What does the Bible REALLY say about the Three? Wise? Men/Magi? First of all, we assume that there were three wise men because of the three gifts that were given: gold, incense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). However, the Bible does not say there were only three wise men. There could have been many more. But tradition says that there were three and that their names were Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, but since the Bible does not say, we have no way of knowing whether the tradition is accurate. Also, it is a common mistake to think that the wise men visited Jesus at the stable on the night of His birth. When in fact, the wise men came days, months, or probably even up to 18 months later. That is why Matthew 2:11 says the wise men visited and worshiped Jesus in a house, not at the stable. Matthew 2:9-11 After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 After coming into the house (home) they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. We do know that the magi were wise men from the East, most likely Persia, or modern-day Iran. This means the wise men traveled 800 to 900 miles to see the Christ child. Most likely, the magi knew from the writings of the prophet Daniel, who in time past had been the Chief of the Court seers in Persia. Daniel 9:24-27 includes a prophecy which gives a timeline for the birth of the Messiah. Also, the magi may have been aware of the prophecy of Balaam (who was from the town of Pethor on the Euphrates River near Persia) in Numbers 24:17. Balaams prophecy specifically mentions a “star coming out of Jacob.” Daniel 9:24-26 Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people (Israel) and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy place. 25 So you are to know and discern (understand) that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks;(70 weeks of years) it will be built again, with plaza and moat, even in times of distress. 26 Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing,(no children) and the people of the prince who is to come (the Antichrist) will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end will come with a flood; even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined. The wise men were guided to look for the King of the Jews by a miraculous stellar event, the Star of Bethlehem, which they called His star (Matthew 2:2). They consulted with King Herod in Jerusalem concerning the birth of Christ and were directed to Bethlehem (Matthew 2:4-8). They followed Gods guidance joyfully (Matthew 2:10). Their gifts for Jesus were costly, and they worshiped Him. God warned them in a dream against returning to Herod, so, in defiance of the king, they left Judea by another route (Matthew 2:12). Matthew 2:1-3 Now after (not when) Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him. 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. So, the Magi were men who 1) read, understood and believed Gods Word, 2) sought Jesus, 3) recognized that Jesus the Christ, was not only the Messiah of Israel, but was Savior of the whole world. 4) humbled themselves to worship Jesus, and 5) obeyed God rather than man. Yes, however many there were, They were truly Wise Men!.....Are YOU? ****1 Corinthians 15:1-4, tells you the Pure Gospel of Gods Grace for Your Salvation, by faith alone, in what Jesus has done on the Cross and in the Resurrection**** https://youtube/watch?v=k8mjRxkMBkE
Posted on: Thu, 18 Dec 2014 07:12:38 +0000
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