Reflecting On The Wisemen’s Visit To Jesus
Reflecting On The Wisemen’s Visit To Jesus | January 6th
According to religious tradition, the three Kings, or Wisemen, visited Jesus shortly after His birth. Some legends suggest they arrived 12 days later, so certain cultures celebrate January 6th as "Three Kings Day" or "Little Christmas." While this story is endearing, it is more folklore than fact. The Scriptures do not mention the Kings visiting the manger or stable. Although the Gospel of Matthew indicates that the Wisemen visited Jesus, it specifies that they found Him as a child rather than an infant.
Here is the biblical record and clues that suggest a potential timeline for their visit:
Clue #1: Luke's gospel refers to Jesus as a baby (Greek translation "brephos") when the angel speaks to the shepherds. It's important to note that Luke's account of the Nativity does not mention the Wisemen. In Matthew's account, Jesus is called a child when the Wisemen visit. (Greek translation "paidion.")
Luke 2:12 documents the angel telling the shepherds the good news of Jesus' birth: "And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."
Matthew 2:9b-11a says, "...they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him."
Clue #2: In the Gospel of Luke, we learn that when Mary and Joseph dedicated Jesus to God, they were too poor to offer the customary lamb as a sacrifice. Instead, they presented two turtledoves, which were allowed by the Law for those who were financially struggling. Mary and Joseph could have purchased a lamb for the offering if the Magi had arrived at Jesus' birth and given their costly gifts sooner.
Luke 2:24 says, "So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord—'either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.' ”
Matthew 2:11b says, "Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh."
Clue #3: Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were no longer in Bethlehem when the Wisemen visited. Based on the geographical descriptions of the Kings' origins, it's reasonable to assume their journey to see Jesus covered approximately 800 to 900 miles. Therefore, it would be impossible for the Kings to have arrived at the manger.
Matthew 2:1-2 says, "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 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.'"
Whether the Wisemen came 12 months or 24 months after Jesus' birth, their incredible reverence stands out. While tradition suggests three, the Bible does not specify a set number. There likely were more than three, and their gifts probably served as ongoing support for the family.
Therefore, don't get caught up in the timing of the Kings. Instead, reflect on their willingness to honor and worship the Lord. If you focus on these areas, you will esteem God and be blessed!
Here is the biblical record and clues that suggest a potential timeline for their visit:
Clue #1: Luke's gospel refers to Jesus as a baby (Greek translation "brephos") when the angel speaks to the shepherds. It's important to note that Luke's account of the Nativity does not mention the Wisemen. In Matthew's account, Jesus is called a child when the Wisemen visit. (Greek translation "paidion.")
Luke 2:12 documents the angel telling the shepherds the good news of Jesus' birth: "And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."
Matthew 2:9b-11a says, "...they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him."
Clue #2: In the Gospel of Luke, we learn that when Mary and Joseph dedicated Jesus to God, they were too poor to offer the customary lamb as a sacrifice. Instead, they presented two turtledoves, which were allowed by the Law for those who were financially struggling. Mary and Joseph could have purchased a lamb for the offering if the Magi had arrived at Jesus' birth and given their costly gifts sooner.
Luke 2:24 says, "So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord—'either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.' ”
Matthew 2:11b says, "Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh."
Clue #3: Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were no longer in Bethlehem when the Wisemen visited. Based on the geographical descriptions of the Kings' origins, it's reasonable to assume their journey to see Jesus covered approximately 800 to 900 miles. Therefore, it would be impossible for the Kings to have arrived at the manger.
Matthew 2:1-2 says, "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 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.'"
Whether the Wisemen came 12 months or 24 months after Jesus' birth, their incredible reverence stands out. While tradition suggests three, the Bible does not specify a set number. There likely were more than three, and their gifts probably served as ongoing support for the family.
Therefore, don't get caught up in the timing of the Kings. Instead, reflect on their willingness to honor and worship the Lord. If you focus on these areas, you will esteem God and be blessed!
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