The visit of the Magi

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The visit of the Magi, also known as the three kings.

Magi, the word Magi (from the Greek root, its origin, meaning magic) were wise men in their own field of astrology as an astronomer or astrologer, in other words, stargazers.

In other words, those wisemen would have known much about the stars and the planets and knew when a new star shone brightly in the sky, but more than that, they would know exactly what this new star meant to this world and because of that, decided to follow it.

When we think of the wisemen we automatically imagine them setting off on an unknown journey alone, but during those times, travelling all alone would have been very dangerous.

There was always four ways that they could have travelled.,

The first we have discounted as travelling alone would have been very dangerous, especially if they were carrying expensive gifts.
The second way would have been to join a caravan which would have protected them from most dangers but couldn’t guarantee on going in the same direction that the star was leading them. We have discounted this form of travelling.
The third, which often happened is that they would have to organise their own caravan, don’t forget that the bible never says that there was only three Magi, only that there were three gifts. Matthew 2:1-12. The problem with this would be that each Magi would have their own protection and once they had come together could have been mistakenly identified as an invading army.

This vague biblical description encompassed lands east of Judea, covering Mesopotamia, Persia, and sometimes Arabia. This group of astrologers according to scripture could have come from Mesopotamia, Persia and Arabia. This would mean that they would have to meet somewhere along the journey which would not have been a problem as they would have taken the trade routes along the Royal Road and Silk Road, avoiding the impassible Arabian Desert.

The fourth is that in Babylon was the school for astrologers, as to the number of astrologers that worked together and set off together on this long and treacherous journey is unknown.

It is more of a possibility that the Magi were together at the school for astrologers when the star was first seen. Don’t forget that the Israelites had been taken into captivity by the Babylonians for about seventy years, (roughly 586–538 BC).

During their years of captivity, the Israelites must have discussed openly about the coming of their awaited Messiah who would become the King of the Jews and the signs of His coming. When this new star appeared in the sky, it mustn’t have just been a bright star

We can see those on a clear night.

The star must have been brighter than anything that they had ever seen before. Even a very large diamond would have paled into insignificance next to this beautiful new star.

The Magi wouldn’t just get everything ready for the long journey; they would have shared their find with the other Magi and students at the school for astrologers and each one would examine the star charts before finally realising that this star would lead them all to the birth of the awaited Messiah.

The bible doesn’t give the names of the three wisemen, over time they have become known most commonly as Balthasar, Melchior, and Gasper (or Casper). The names of the Magi emerged through tradition, appearing in an 8th-century chronicle and further popularized in the Middle Ages.

Whatever is hidden in the scriptures will be made known when our Lord calls each one of us home. That doesn’t mean that we can stop searching the scriptures, No! continue searching the scriptures and let the Holy Spirit speak to your hearts.

39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

41 I receive not honour from men.

42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.

43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?

45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.

46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me.

47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words? John 5:39-47

According to Western church tradition, Balthasar is often represented as a king of Arabia or sometimes Ethiopia, Melchior as a king of Persia (now Iran), and Gasper as a king of India. The title name “kings” are not mentioned in the Gospels but is taken from the book of Isaiah which says:

And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. Isaiah 60:3

The bible says that they saw the star in the east, which mentioned earlier could mean:

Arabia Modern-day Arabia, comprising Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
Mesopotamia Mesopotamia, historically the "cradle of civilization" between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, corresponds primarily to modern-day Iraq, along with parts of Syria, Turkey, and Kuwait.
Persia Modern-day Persia is officially the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The bible doesn’t tell us much about the star that the Magi saw shining in the nights sky, only that it must have been a new star which shone more brightly than any other stars that they had ever seen before.

Their study and understanding of the stars, this star to them meant that a King was to be born.

Not just any king but the King of the Jews.

A story that must have been told repeatedly during their seventy years of bondage about the coming Messiah, the King of the Jews. the stories and the prophecies of the coming of the Jewish Messiah must have been memorised by the astrologers in the school of astrology.

Based on historical, scriptural, and traditional analysis, it is a strong, plausible theory that the Magi ("wise men" or astrologers from the East) were familiar with, and had likely memorized, Jewish prophecies regarding a coming Messiah, particularly those relating to a "star" or a "king".

Not all Jews returned from captivity in Babylon; a significant number remained behind. While King Cyrus of Persia authorized a return in 538 BC, resulting in an initial group of roughly 50,000 returning to Judah, many others stayed, establishing a permanent, prosperous Diaspora community in Babylonia.

It is considered historically possible and even likely that some Jews in antiquity, particularly during the Second Temple period (roughly 516 BC – 70 AD), had exposure to, and in some cases participated in, the study of the stars, which in that era was often blended with astrology. While strict religious prohibitions against divination and idolatry existed, the Jewish Diaspora in Babylon and later under Hellenistic influence had complex interactions with surrounding cultures that studied the heavens.

