Holidays

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The Mystery of the Magi (wise men)

Have you ever been curious about why the wise men or the Magi came to visit Jesus upon His birth. Certainly it was customary to have dignitaries from many nations be present for a coronation (Glory to the newborn King). Anyone from another nation always brought an offering for the king. That is why the wise men brought gifts. He is absolute Royalty. Even these foreign dignitaries, when they saw Him, fell down and then began to worship Him (Mth 2:11). The wise men were originally a class of priests, so their worshipping the king was totally appropriate (Smith, 374).

How Did They Know When to Find Him?

When Daniel and Israel where taken captive by Babylonia, they imported their religion and history, including their knowledge of God with them. These conquests also included gathering up all wise men of the Medes, Persian, all nations under his rule for the kings private council (Smith, 374). Daniel was apparently in this council. Since Daniel had proven to Nebuchadnezzar that God does exist and knows even “the whispers in a king’s chamber“, he had place Daniel at the highest authority (next to the king) in Babylonia. This included the position of Governor, placing Daniel over all authorities in the greatest kingdom of that present world. This included reigning over all wise men (Dan. 2:12, 48). Daniel’s title was actually rab mag or “chief of the magi” (Dan. 5:11). But after thousands of years, how did they know exactly when and where to arrive. Since Daniel predicted the exact date of the Messiah’s arrival (Dan. 2:12-48, 9:24-25) the location must have also been known to these wise men (Smith, 375, Micah 5:2).

How Did They Know Where to Find Him?

During this time in history (5 AD-0) nations were expecting a great king coming out of the Jews (Smith, 375). These nations may have been influenced by Daniel and the Jews since they knew when and where the Christ would be born (Micah 5:2). The Persian nation’s beliefs were more like the Hebrews than any other. They also believed in one God, worshipped not idols and saw light as a symbol of God.


Why Bethlehem? It is perfectly fitting that Bethlehem means “house of bread” since He is the bread of life and that He was in a manger (a feeding trough). But where would they would find Baby Jesus? They had been following the star, but this only pointed them in the right direction, toward Judea. But how could they know exactly where to find Him in a fairly large country? Here’s how: And “…when they saw the star, they rejoiced, with exceeding great joy (Mth 2:10)” knowing this must be the place. But it was only when the star came directly over [literally, “stood over” like someone or something stood over] the child did they know for sure where He was precisely at. This explains the “exceeding great joy”. They found Him. The star showed them precisely where the new King was.

He is described as a star…the Bright and Shinning Star, the Bright and Morning Star and a Saving Star (Ish. 60:1-4, Rev. 22:16, Num. 24:17). Could that star have been God, in fact Jesus Christ Himself, coming down from Heaven to earth to enter human flesh and yet be God? Did He then incarnate into a human, at that moment, while remaining God? I will ask Him someday.

Sir William Smith, Bible Dictionary, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1986.

Jack Wellman Belle Plaine, Ks 67013 www.freewebs.com/freegrace www.christiananswers.net 620-488-2905

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