Depending on how the original words are translated, Jesus received visitors who could be referred to as wise men, magi, or astrologers. We don’t know names, how far they traveled, or how many arrived. We usually think there were three of them because they brought three gifts, but there could have been more.

They dropped by King Herod’s place thinking he knew where to find the new king. There were some pretty negative repercussions from their palace visit. Angels told the wise men not to return to talk to Herod, while Mary and Joseph were told to escape to Egypt with Jesus. Soon, an envious Herod ordered all boys under two years old to be killed in hopes of eliminating this rival king.

Mary and Joseph apparently stayed in Bethlehem long after Jesus’s birth, and the wise men likely arrived when He was close to two years of age. They left gifts of frankincense, myrrh, and gold. All were symbolic gifts for a king. The family then fled to Egypt and stayed there until the death of Herod. The family ultimately ended up in Nazareth because it wasn’t safe for them to return to Bethlehem.

Someday all men will recognize Jesus for who He is. Recognizing Him early is a mark of being a true wise man.

MATTHEW 2:2- “Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.