Does that mean that some Jewish astrologers from the school of Astrology in Babylon also joined the Magi on their long trek, following the star that guided their way East.

While the Bible does not explicitly state that Jewish astrologers (or astronomers) from Babylon joined the Magi, it is a scholarly possibility and a popular interpretation based on the historical context of the time.

The idea is based on the following:

The Babylonian-Jewish Connection: Following the Babylonian exile, a significant Jewish community remained in Babylon/Mesopotamia. It is plausible that Babylonian Magi—who were expert astrologers and astronomers—were familiar with Jewish messianic prophecies (such as the "Star Prophecy" in Numbers 24:17) through interaction with this community or the legacy of Daniel, who was once head of the wise men in Babylon.
The "Star" Interpretation: The Magi, likely Zoroastrian priests from Parthia/Babylon, viewed the celestial phenomenon (often suggested to be a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn) as a sign of a new Jewish king. If they were informed by Jewish scholars, the journey would have been a collaboration or a verification of these prophecies.
The "We" Perspective: Some interpretations suggest that the Magi were not just a small group, but a larger caravan of scholars, potentially including members of the Jewish diaspora in the region, who travelled together to witness the fulfilment of this prophecy.

What is Known:

The Bible states the Magi came "from the East" (often interpreted as Babylon or Persia).
The Magi were likely Zoroastrian astrologers/astronomers, not necessarily Jewish, but were searching for the "King of the Jews".
The connection between the Magi and Jewish scholars is considered a reasonable, though speculative, historical connection, rather than a direct scriptural claim.

To find the truth, always go back to the bible and search the scriptures. The word of God is truth, never stray from God’s word. Let God speak to your hearts as you seek His truth.

Always remember that there are hidden truths that God will reveal in His time.

The bible doesn’t say where their journey began from, only that it was in the East. The journey was to be a very long journey, some have estimated the journey to have been nearly 3000km (1864.114mls) in a straight line from A to B, but the travellers were not travelling in a straight line, they would have gone through valleys and over mountains, through the heat of the day and freezing temperatures at night, through dry and wet spells. A journey that could have taken them up to two years to make.

There will always be unanswered questions about the star that shone so brightly in the night sky.

Did the star shine continually day and night or could it have guided the Magi like the Israelites were guided from Egypt?

By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day and night. Exodus 13:21

Could the star have stopped shining when God wanted the Magi to rest and to shine when they had to move on, the answers to some questions we have to take by faith, everything and I mean everything will one day be revealed when our days on earth are completed and we go home to be with our Lord.

Please let us pray.

May our Lord God enrich your hearts as we study His holy word together.

May our Lord Jesus Christ fill your hearts to overflowing with His love and to give you all the

opportunity to take His gospel of salvation, starting with your family and friends and reaching out

To the lost souls of this world fulfilling the final command of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Chrst.

Now, may the blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,

Be with you all.

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. Matthew 2:11

The bible just mentions the three special gifts that were given by the three Magi , whether there were other gifts, the bible doesn’t mention those as the gifts that are mentioned in the scriptures have special meanings and significances.

The Bible specifically highlights gold, frankincense, and myrrh in Matthew 2:11, focusing on these three gifts due to their profound theological, royal, and prophetic significance rather than listing all the gifts that were brought by the Magi. These three gifts were chosen to honour Jesus as King (Gold), Deity (Frankincense), and His sacrifice/humanity (Myrrh).

The Significance of the Three Gifts

Gold: Symbolizes royalty and honours Jesus as King.
Frankincense: Represents divinity and honours Jesus’ priestly role, often used in worship.
Myrrh: Anointing oil and embalming spice representing Jesus' mortality and foreshadowing His death.

Biblical Context

No Specific Number of Magi: The Bible does not state there were three, only that they brought three types of gifts.

Symbolic Meaning: The focus is on the prophetic, symbolic, and practical value of these specific items, which may have also provided resources for Joseph and Mary's journey to Egypt.

Ritual Use: These were standard, high-value gifts used to honour kings and deities in the ancient world.

We have looked at the journey that the Magi had to make, the length of time that they would have had to travel and the dangers that they would have had to face. None of the hardships and dangers would have prevented them from following the star that God had placed in the sky which would eventually guide them to the birth of God’s Son.

I am truly sorry that I can’t be with you in person but with today’s technology it is now possible, although separated by vast oceans and thousands of miles apart we can be together, to study the word of God as one family in the Body of Christ Jesus.

