The story of the Three Wise Men, also known as the Magi, is a fascinating part of the Christmas story. It’s about the journey of these wise men to find and honor the baby Jesus. This story is found in the Bible in the Book of Matthew, chapter 2.
The Star and the Journey
Bible Verse: Matthew 2:1-2
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 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.'”
The Wise Men, who were scholars from the East, saw a special star in the sky. They knew it meant a great king had been born. So, they started a long journey to find this new king and honor him.
Meeting King Herod
Bible Verse: Matthew 2:3-4
“When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born.”
The Wise Men went to Jerusalem and met King Herod. They asked him where the new king was. This worried Herod because he didn’t want another king. He asked his priests and teachers about it, and they told him about a prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
The Gifts for Jesus
Bible Verse: Matthew 2:11
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
The Wise Men followed the star to Bethlehem and found Jesus with Mary. They were overjoyed and worshiped Jesus. They gave him three special gifts: gold, which is for a king; frankincense, which is a type of incense used in worship; and myrrh, a perfume often used for anointing.
The Dream and Return Home
Bible Verse: Matthew 2:12
“And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.”
After visiting Jesus, the Wise Men were warned in a dream not to go back to King Herod. So, they took a different way home to keep Jesus safe.