Wise Men Visiting Christ

6 minutes to read

Who are the wise men who came to visit baby Jesus? Where are they from? And what is their significance in the story of Christmas? I aim to answer these questions in this short article on the importance of the wise men in the gospel of Matthew and how it reveals Jesus as the saviour even of gentiles.

A Lesson on the Wise Men
In ancient times, the magi, often called the wise men, were the ones who consulted the stars to determine the future. They were famous for their learning and wisdom, and kings used them as advisors (Gen 41:8, Ex 7:11, Est 1:13, Dan 2:12).¹ According to popular Christian tradition, the magi who visited baby Jesus were three kings named Melchior, Caspar, and Balthasar; their relics are now kept at the cathedral in Cologne, Germany. We cannot find any proof in the biblical text and in church history for this tale.²

In the story of the birth of Jesus, Matthew records them having done three remarkably wise things.

First, they were wise to seek Jesus. While Matthew does not mention the specific countries they are from, we know they are from the east (Matt 2:1). Therefore it is possible that they may have been familiar with the prophecy of Balaam, an early prophet from the east who had predicted that a star would march forth in Israel (Num 24:17). As soon as they saw the star³, they travelled far, at great risk and cost, to worship the one “born king of the Jews” (Matt 2:2).⁴

Second, they were wise to seek help in finding Jesus. Even though they themselves are wise in their own country and culture, when they came to Jerusalem, they sought information from King Herod, chief priests, and the teachers of the law - from those who were the natives and residents of Jerusalem, and possibly experts on all things Jewish. When it was confirmed that a king is going to come from a least-expected place, in the little town of Bethlehem (Mic 5:2), they immediately left for Bethlehem.

Third, they were wise to worship Jesus. The star that led them earlier helped them arrive in Bethlehem. As an aside, most Christmas skits and artwork depict the wise men (and the shepherds) gathered around the Christ child in a stable. But the biblical text tells us that when the magi came Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus were in a house (2:11). But the important observation here is that as soon as the wise men saw the personification of “wisdom” they bowed down and worshipped him. They worshipped the baby Jesus by giving expensive gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.⁵ And this worship of the Messiah is a theme that runs throughout Matthew (2:2, 8, 11; 8:2; 9:18; 14:33; 15:25; 20:20; 28:9, 17), beginning here not with Jewish worshippers but with Gentile worshipers.⁶

Lessons of Wisdom for Today
As 21^st century Christians, we can learn three things from the narrative of these wise men.

First, Matthew stresses God’s mission to the Gentiles (1:5–6; 4:15; 8:10–12; 15:21–27). Thus, God speaking to the Gentile magi and their subsequent worship of Christ implied that God’s redemptive purposes extended beyond the nation of Israel. So there is no wonder that Matthew ends his Gospel with the great commission – gospel to all the nations (28:18–20). John Piper says it well: “At the beginning of the Gospel of Matthew, it is still a come-see religion. And at the end of the Gospel of Matthew, it is a go-tell religion.”⁷ This should fuel our evangelism especially during the Christmas season. Practically speaking, we celebrate Christmas often and primarily with our people (i.e. Christians). But the redemptive message of Christmas is for all the world. Therefore, our celebration of Christmas should be with those on the outside: our yet-to-believe neighbours, friends, co-workers, and family so that they also hear the gospel of Jesus and come worship Him.

Second, the magi worshipped Christ through their resources. As disciples, when we evangelize, lead, pray, teach, or give financially, it costs us something. And we must be willing to do this for we worship and give to the King who has given us so much more! Jesus demonstrates his love for His people in that while we are still sinners, he died for us (Rom. 5:8); He gave His very life for us.

Three, if we observe the narrative carefully, we see a different group of ‘wise’ men: the ones who reject Christ - king Herod, the chief priests, and the scribes. Herod the Great was a ruthless and cruel monarch who tried to kill Jesus. Though the scribes and the chief priests knew the truth they carelessly rejected Christ. As we celebrate Christmas, our prayer and hope should be that we would not be in this group. If we do not believe in the gospel for the forgiveness of our sins there is a danger of becoming part of a group which rejected Christ. “Claiming to be wise, they became fools,” (Rom 1:22).

May our celebration of Christmas, therefore, display the wisdom of God who sent Jesus as the saviour even of the gentiles and may we worship Christ with the best of the resources that He has given us.

1. Robert Charles Sproul, Matthew, St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2013), 28.
2. David L. Turner, Matthew, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2008), 79.
3. The magi mentioned it as His (King of Jews) star - Mt. 2:2
4. Daniel M. Doriani, Matthew, ESV Expository Commentary: Matthew-Luke (Volume 10), (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2021), 40.
5. What were the significance of the gifts? David Mathis writes: “Some have speculated whether gold represents Jesus being a king, frankincense him being a priest, and myrrh him being a sacrifice for us. Perhaps.” in https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/we-three-kings-of-orient-arent
6. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/gold-frankincense-and-bliss
7. https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/the-message-of-the-magis-star