When we belong to the family of God we are never really separated as our love for each other knows no distances and we can join hands across the vast oceans in our prayers for each other.

The Magi, or as they are also known, the three wisemen or the three kings, finally, after approximately two years of travelling reached Jerusalem. Now the star must have stopped guiding them as their journey came to a standstill in Jerusalem.

This could in fact hint to us that the star was not always present in the sky, when they had to stop and rest there would be no star, when it was in God’s own time that they had to once again start on the way, the star would once again appear in the sky. Now this is only conjecture as only God knows the truth about the guiding star that He placed in the sky which would guide the Magi to the baby Jesus.

The Three wisemen must have felt lost at this time. They had travelled for so long, now they were so near, where do we go from here? A question that they must have asked each other as they glanced across the sky, searching for the bright lonesome star, but not star was to be found, it had gone from their sight once again.

Don’t forget that the star may not have shone for the Magi every day and every night. Based on biblical accounts and theological analysis, it is entirely possible—and even likely—that the star did not shine for the Magi every day of their journey. The biblical narrative suggests that the star was a supernatural or miraculous sign rather than a continuous, natural celestial phenomenon.

As the Lord guided the children of Israel out of Egypt, by day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or by night.

He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from the presence of the people.

And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people. Exodus 13:21-22

36 And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys:

37 But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up.

38 For the cloud of the Lord was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys. Exodus 40:36-38

Where would we find a future king but in a kings Palace?

We have learned that there are many things that we may not understand within the pages of the bible, and at those times which can be rather confusing, it is especially those times that we must put our trust in God and believe by faith.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

We need to pray and ask God our Father to show to us what we need to know so that we can grow stronger in our understanding of the written Word, the Bible.

The Magi expected to find the future king in a palace. But no son has been born to Herod, so he takes the announcement of a new king as a threat and thus is “troubled” (v. 3). This fits Herod's character. Was Herod the Great mad, many people, even people of today, including myself, thought so, but Historical and Psychological analyses suggest that Herod the Great was not mad in a clinical psychotic sense but was rather a profoundly paranoid, insecure and ruthless ruler. While often acting with calculated, tyrannical cruelty to protect his power, his later years were marked by severe mental instability, potentially caused by physical illness or paranoia. In his earlier years, Herod the great had been a powerful man, especially in battle but his later years would end his life as he brought pain and death not only to his subjects but also to his family, murdering his wife Mariamne I (also spelled Mariamme I) who was a Hasmonean princess and three of his sons Antipater, Alexander, and Aristobulus, his life would end in excruciating pain and torment.

According to historical accounts by Josephus, King Herod the Great murdered

three of his sons—Antipater, Alexander, and Aristobulus—due to paranoia and suspicions that they were conspiring against his throne. These executions occurred during the final years of his reign.

What a place for the Magi to visit, a palace where the king was so frightened of losing his throne that he murdered his three sons.

Herod would have known of the arrival of the Magi as soon as they arrived in Jerusalem.

Then Herod secretly called for the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. Matthew 2:7

Have you noticed that king Herod did not openly invite the Magi but secretly invited them. Why did you flee secretly and deceive me, Genesis 31:27a

Herod was scheming and deceiving the Magi.

The Magi continued into the palace and would have been presented before king Herod,

The Magi visited the dangerous, paranoid court of King Herod the Great in Jerusalem (Matthew 2:1-3). Known for murdering his own family members to secure his throne,

The Magi, after being directed by King Herod to find the "newborn king of the Jews" in Bethlehem, the star which had disappeared from their view, shone brightly once again.

They followed the star which stopped over the house where Jesus and Mary were.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” Matthew 2:8

Note!

Jesus was no longer a baby in a stable but a young child living with his parents in a house, although only Mary is mentioned in Matthew 2:11.

9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

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.

Matthew 2:9-11

The Bible does not say where Joseph was when the Magi visited only that Mary was there with the young child. It is historically and logically possible that Joseph could have been working. As a craftsman/carpenter living in poverty, Joseph would have needed to work, even while staying in Bethlehem, to support his family.

And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Question

Do Magi still exist today?

Answer

Yes, Magi still exists today. They are the people who sense the need to go out and search, accepting the risks associated with their journey, especially in a troubled world like ours that may be unpleasant and dangerous in many ways.” Please take a moment to read and meditate on this wonderful reflection.

Verse 1 starts to tell us more about the date and time of the birth of the Son of God.

