Every nativity scene has not only the Holy Family: Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus; but also, the shepherds, a few animals, and Three Wise Men. As I mentioned in my Christmas Eve sermon, this was probably not the scene the day Jesus was born. Jesus was born in a house, not a stable; surrounded by extended family members not animals. Yes, the shepherds came and visited Him shortly after He was born (Luke 2: 8-20). But there were no “wise men” at the birth of Jesus!
Matthew is the only Gospel writer who mentions that “after Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him’ ” (Mt. 2:1-2). So, who were these “Magi from the east”?
The Greek word used here is magoi, which refers to priests, astrologers, or wise men in the Persian tradition. According to most scholars, the Magi were part of a priestly class from either Persia or Babylon, associated with Zoroastrianism or some similar eastern tradition. These men were interpreters of dreams, watchers of the stars, and advisors to royalty. The idea that they were kings probably comes from seeing them as a fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 60:3 –“Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.”
How many Magi were there? Matthew does not say. The number three is based solely on the kinds of gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Again, Matthew does not even say that there was one of each kind. He only says, “they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh” (Mt. 2:11b). The number of gifts is not important, but what is, is what each kind of gift represented:
1. Gold represents royalty and points to Jesus’ kingship.
2. Frankincense was used in spiritual rituals of worship and points to His divinity.
3. Myrrh was used as a burial spice and points to His impending death.
One final note regarding the circumstances of their visit. Coming from Persia or Babylon would have taken several days to reach first Jerusalem and then another day to Bethlehem. Matthew says they came to “the house” (v. 11a). There is no mention of a manger. And Matthew doesn’t say anything about “a babe” but rather calls Jesus “a child” (ibid). By this time, Jesus could have been at least two years old (v. 16)!
So, what is the significance of “The Visit of the Magi” for us today? I believe the Magi represent an early historical account that acknowledges the true identity of Jesus, as not only the Messiah for the Jews, but also the Savior of the Gentiles. The Magi represent the first non-Jews who came seeking the “King of the Jews” so they could worship Him. For as Peter declared before the Sanhedrin in Acts 4:12, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved”. That name is Jesus Christ. Hallelujah! Amen.