What’s So Wise about the Wise Men in the Bible?

When you think about things at Christmas that come in threes, you might name the wise men and French hens. You’d be right about the birds but perhaps not about the wise men.

The number of wise men is not actually specified in the Bible, but we do read that they brought three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. In case frankincense and myrrh are not on your Christmas shopping list, they are aromatic resins (sap) that come from certain trees.

Who Were the Magi?

In addition to not knowing the number of wise men, we may not even be sure what to call them. They have also been referred to as kings and magicians (Magi). Most likely, however, these men were well-educated, respected, and skilled in astronomy (think professor). They probably served as advisors in a royal court, just as Daniel had six centuries before Jesus was born. Indeed, Daniel had been made chief wiseman (think chancellor) after he interpreted a dream for King Nebuchadnezzar—before he even completed his three years of Wise Man Training in Babylon. It may have been Daniel who introduced the wise men of Babylon to the scriptures of Israel’s God.

Where Did the Magi Come From?

So it’s probable that these Persian wise men studied the scriptures along with the stars, thus knowing when to watch the sky for the supernatural birth announcement of the Messiah (anointed king). Although the Bible says simply that the wise men came from the East, it’s probable they lived in Babylon when they saw the star and chose to follow it. If Babylon was indeed their home, they had a long journey to reach the birthplace of Jesus—a trip of about four months. Baby Jesus would have been about two years old when they arrived.

Since we can drive across the United States in 45 hours and fly to the moon in three days, a four-month trip to one location may seem unimaginable. Now add in the camels. Four months on a rocking and rolling dromedary? Has anyone ever described a camel ride as anything but challenging and uncomfortable? Even on the back of an Arabian horse, a traveler at that time was looking forward to an arduous trip through deserts and mountains inhabited by wild animals and even some bandits.

Following the Star of Bethlehem

Stop for a moment and ask yourself, “If I had been one of the wise men, would I have followed the star?”

Oh, yeah! That’s an easy question, right? When these astronomers saw that mystical light break into the night sky with the announcement they had long dreamed about, can you imagine their conversation?

“The Messiah is coming! God has revealed to us the hope of the world!” said one.

“Quick! Grab the camels and let’s follow that star!” said another.

“This trip will take some planning and some funding. And we must first gather gifts to honor the king,” the wisest of the wise men might have said.

How excited we are when God interrupts our lives with his presence in such a momentous way! In those times, we want to reach for the stars, just as the wise men did.

“Following the Star” Moments Today

But maybe it’s been a long time since you experienced a “follow the star” moment. Maybe you’re no longer even dreaming about a star. Maybe you’ve just settled for the way you are. Maybe you’re trying to convince yourself that you’ve got enough Jesus in your life.

But what if there is a way you can experience more love in your life—love to receive and love to give? Love that comes with a better life?

Then look up. See Jesus, the crucified and risen one, and renew your sense of awe in the God who sacrificed everything for you. The God who chose to die for love. The God who is ready and waiting for you to fully seek that love.

Do you know that God craves a deeper relationship with you? He wants to love you in a way that makes a difference in your life—and in the lives of others as his love flows through you to a needy world.

God calls us to never be satisfied, to always keep growing closer to him. In the line made famous by C. S. Lewis, we’re to “come further up, come further in.” The apostle Paul tells us to “strain” toward what is ahead (Phil. 3:13). It’s the only way we can know the outrageous love of God. It’s the only way to have more, more, more of Jesus and to be more, more, more like Jesus.

But you can’t realize that love by settling for a comfortable, stagnant life.

This season, let the wise ones remind you to pursue Jesus with all you have.