The Bible doesn’t specify that there were three wise men—Matthew only records that some magi visited Jesus and brought three gifts. This uncertainty reminds us to stick to Scripture’s truth and keep our focus where it belongs: on Jesus Himself.
Matthew 2:1–12 is
the only account in Scripture of wise men (“magi”) visiting Jesus. Because the plural form
for “magi” was used, we know there were at least two. Beyond that, how many magi visited Jesus is
speculation. The specific number of “three” likely
arose from Matthew 2:11, which says that they brought three gifts (gold,
frankincense, and myrrh). Readers may have assumed that there was one gift per
magi, but the Bible doesn't say that.
Additionally, the
magi did not arrive at Jesus’ birth. The star they followed is referred to only as “his star,” but it may have begun shining at Jesus’ birth (Matthew 2:2b),
much like the angels appeared to the shepherds at that time (Luke 2:8–14).
Regardless, we know they arrived later. Matthew says they came to the house
(not a stable) where Jesus was (Matthew 2:11). Also, Jesus is referred to as “the child,” not “the infant” (Matthew 2:9, 11), meaning he was not a newborn baby. The
word translated as “child” means a young child, which Herod took to mean under two years old (Matthew 2:16), so it’s likely that Jesus was one to two years old
when they arrived. That estimate makes sense, given the time it would have taken to follow the star and find Jesus, assuming the star first appeared when He was
born. The uncertainty regarding the magi reminds us to stick to what Scripture does say and to keep our focus where it belongs: on Jesus Himself.
Christmas is a
great time of year to remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus. It’s
a holiday that comes with many traditions, whether it’s listening to Bing Crosby, decorating a tree, or even shopping. Included in those traditions are accounts
of Jesus’ birth, some of which imaginatively stretch beyond Scripture. The idea
of the three wise men is an example. We know for certain that wise men (magi)
visited and that they brought three gifts. However, it is from tradition, not
Scripture, that we have come to believe there were specifically three
wise men.
What are we to do
in cases like this, where a Christmas tradition embellishes Scripture? Simply
put, we are to be humble and be willing to forsake tradition for what Scripture
teaches. Our love for the Christmas stories or nativity scenes should never undermine
the most important truth: Jesus was born to be the Savior of the world.
The magi traveled
a long way because they realized the significance of His birth. Do you?
Before Jesus came,
sinful humanity faced only God’s fierce, eternal justice against His rebellious
creation. But in love, He sent His Son to die in their place (John 3:16–17).
What made Jesus’ birth so significant was that God had entered into humanity by
the Son taking on human flesh. He became like us in every way except without
sin (Hebrews 4:15). He then willingly went to the cross to die to take the
Father’s just wrath upon Himself. Thus, Jesus’ birth indicated the arrival of
the Father’s sacrifice for sin. By repenting of your sin and confessing Jesus
as Lord, you will receive that sacrifice as well (Romans 10:9–10). This is
why the angels sang, “On earth peace among those with whom he is pleased” (Luke
2:14b). God had offered peace to all who would repent.