Journey of the Magi, James Tissot (circa 1894), Minneapolis Institute of Art

The lone biblical (1) account of the Magi (wise men) (2) visiting the infant Jesus (3) after His birth (4) is recorded in the Gospel (5) of Matthew (6) (Matthew 2:1-12). Although long standing tradition suggests the Magi visited the newborn baby Jesus in a Bethlehem manger, the Bible does not mention a definitive time line between the birth of Jesus and the visit of the Magi. However, Matthew 2:16 is written in a manner that may offer a gap of a few years between the two events.
 
Matthew's narrative tells us that Jesus was born in Bethlehem (7), a small village nestled within the Roman province of Judea (8). As this region was ruled by King Herod (9), the Magi came to him to inquire about the Messiah (10). They asked King Herod, “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.”
 
This inquiry disturbed King Herod, as he viewed it as a threat to his kingship. He called in all the chief priests and teachers of The Law (11), asking them where the Messiah was to be born. They replied, "In Bethlehem in Judea, for this is what the Prophet (12) has written:
 
"But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a Ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel."
(Micah 5:2, 4)
 
King Herod put on a good front while securing from the Magi the exact time the star had appeared in the sky. He then dispatched them to Bethlehem (about 6 miles to the south), telling them, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find Him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship Him.” In reality, Herod had no such intentions. It was more likely that Herod intended to kill Him, not worship Him.
 
The Magi went on their way, traveling until they came to where the Star shone over the place where Jesus was. Overcome with joy, the Magi entered the house and saw His mother, Mary (13). They then bowed down and worshiped Jesus. Although tradition numbers the visiting wise men at three (likely to coincide with the number of gifts recorded), Matthew's narrative does not specify how many Magi came to worship the baby King. They then presented the Messiah with their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh (c).
 
Matthew's account does not indicate how long the Magi stayed in Bethlehem. However, the narrative does disclose that they returned to their country via an alternate route after being warned in a dream (14) to avoid reporting back to Herod as he previously commanded them.
 

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If you're seeking additional info about Christianity on a more personal level, consider visiting a Christian Church here in Marion County (15). Introduce yourself to members and ask to speak with someone to learn more about Jesus. Surrendering your life to Christ (16) (d) is the most rewarding, everlasting decision you'll ever make, and it's comforting to have someone guide you as you begin your new life as a child of the Most High! May God shower you with great favor in this endeavor!
 

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Footnotes, Page Credits and External Resources appear below. Consider printing and sharing the offered PDF narrative and other listed resources with family, friends and strangers alike for use in Bible Studies (17), Home/Church Faith Sharing Groups (18), Discipleship Encounters (19) and/or Personal Faith Enrichment!
 
Modifications are welcome at [email protected].
 

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FOOTNOTES:
  (1) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/the-good-news
  (2) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/magi
  (3) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/jesus-christ
  (4) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/the-birth-of-jesus
  (5) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/the-four-gospels
  (6) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/matthew
  (7) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/Bethlehem
  (8) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/judea
  (9) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/herod
(10) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/jesus-the-messiah
(11) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/the-law
(12) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/micah-1
(13) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/mary-mother-of-jesus
(14) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/dreams-of-the-bible
(15) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/listing-by-city
(16) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/the-gracious-visitor
(17) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/bible-studies
(18) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/christian-education
(19) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/discipleship
 
PAGE CREDITS:
  (a) Bible Gateway, New International Version (NIV) Bible,
accessed September 18, 2020, https://www.biblegateway.com/
 
EXTERNAL RESOURCES:
  (b) "What does the Bible say about the Three Wise Men (Magi)?",
Got Questions Ministries, accessed January 5, 2021,
https://www.gotquestions.org/three-wise-men.html
 
  (c) "Why Did the Magi Bring Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh to Jesus?",
Got Questions Ministries, accessed January 5, 2021,
https://www.gotquestions.org/gold-frankincense-myrrh.html
 
  (d)  How Do I Convert to Christianity?,
Got Questions Ministries, accessed January 12, 2020,
https://www.gotquestions.org/convert-to-Christianity.html