Matthew 2:1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”
Who are these "wise" men who came to worship the Christ child after he was born? Matthew refers to them as "Magi." John MacArthur sheds light on who they were and how they would have known about the coming Messiah.
"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 more closely associated disciplines in those days) and had a sacrificial system somewhat similar to the Mosaic one. . . 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 (Daniel 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 the New Testament times" (God in the Manger, p. 101).
So these brilliant and well educated men ... traveled a long distance BY FAITH, believing what undoubtedly was first taught in their region by Daniel the prophet. Oh God, give us the faith of these magi ... and help us to seek Christ above all else!
Thanks for stopping by . . .
pj
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