Read: Matthew 2:1-11
In almost every nativity scene there are three guys, including a token black guy, dressed in primary colors and wearing lots of bling. Have you ever wondered what they doing there? I have.
The wise men are also called magi, but never kings, and it says they came from the East. We also know that they were studying the stars and astrology - that lead them to discover the star pointing to Jesus. A similar word is used to describe the advisors and magicians that Daniel dealt with in the Old Testament. So these men study the stars, do a little dream interpretation on the side, maybe dabbling in some magic, and might know some proverbs to get the title of ‘wise’. These characters are far different than anyone we have met in the story so far. They are also Gentiles from a different country who likely do not worship the God of the Bible.
The text also doesn’t say there were three wise men, it just uses the plural form when referring to them. Art in the early church depicts anywhere from 2 to 8 wise men showing up at Jesus’ doorstep. They also journeyed from somewhere far away, likely Babylon though some Chinese Christians believe they came from China. But even if they came from Babylon that’s a forty-day journey so they would likely need some servants, camel drivers and some guards for protection. There could be a whole Gentile convoy to Bethlehem!
The story that they told everyone almost throws into question their title of being wise. “We saw a star, so we packed up everything and we’re looking for a baby. Obviously the baby is the king of the Jews.” Keep in mind everyone knew the Jews didn’t have a king because they were subject to Rome. I imagine they were also fairly confused when they showed up at King Herod’s (not a Jew) palace and didn’t find a baby.
Assuming that the star appeared the night Jesus was born and that verse 11 says they went into the house to see Mary and Jesus, it’s fairly safe to say they were not at manger scene. They likely arrived after Jesus was dedicated at the temple because of the money that the wise men gave would have allowed them to buy a better sacrifice.
The gifts that the wise men give are really strange. Since its Christmas you would expect them to at least give age-appropriate gifts to the baby. But they brought the baby incense, perfume and a huge bag of gold. They are wrecking Christmas, and it’s the first one!
Here we see a fascinating picture. Powerful Gentile figures search out Jesus and give him gifts fit for king. Imagine the stir this causes in Bethlehem if you are Mary and Joseph’s neighbors. A convoy of rich foreigners shows up to worship a poor couple’s baby and only spends one night. There must be something special about this baby!
Questions for Reflection
• Have you ever gone on a holiday to worship Jesus? I’m not advocating a pilgrimage here but just using some holiday time to spend time with Jesus.
• Do we sacrifice a great deal to visit and give gifts to our king? Or do you worship when it is convenient?
• Do you give Jesus your treasures?
• We have seen the full spectrum of people come to worship Jesus from the unwanted shepherds to the powerful foreign dignitaries. Does Jesus still have as board appeal today?
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