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Matthew 2:1-11-Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘BUT YOU, BETHLEHEM, IN THE LAND OF JUDAH, ARE NOT THE LEAST AMONG THE RULERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME A RULER WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.’ “. 7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” 9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen 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 exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
The Bible speaks to us about the Magi, and there are many important lessons we may learn from them.
First, the word “Magi” is translated as “wise men” in most English translations of the Bible. The Magi are mentioned in a few Old Testament Scriptures.
Daniel 4:9-“Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, because I know that the Spirit of the Holy God is in you, and no secret troubles you, explain to me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its interpretation.
Daniel 5:11-There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the Spirit of the Holy God. And in the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him; and King Nebuchadnezzar your father–your father the king–made him chief of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers.
Esther 1:13-14-Then the king said to the wise men who understood the times (for this was the king’s manner toward all who knew law and justice, those closest to him being Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who had access to the king’s presence, and who ranked highest in the kingdom):
The Magi were closely connected with Babylon and Persia.
“The Magi date from the seventh century B.C., when they were a tribe within the Median nation of eastern Mesopotamia. They became skilled in astronomy and astrology (which were more closely associated disciplines in those days) and had a sacrificial system somewhat similar to the Mosaic one. We derive the English words magic and magician from the name magi. The Book of Daniel reports that the Magi, with their knowledge of science, agriculture, mathematics, history, and the occult, were among the highest ranking, most influential officials in the Babylonian Empire. Because of Daniel’s own high position and place of respect among them (Dan. 2:24, 48), the Magi undoubtedly learned much from him about the true God and His plans for the Jews through the coming Messiah. Because many Jews remained in Babylon after the Exile, it’s likely those teachings remained strong in the region even until New Testament times.” (John MacArthur, God In The Manger: The Miraculous Birth Of Christ, 1449-1456 (Kindle Edition); Nashville, TN; W. Publishing Group)
The text says that the Magi came “from the east.” This is likely a reference to the lands of Babylon and Persia. Some believe that the Magi had learned about the birth of the Messiah from the Prophet Daniel, who lived some seven hundred years prior. Others have noted that Abraham sent his other sons “to the East” (Genesis 25:6), and there has thus been much discussion about whether the Magi were the descendants of these children of Abraham. Perhaps they had known of the Lord’s promise to send the Savior to the world through Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3).
What is especially noteworthy here is that the Lord Jesus is for all people, of all backgrounds.
Second, the star that the Magi followed is worthy of reflection. As Matthew draws heavily on the Old Testament Scriptures, it is likely that the “star” which the Magi followed was actually an angel. This is inferred especially from the fact that the Old Testament often figuratively described angels as “stars” (see https://marktabata.com/2025/12/08/mark-tabatas-weekday-devotionals-monday-december-8-2025-beautiful-star-of-bethlehem/). If this star is a reference to angels, it is a powerful testimony to us that the angels themselves serve Jesus (Matthew 4:11; 26:53; Mark 1:13; Luke 22:43; Hebrews 1:6, 14). If this star was non-angelic, it is a lesson also that even the Heavens testify of the Son of God (Psalm 19:1-14; Romans 10:14-18).
Third, the Magi teach us about the importance of being faithful to Jesus after His birth. You see, the Magi were not present when the Lord was born in Bethlehem. They came “after” His birth.
“The use of the genitive absolute τοῦ δὲ Ἰησοῦ γεννηθέντος, “after Jesus had been born,” enables the name of Jesus to occur first (as it also did at the beginning of 1: 18). γεννηθέντος links with chap. 1, especially the ἐγέννησεν of 1: 16. The aorist participle indicates that the birth had already occurred when the magi arrived in Jerusalem.” (Donald Alfred Hagner, Matthew 1-13, Volume 33A (Word Biblical Commentary), 26 (Kindle Edition): Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan)
It is good and appropriate to reflect on the beauty of Jesus’ birth. Some Christians believe it is sinful to reflect on the Savior’s birth around the time of Christmas, and I respect their conscience-just as I also respect the conscience of those who choose to mediate on Jesus’ birth at that time of year (Romans 14:1-9). That the birth of Jesus is significant and worthy of contemplation (whether on December 25 or any other day) may easily be seen by how much time the Bible spends on the subject (in both Testaments). But a faith that follows Jesus only to the manger and not to Calvary needs serious attention and growth. The Magi teach us this.
Finally, the Magi bring gifts to the young Messiah, Who is now somewhere around two years of age (Matthew 2:16). The gifts are significant.
“Notice that they are in a house now, and no longer in a stable. This could be a year or more later. Because there are three gifts, most people jump to the conclusion there were three guys. No, it could have been twenty guys or two guys, and there may have been other gifts. However, we do know that there were at least three gifts, and those three are mentioned because they are prophetic.—Gold speaks of His deity.—Frankincense was an incense used for priestly duties. 24—Myrrh, when crushed, was an ointment for burial. These gifts speak of His roles as well: King, Priest, and Prophet.” (Chuck Missler, The Christmas Story: What Really Happened, 52 (Kindle Edition): Coeur d’Alene, ID: Koinonia Institute)
As you reflect on the birth of Jesus (whenever you may choose to do so), remember how the gifts that were brought to Him teach us Who He is. Similarly, may they remind us that He is worthy of all glory, honor, and praise.
Revelation 5:11-14-11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!” 13 And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!” 14 Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.
We praise You and thank You, Lord Jesus. You are worthy! Amen.