V1: That Jesus was born in Bethlehem, this fulfilled the Old Testament prophecy which clearly says: But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Mica 5:2, [Hebrew Bible Verse 1 וְאַתָּה בֵּית-לֶחֶם, צָעִיר לִהְיוֹת בְּאַלְפֵי יְהוּדָה--מִמְּךָ לִי יֵצֵא, לִהְיוֹת מוֹשֵׁל; וּמוֹצָאֹתָיו מִקֶּדֶם, מִימֵי עוֹלָם. Translation Hebrew to English: 1 But thou, Beth-lehem Ephrathah, which art little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall one come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from ancient days. Micah 5:1 Hebrew Bible] Fulfilment: Matthew 2:1-6

The king of Judea (73BC – 4AD) at the time of the birth of Jesus was Herod the Great. That Bethlehem was only a small tribe in Israel; in fact it was the smallest of the tribes of Israel.

When the people of Israel demanded to have their own king ruling over them as the other nations have. The first king of this new entity was Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin (1 Samuel 9:1-2) which at that time was the smallest tribe.

9: 1 Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power.

2 And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people. 1 Samuel 9:1-2

The bible which itself is a wonderful source of information, a library of knowledge that fits into your own hands. It is a book that we must read from the first verse in the book of Genesis to the last verse in the book of Revelation, and as you study the word of God, pray before you start your studies and during your study of the word of God but listen to what God is saying to you, listen carefully and you will hear His small still voice speaking to you.

Read the bible…. Study the bible…. and search the contents of the bible…..Pray to our heavenly Father and listen to what He is saying to you.

Herod was threatened by the "King of the Jews" prophecy, leading him to order the massacre of Bethlehem's male children under two years old.

The bible teaches us that Herod ordered all the male children under two years old to be murdered. I can only imagine what the town must have been like as the soldiers moved in with weapons raised. The screaming of mothers and children must have been deafening. After, the soldiers left leaving nothing but carnage.

Let us refresh the details of the Magi arrival in Jerusalem.

Arrival at the Palace: The Magi initially came to Jerusalem, the seat of Herod's power, asking where to find the newborn king, which troubled Herod and all Jerusalem.
Herod's Scheme: Herod, fearing a threat to his throne, instructed the Magi to find the child and report back so he could "worship" him too, though his intention was to kill the child.
Following the Star: Guided by the star, the Magi bypassed further interaction with Herod and instead found Jesus in Bethlehem.
The Departure: After worshipping Jesus and presenting gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, they were warned in a dream regarding Herod's intent.

Avoiding the King: They departed for their own country by another route, successfully avoiding a return to the palace.

As we get older our memories are never as good as they once were, but when you study the contents of the bible, we have two ways to study, we can head study, that means memorising the word of God which is ok but don’t just store the word of God in your memory but also in your heart.

AI Overview

Studying God’s Word involves both the head (intellectual memorization) and the heart (internalization and meditation). While memorizing (head study) is essential, true transformation occurs when the Word is treasured in the heart, helping to overcome sin, guide daily steps, and provide comfort, moving from knowledge to action.

Let The Word of God Refresh Your Soul!

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7

Do not follow the ways of Herod or your friends and do things in secret which often means many times deceit. I am not talking about arranging a surprise birthday party.

In everything that you do, show love and compassion to all your neighbours, friends and those whom you have yet to meet. Let the love of Jesus shine through you in all that you say and do.

Showing love and compassion to your neighbours, friends, and strangers is the, central, tangible expression of Christian faith, reflecting the light of Jesus through daily actions, kindness, and service. It involves forgiving, listening, acting with humility, and serving others—including the unlovable—to demonstrate Christ's love.

Actionable Love: Loving neighbours goes beyond feelings, requiring tangible actions and generosity to make a difference in others' lives.
Reflecting Light: By demonstrating Christ-like love, individuals shine their light, allowing others to see good works and glorify God.
Practical Steps: This involves being honest, kind, respectful, and sharing God's word. It includes praying for others, encouraging people, and helping those in need.
Daily Conduct: It is a lifestyle of choosing compassion, patience, and grace, even when facing negativity.

You will hear during your lifetime, scientist and astronomers trying to explain what the star really was but their attempts to explain away this miraculous event pales into insignificance when we look at the biblical facts. Listen only to what the Holy Spirit is speaking to your hearts and listen and be guided only by Him.

Jesus didn’t come into the world to be born in a king’s palace, Jesus was born in humility, to be born to a poor family with no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head. Many people who are poor think that this is one of Life’s curses but to me it is one of life’s blessings. Many rich people put their faith in their wealth, a poor person doesn’t put their faith in something that they have never had, but they could become much stronger in their faith as they faithfully pray and put their trust in God our Father for their daily provision for everyday of their lives.

Read the bible…. Study the bible…. and search the contents of the bible…..Pray to our heavenly Father and listen to what He is saying to you.

Let us pray and say the Lord’s prayer together.

9 Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

May our Lord God richly bless you all as you study His wonderful word and draw near to Him each day.