Wise Men

<<trusted advisors>>

The OT kings had various counsellors or wise men who had input into the affairs of their kingdoms.

Daniel and three other Jews became such in the service of King Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 1:3-6,17-20).

Around the time when Jesus was born some astronomers or wise men from East of Jerusalem (Persia or Arabia) discerned by the stars that something of significance was taking place and came searching. The Bible does not record how many wise men there were and it seems they arrived some

Wise men still seek Jesus, the wisest men follow Him

considerable time after His birth (Mt 2:7,16). They brought three gifts for the Christ-child: gold (a symbol of kingship and divinity) which may have funded Mary and Joseph’s trip to Egypt; frankincense (a symbol of holiness and righteousness) used by the priests in the sacrifice offerings; and myrrh (symbolizing suffering and affliction) which was used for embalming bodies for burial. These gifts spoke prophetically about Jesus, the baby who would grow and suffer greatly as a man, sacrificing His life on the cross. Likewise they ‘spoke of’ Jesus, our High Priest, presenting our prayers to the Father. They brought another gift too, one we all can give – worship.

Herod the king requested the wise men notify him of the location of this special baby with the pretence of wanting to give homage too. God warned them in a dream and in defiance of the kings orders left Bethlehem by another route (Mt 2:12). These men were wise because they diligently sought Jesus, in humility they worshipped Him and obeyed God rather than man. Based on their actions can I be termed wise? The promise of God remains, “You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart” (Jer 29:13).

Not many people are wise by human standards when Christ calls them (1 Cor 1:26). Those considered to be wise [by human standards] are in fact only fools when compared to the infinite wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:20-25).

See also: astronomy, wisdom/wise.