Who Were the Wise Men? - Look Up Matthew 2:1-12
 
First, let's examine some common misconceptions:

1. There were three wise men (magi)
It is true that the Bible names three gifts. The Bible does not tell us the exact number.
 
2. They were kings
We are familiar with the Christmas carol We Three Kings. It is true that the nature of their gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh suggests wealth. Who were the wise men? They were probably astronomers from Persia. In addition to being skilled in science of the heavens and stars, they were also learned in philosophy, natural science, and medicine.
 
3. Their names were Casper (Gaspar), Melchior, and Balthazar
These names were popularized by Amahl and the Night Visitors. The names actually come from a seventh century manuscript. The Bible doesn’t tell us their names.
 
4. They rode camels
The Bible doesn't say what they rode.
 
5. They found Jesus in the manger. Mary, Joseph and the shepherds were also there
The Bible teaches that the shepherds were the only ones to visit the manger. The wise men visited Jesus sometime later while Mary & Joseph were living in a house.
 
The Biblical order of events is:
o Jesus was born
o Angels appears to the shepherds
o Shepherds visit (their sign was the manger, not the star)
o Eight days later Jesus is circumcised
o Six weeks later Jesus is consecrated in the temple in Jerusalem
o Joseph, Mary, and Jesus go back to Bethlehem and live in a house
o The wise men arrive
 
The wise men arrived between six months and two years after Jesus was born. Herod wanted to know when the baby was born, so he inquired exactly when the star appeared. From the information he learned from the wise men, he ordered the killing of all baby boys up to two years old.
 
There are many things we don't know about the Wise Men. But, we do know one thing. They were searching diligently for the one who was born king of the Jews.
 
* Do you want to find Jesus?
* Do you want to know the King of Kings?
* What sense of urgency do you place on your relationship with Jesus?
* What priority do you give this relationship?
 
For the wise men the journey was not the objective.
The objective was to worship the child.
 
* Where are you headed now?
* Where is your "life-journey" taking you?
* It makes a huge difference - an eternal difference.
 
God has created us to find Him and worship Him.
 
Let's approach Jesus this Christmas with a sense of urgency, joy, and worship.
 
(abridged from Paul Schlieker www.bible-study-lesson-plans.com) .