Most of us have heard the story of the Three Wise Men at Jesus Christ’s birth and the shepherds from the field visiting and paying homage to Him on His birthday. We also heard about the “three kings” visiting Him on the same day. But the record of the Magi that visited Jesus could be very different then what was most of us were taught.
How Did the Magi Know About the Messiah from the Stars?
But the record of the Magi that visited Jesus could be very different then what was most of us were taught. The KJV translates the Greek word “magos” from Matthew 2:7 as “Wise Men,” but many other translations, such as the NIV, translate it as “Magi” (our word ‘magic’ comes from this). Magi were priests in a sect of the Persian religions such as Zoroastrianism. They were the Oriental scientist of the day (Strong’s). The magi studied the stars religiously. They would have probably been wealthy and held high esteem in their society, but nowhere does it mention in the Bible that they were kings. Moreover, there is no indication there were only three of them.
But where did they get their knowledge to look for a Jewish Messiah? They were not even Jewish. The answer is in the book of Daniel. When Jerusalem was conquered by Nebuchadnezzar, 1/3 of the Jewish people were killed; 1/3 were scattered, and 1/3 were captured. Daniel was one of them that was captured and through a series of amazing events he eventually was chosen to rule over all the wise men in the land (see Daniel 2:48), including the astrologers and magicians (considered scientists of the day). In fact, Daniel was found to be ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all the King (KJV) Nebuchadnezzar’s realm. It is amazing that they retained this knowledge and passed it down to future generations for what some estimate to be over 500 years to Jesus birth!
The Bible says the Magi came from the East, but it does not give a city or a country. Daniel taught in the city of Babylon which is about 900 miles from Jerusalem. Some theologians estimate the trip was over 1,000 miles. Since traveling was difficult and dangerous, it is highly unlikely only three people traveled this distance alone, especially with those expensive gifts. The tradition of three kings only came from the fact three gifts were given, but it does not mean there were only three people. Most likely it would have been a large caravan of people. They most likely only traveled about 7-15 miles a day. This trip could have taken as long a 5 months!
How Old Was Jesus When the Magi Came?
Matthew 2:11 tells us two very interesting things. First, the Magi did not come to the Manager, but to the house where they were staying. Second, they did not see a “baby” but a “young child.”
JGV Mt 2:11 – And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
Herod had all children “Two years old” and under killed in Bethlehem. This is another indication Jesus could have been a toddler (under two years old) by the time the Wise Men visited Him.
Last Thoughts
It should not bother us when we see Christmas decorations with only three Magi worshiping Jesus and giving Him gifts in the manger. The Bible always affords us the opportunity to show others the accuracy of the Word, but this should only be done in humbleness. It is by showing people these simple things, that we may have the opportunity to witness the greater truths of the Bible and win people to Christ.