Who were the wise men that came to see Jesus?

The visit of the wise men, also known as the Magi, to see the newborn Jesus is one of the most well-known events in the narrative of Christ’s birth. This event is recorded only in the Gospel of Matthew, and it has captivated the imagination of Christians for centuries. However, despite its popularity, the story of the wise men is shrouded in mystery, and much about them remains unknown. Who were these wise men? Where did they come from? What was the significance of their gifts? In this article, we will delve into the biblical account and other historical and cultural contexts to better understand these enigmatic figures.

The Biblical Account

The story of the wise men is found in Matthew 2:1-12. According to the New King James Version (NKJV), the passage reads as follows:

“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.’ 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.’ When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.”

This passage provides the basic outline of the story, but it leaves many questions unanswered. Who were these wise men, and why did they come to see Jesus?

The Identity of the Wise Men

The term “wise men” in Matthew 2:1 is translated from the Greek word “mágos” (μάγος), which is the root of the English word “magician.” However, in the context of the New Testament, it refers to a group of scholars or astrologers who were experts in interpreting omens and celestial phenomena. The Magi were likely members of a priestly caste from Persia (modern-day Iran), a region known for its rich tradition of astronomy and astrology.

The Magi were highly respected in their society, and their influence extended beyond religion into politics and education. They were known to be advisors to kings and rulers, and their knowledge of the stars and celestial events was considered invaluable. In the context of the story of Jesus’ birth, the Magi were likely astrologers who had observed a new star or celestial event, which they interpreted as the sign of the birth of a significant ruler—the “King of the Jews.”

The idea that the wise men came from the East further supports the theory that they were from Persia, Babylon, or another part of the ancient Near East. These regions were known for their advanced knowledge of the stars and for having a class of priests or scholars who specialized in interpreting such phenomena.

The Significance of the Star

One of the central elements of the story of the wise men is the star that led them to Jesus. Matthew 2:2 (NKJV) records the wise men as 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.”

The star has been the subject of much speculation and debate. Some scholars have suggested that it was a host of angels, supernova, a comet, or a conjunction of planets, while others believe it was a miraculous event created by God to guide the wise men.

In the ancient world, the appearance of a new star or celestial event was often interpreted as a sign of the birth of a king or a significant person. The wise men, being astrologers, would have been well-versed in these interpretations and would have understood the star as a sign of the birth of a new king.

The Old Testament also contains prophecies that could be seen as foreshadowing the appearance of the star. For example, in Numbers 24:17 (NKJV), Balaam, a prophet from the East, prophesied:

“I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel, And batter the brow of Moab, And destroy all the sons of tumult.”

This prophecy speaks of a star that would rise out of Jacob, symbolizing a ruler who would come from Israel. The wise men may have been familiar with this prophecy, or they may have interpreted the star in light of similar traditions in their own culture.

The Journey of the Wise Men

The journey of the wise men from the East to Bethlehem was likely a long and arduous one. The distance from Persia or Babylon to Jerusalem is approximately 800 to 900 miles, depending on the exact starting point. Traveling such a distance would have taken several weeks or even months, especially considering the harsh terrain and the need to travel with a caravan for safety.

The fact that the wise men undertook such a journey demonstrates their deep commitment to finding and honoring the newborn king. Their willingness to travel so far also suggests that they recognized the significance of the event they were witnessing and believed that it was worth the effort to see the child in person.

Upon arriving in Jerusalem, the wise men sought information about the newborn king, which led them to Herod the Great. Herod’s reaction to the news of the wise men’s inquiry reveals his concern for his own throne. Matthew 2:3 (NKJV) states:

“When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.”

Herod’s troubled reaction likely stemmed from his fear of a rival king who could threaten his rule. He attempted to use the wise men to locate the child, but his true intentions were to eliminate this potential threat.

The Gifts of the Wise Men

The wise men are best known for the gifts they brought to Jesus: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts have been interpreted in various ways over the centuries, often with symbolic meanings attached to each one.

1. Gold: Gold is a precious metal that has long been associated with royalty and wealth. In the context of the visit of the wise men, gold symbolizes Jesus’ kingship. The wise men recognized Jesus as the “King of the Jews,” and their gift of gold acknowledged His royal status.
2. Frankincense: Frankincense is a fragrant resin used in incense and perfumes. In the Old Testament, it was often used in worship, particularly in the offering of sacrifices (Exodus 30:34-38). The gift of frankincense symbolizes Jesus’ divinity and His role as the High Priest who would offer Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity.
3. Myrrh: Myrrh is another resin that was used in perfumes, incense, and as an embalming agent. It was also used as a medicinal tonic. The gift of myrrh is often seen as foreshadowing Jesus’ suffering and death, as it was used in the burial process. Myrrh symbolizes Jesus’ humanity and the sacrifice He would make for the salvation of mankind.

The gifts of the wise men, therefore, carry deep symbolic meanings that point to the identity and mission of Jesus as King, Priest, and Sacrifice.

The Return of the Wise Men

After visiting Jesus and presenting their gifts, the wise men were warned in a dream not to return to Herod. Matthew 2:12 (NKJV) states:

“Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.”

The fact that the wise men were warned in a dream indicates that their journey was guided by divine intervention. Their obedience to the warning and their decision to avoid Herod ensured the safety of the young Jesus and thwarted Herod’s plans.

Theological Implications of the Visit of the Wise Men

The visit of the wise men holds significant theological implications. First, it demonstrates that Jesus’ birth was of universal importance, recognized not only by the Jewish people but also by Gentiles from distant lands. The wise men’s journey to worship Jesus foreshadows the inclusion of the Gentiles in God’s plan of salvation, a theme that is further developed in the New Testament.

Second, the gifts of the wise men highlight the multifaceted nature of Jesus’ identity and mission. As King, He reigns over all; as High Priest, He intercedes on behalf of humanity; and as the Sacrifice, He atones for the sins of the world.

Finally, the story of the wise men serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking and worshiping Jesus. The wise men went to great lengths to find the newborn King, and their journey exemplifies the dedication and reverence that should characterize the worship of Christ.

Conclusion

The wise men who came to see Jesus were likely scholars or astrologers from the East, possibly Persia or Babylon. Their knowledge of the stars and celestial phenomena led them to recognize the significance of the new star they observed, which they interpreted as a sign of the birth of a great king. Their journey to Bethlehem, their gifts, and their worship of Jesus all highlight the universal significance of His birth and the various roles He would fulfill as King, Priest, and Sacrifice. The visit of the wise men is a powerful testament to the recognition of Jesus’ kingship by the nations and the fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation for all people.

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In His service,
BibleAsk Team