Topical Bible: Faith: Faith in Christ: The Wise Men from the East

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The account of the Wise Men from the East, often referred to as the Magi, is a profound illustration of faith in Christ, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. These men, likely scholars or astrologers from regions such as Persia or Babylon, embarked on a significant journey driven by their belief in the prophetic signs of a newborn King. Their account is found in Matthew 2:1-12.

Scriptural Account

The narrative begins with the Magi arriving in Jerusalem, inquiring, "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" (Matthew 2:2). Their question indicates a recognition of Jesus' royal and divine nature, despite their likely pagan background. This acknowledgment of Jesus as King demonstrates a remarkable faith, as they had not yet seen Him but believed in His significance based on the celestial sign.

Journey of Faith

The journey of the Wise Men was not a simple endeavor. It required a substantial commitment of time, resources, and effort. Their willingness to leave their homeland and travel a great distance underscores their faith in the prophecy and the star they followed. This act of faith is further highlighted by their determination to find and worship the newborn King, despite the potential dangers and uncertainties of their journey.

Interaction with Herod

Upon their arrival in Jerusalem, the Magi's inquiry about the King of the Jews troubled King Herod and all of Jerusalem (Matthew 2:3). Herod's subsequent actions, including his deceitful request for the Magi to report back to him, contrast sharply with the genuine faith of the Wise Men. Herod's fear and duplicity stand in opposition to the Magi's sincere quest to honor the true King.

Worship and Gifts

The culmination of the Magi's faith journey is their encounter with the Christ child. "On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh" (Matthew 2:11). Their act of worship and the presentation of gifts symbolize their recognition of Jesus' divine and kingly status. Gold, a symbol of royalty; frankincense, associated with priestly worship; and myrrh, a spice used in burial, prophetically acknowledge Jesus' identity and mission.

Divine Guidance

The faith of the Wise Men is further evidenced by their obedience to divine guidance. After being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another route (Matthew 2:12). This obedience to God's direction highlights their trust in divine revelation over earthly authority.

Significance

The account of the Wise Men from the East serves as a testament to the universal call to faith in Christ. Their journey and actions exemplify a faith that transcends cultural and religious boundaries, pointing to the recognition of Jesus as the Savior for all nations. Their account is a reminder of the importance of seeking, recognizing, and worshiping Christ with a sincere heart, guided by faith and divine revelation.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 2:1,2,11
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King.
... have found it hard to keep silent] called the Wise-men, and learned ... We should note
their faith. They had known Christ but one day; he had performed no miracles ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xiii eastern wise-men or magi.htm

Whether Christ's Birth was Made Known in a Becoming Order?
... he had diligently inquired from the wise men": so that ... preceded the first-fruits
of the Gentiles in faith. ... two years that preceded the birth of Christ: and then ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christs birth was made.htm

On the Feast of the Epiphany, iii.
... he understood that the sons of his faith would be blessed in his seed that is in
Christ, and foresaw ... have taken place ever since the three wise men aroused in ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon xxxiii on the feast.htm

In the Year of Our Lord 616, which is the Twenty-First Year after ...
... them, he established, with the help of his council of wise men, judicial decisions ...
new Church; for he not only refused to accept the faith of Christ, but was ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap v in the year.htm

Concluding Reflections. Faith and Criticism.
... to establish the foundation of historical faith; for they ... millions, conquered by
the love of Christ, and is ... and infidels, the wisest of the wise, the purest of ...
/.../section 102 concluding reflections faith.htm

"We have Seen his Star"
... he went" (Heb.11:8); as by faith Israel followed ... not as ignorant concerning the birth
of Christ as they ... birthplace; but instead of this, the wise men came to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 6 we have seen.htm

On the Feast of the Epiphany, iv.
... the true Manhood of the one Jesus Christ, our Lord ... For the confirmation therefore
of this Faith which was ... a bright new star appeared to the wise men and filled ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon xxxiv on the feast.htm

The Wise Men and the Shepherds
... that there were many things hidden from the wise and prudent ... Some of the secrets
of faith are open to any ... and the shepherd meet at the cradle of the Christ. ...
/.../peabody/mornings in the college chapel/xxix the wise men and.htm

Faith Illustrated
... in Jesus, and had committed himself to him, was he a wise man or ... shall not quench
my faith; for the keeping of my faith is in the hands of Christ." But what ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/faith illustrated.htm

The Necessity of Increased Faith
... Great is thy wisdom;" for she was a wise woman to ... each one ask himself, Do not I
want more faith? My brethren and sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ, rest assured ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the necessity of increased faith.htm