)? A

a. Matthew b. Mark c. Luke d. John e. all of them

True or False: The phase God helps those who help themselves is found in Scripture. False

True or False: The scripture reveals to us there is a place called purgatory (a place where the souls of the departed go to be purified before they are eligible for heaven.) False

The hymn “We Three Kings” was written by Fr. John Henry Hopkins Jr. in 1857 while serving at Christ Episcopal Church in Williamsport, PA. He wrote it for a Christmas pageant and published in 1863 as “Three Kings of Orient”.

The three gifts that were given by the Wise Men were gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

King Herod was king at this time. He was a ruthless and brutal king. He was wealthy, powerful and cunning. He build Masada and the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. He taxed the people heavily.

King Herod was king at this time.

The Wise Men were also called Magi. We often think these magi were kings although they could have been magicians, philosophers, priests or astrologers from Persia (modern day Iran.)

Matthew 2:3–6 ESV

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “ ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ”

matt 2:3-6

The Greek for the word “star” is a luminous heavenly light other than the sun, possibly a comet, supernova, alignment of planets or a supernatural manifestation.

The

How would the Wise Men from Persia know about the prophecy of the coming king?

There were still Jews that were scattered in the region.

What mode of transportation did the Wise Men use?

Name

How did the Wise Men

What was the attitude of Herod, the scribes, and Wise Men?

Hostile, Indifference and apathy, genuine worship. Do you see these attitudes today in the world.

Who was present when the Wise Men presented the gifts?

What do the gifts represent? Gold, the precious metal of kings. Frankincense, priestly functions of worship service and anointing, Myrrh, expensive fragrance especially for burial.

While tradition holds

there were three, with wealth like this there were probably more.

That Jesus was a baby however he could have been several months or more - Herod order all males two and under be killed.

Matthew 2:11 ESV

And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

Matt 2

The time they arrived had to be at least 40 days after Jesus was born due to Jewish purification laws.

Mary and Joseph were not rich - they were poor. They presented two turtledove or pigeons.

God intervenes supernaturally to preserve Jesus’ life from Herod.

While tradition does necessary follow scripture it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t worship at Christmas the birth of Christ.

What can we take from the story and tradition?

God knew Herod’s plan and intervened. The Wise Men worshiped him and gave themselves sacrificially and went home changed spiritually.

We too can worship Him, avoid evil, and walk in a new way. When we do God will show us His divine plan - His sovereignty over evil, the gospel is for all the world and Jesus is King of kings.