What’s up with the Wise Men?

Isaiah 49:6

What’s up with the wise men?

Around this time of year we see a lot of nativity scenes and of course there’s Mary and Joseph, and the baby, also some shepherds and some sheep, and some cattle thrown in for good measure. But also many nativity sets includes the wise men.

What’s up with the wise men? Most Christians know that the wise men, according to the biblical account, most likely weren’t there the night when Jesus was born.

Perhaps a few days, a few weeks, a few months, maybe even more than a year after Jesus was born they come to Bethlehem to see Mary and the child. So what’s up with the wise men?

Well it’s good for us to think about why the wise men even came to see Jesus. Why do they travel hundreds if not thousands of miles to come and see the one who is called the king of the Jews?

As far as we know the wise men themselves were not Jewish. Yet from their actions it’s apparent that they know that Jesus is not just a king for the Jews, but their king as well. They come to offer him their worship and praise and gifts.

The wise men are a reminder to us that this baby who was born at Christmas time isn’t just for the Jews, but for us as well.

In Isaiah chapter 49 he says this concerning this child

I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth. —Isaiah 49:6

Yes this baby is for us. Why not leave the wise men in this year. They are a good reminder to us that Jesus comes not just for the Jews, but Gentiles as well for the entire world to bring his salvation to all mankind.

Thanks be to God for this incredible gift, Amen.

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