Who Were the Magi?

Matthew 2:1
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem,

What do we know about the Magi?

How many Magi were there and what were their names?

How did Magi travel?

Matthew 2:2
saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Herod sent the Magi to Bethlehem.

Matthew 2:7–9 (ESV)
Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”  After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.

Matthew 2:10–11 (ESV)
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.  And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

Seven Important Points in Matthew 2:11

1. The Magi entered “the house.”
2. The Magi saw the “young child,” who was “with” Mary, His mother.
3. The Magi “fell down” and “worshiped” Him.
4. The Magi “opened” treasures and gifts to Him.
5. The Magi “presented” Jesus with these treasures and gifts.
6. The Magi presented Him with “treasures” and “gifts.”
7. The Magi specifically gave Jesus gifts of “gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

The Gifts that are mentioned:

• The Gift of Gold was for kings.
• The Gift of Frankincense was for the priests.
• The Gift of Myrrh was for embalming.

God Spoke to the Magi

Matthew 2:12 (ESV)
And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Was Jesus rich?

Matthew 2:13–15 (ESV)
Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

God did for His son what He promises to do for us.

Philippians 4:19 (ESV)
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.