Long before they ever followed a star, wise men were known throughout Scripture as advisors to kings—men trained to study the skies, interpret dreams, read signs, and seek hidden meaning.
In Genesis, Pharaoh called for his wise men and magicians when his troubling dream needed interpretation. In Exodus, another Pharaoh summoned wise men and sorcerers to try and duplicate the miracles God performed through Moses. In Esther, King Xerxes consulted his wise advisors to determine how to handle a defiant queen. And in Daniel, when the Babylonian king demanded the meaning of a terrifying dream, every wise man came up empty—until Daniel declared:
“No wise man, enchanter, magician, or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.” (Daniel 2:27–28)
That line still gives me chills.
So when Matthew tells us that wise men came “from the East,” it doesn’t mean they packed up their camels and headed west from China, Japan, or Korea. In biblical times, “the East” pointed toward Persia, Babylon, or Arabia—lands rich in scholars, astronomers, and royal counselors. These were educated men. Influential men. Powerful men. And yet, they traveled hundreds of miles to bow before a child.
And here’s another detail we often overlook: The Bible says they entered the house and saw the child (Matthew 2:11)—not a stable, not a newborn in a manger. This tells us the Magi came later, likely when Jesus was a toddler. Herod’s dreadful order to kill all boys two years old and under confirms that timeline. The Wise Men didn’t arrive on Christmas night… but grace still led them right on time.
Now, we all grew up singing about “We Three Kings,” and I’ve sung it loud and proud myself—but truth be told, Scripture never tells us how many Magi there were. We assume three because of the three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But given their status and the dangers of travel, it’s very possible there was a whole caravan. Meaning—Mary may not have just greeted three men at her door… she may have seen a parade of foreigners coming to worship her Son. Now that would’ve made a good Southern woman drop her dish towel in surprise.
And that’s one of my favorite parts of this story.
Jesus wasn’t only worshiped by shepherds from nearby fields. He was worshiped by outsiders. Foreigners. Men from faraway lands with different accents, customs, and skin tones. Before Jesus ever preached a sermon, heaven already declared: This Savior is for the whole world.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…” (John 3:16)
The same God who used flawed kings, frightened prophets, reluctant servants, and wandering foreigners still delights in using unlikely people to accomplish eternal things. The Wise Men remind us that distance doesn’t disqualify devotion—and background never outruns grace.
They followed what little light they had… and it led them straight to the Light of the World.
And friend, isn’t that how it still works?
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the reminder that Your love reaches far beyond borders, backgrounds, and expectations. Thank You for the Wise Men—who followed a star and found a Savior.
Help us to seek You with the same hunger, humility, and persistence.
When we don’t have all the answers, teach us to follow the light You give.
And may our hearts, like theirs, always be ready to bow before Jesus.
In His holy name we pray, Amen.
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