Magi
1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:1-2
Who were the Magi? No, they weren’t the inventors of fried noodles or chicken seasoning (as far as we know!?).
What do we know? Well, they were from the East. Magi or Greek Magos comes from the Persian word magush meaning - magician. They most likely came from Persia or modern day Iran or perhaps from further East (more on that shortly).
One of the big questions about the Magi is, why were they looking for a King of the Jews. Now, we don’t have an answer for this. But we do have some possibilities. For instance, were the prophecies of Daniel passed down to these Magi. Or, did they have knowledge of Balaam’s prophecy in Numbers 24:7 about a star from Jacob.
One last interesting possibility. Based on a later writing that has only recently been translated into English is the so called Revelation of the Magi. Which claims they may have come from as far east as China and were actually descendants of Seth (Adam & Eve’s son) who had received a prophecy from Adam himself about the coming of God in human form.
Again. We can’t be sure. But here is what we can be certain of. Matthew highlights the Magi for a reason. While Herod and later the Pharisee’s and Jewish wise men reject Jesus as King. It is these Gentile believers who welcome Him and bring Him gifts.
We would do well to take note who were the wise ones.
For Today:
Pray:
Matthew 2:1-2
Who were the Magi? No, they weren’t the inventors of fried noodles or chicken seasoning (as far as we know!?).
What do we know? Well, they were from the East. Magi or Greek Magos comes from the Persian word magush meaning - magician. They most likely came from Persia or modern day Iran or perhaps from further East (more on that shortly).
One of the big questions about the Magi is, why were they looking for a King of the Jews. Now, we don’t have an answer for this. But we do have some possibilities. For instance, were the prophecies of Daniel passed down to these Magi. Or, did they have knowledge of Balaam’s prophecy in Numbers 24:7 about a star from Jacob.
One last interesting possibility. Based on a later writing that has only recently been translated into English is the so called Revelation of the Magi. Which claims they may have come from as far east as China and were actually descendants of Seth (Adam & Eve’s son) who had received a prophecy from Adam himself about the coming of God in human form.
Again. We can’t be sure. But here is what we can be certain of. Matthew highlights the Magi for a reason. While Herod and later the Pharisee’s and Jewish wise men reject Jesus as King. It is these Gentile believers who welcome Him and bring Him gifts.
We would do well to take note who were the wise ones.
For Today:
- How many Magi were there?
- What’s one Bible mystery you wonder about?
- What does it look like to honour Jesus as your King today?
Pray:
- Praise the Father that He calls people from all nations and tribes.
- Give thanks for Jesus who is the true King of Kings.
- Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others trust in Jesus as King today and give Him the worship He deserves.
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