Christmas tradition and many nativity scenes portray three wise men who went and visited Jesus, but is this Biblically accurate? In truth, the Bible, from Matthew 2:1-11, does not specify the number of wise men (magi). This number is often used because they brought three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. So the idea is each gift was carried and presented by one of the wise men.
Matthew 2:1-11 - 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, “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. 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.’” Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 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. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
How Many Wise Men Visited Jesus?
The importance of how many wise men is not really important. We do know from the text there was more than one, "wise men", but how many more nobody really knows. So a nativity scene having three is fine and should not be worried about. What should be noted is who these wise men were looking for, Jesus, why they searched Him out, and what they did when they found Him. Below, are several facts about the wise men we can read from the text.
Origin: The wise men came "from the east." This indicates they were likely foreigners from a region east of Judea.
Title: They are referred to as "wise men" (often interpreted as Magi in other translations), this suggests they were scholars or astrologers with knowledge of celestial events.
Purpose of Visit: They came specifically to find and worship "he who has been born king of the Jews," indicating they believed this birth had significant divine and/or royal importance.
Guidance: They were led by a star, which they referred to as "his star," suggesting they interpreted the celestial phenomenon as a sign of the birth of a king.
Interaction with Herod: Upon arriving in Jerusalem, they inquired about the location of the newborn king. Their inquiry caused King Herod and all of Jerusalem to be troubled. Herod secretly questioned them to determine the timing of the star's appearance. After seeing Jesus, they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod. After their visit, they returned to their own country by a different route to avoid Herod.
Destination: After learning from Jewish scholars that Christ was to be born in Bethlehem, they traveled there.
Reaction: When the star led them to the exact location, they "rejoiced exceedingly with great joy."
Encounter with Jesus: They found Jesus in a house, not a stable, indicating this visit likely occurred sometime after His birth. Jesus was potentially nearing 2 years of age at this time given that Herod ordered all male children aged 2 years and younger to be killed (Matthew 2:16). They saw Jesus with Mary, His mother. They fell down and worshiped Him, acknowledging His significance.
Gifts: They offered three specific gifts: Gold: Symbolic of kingship. Frankincense: Associated with worship and divinity. Myrrh: Often used in burial practices, hinting at suffering or death.
Bible Memorization Made Simple
Unlock the transformative power of God's Word with the spiritual practice of Scripture memorization. This book highlights the profound benefits of committing Bible verses to memory, showing how it can build your faith, provide wisdom, and protect you from deception.
Discover a practical proven and simple way to memorize Bible verses.
Please Consider Supporting This Ministry
Romans 10:14-15 - How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
Your donation will help us continue to expand and
spread the Good News!
please note: we are unable to provide a tax receipt at this time
Comments