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PROGRAM D-7993
We’re taking a fresh look at the Christmas story through Middle Eastern eyes because Jesus was born in a Middle Eastern culture. When we understand a bit about the culture, it gives us a more accurate picture of what really took place at Jesus’ birth.
Matthew 2 tells us about some wise men who came to find and worship Baby King Jesus. So, who are these wise men and where did they come from?
These wise men were not Jews. They were Gentiles and we are never told how many there were. Probably they traveled in a much larger company than three. They were quite likely from Arabia and they arrived with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Gold was mined in Arabia. Frankincense and myrrh are harvested from trees that only grew in southern Arabia. Wealthy dwellers of those desert regions would naturally have gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
The Christmas scenes which are so common to us—with animals and shepherds and three wise men all gathered around a manger in a dirty stable—are really not accurate. The wise men found Jesus in a home, and they were not there with the shepherds. Of course, this doesn’t change the real meaning of Christmas; it just helps us see the facts more accurately.
Why would the wise men want to worship a Jewish king? Frankly I think we simply have to see this as God’s sovereignty: these men must have had a real desire to know the truth about Jesus. The stars they saw must have sent them such a clear message that this baby was the real Savior, that they came with seeking hearts. The Bible tells us that if we seek God with all our hearts, we will find him. I believe God saw their hearts and directed them to Jesus.
At the birth of Jesus, humble Jewish shepherds and wealthy, powerful, Gentile Arabs came together in adoration of a child. Honestly, I’m looking forward to meeting these shepherds and wise men in heaven, and hearing the story first hand from them. Meanwhile, we come to worship a baby born a king, for we have seen his truth and that truth has set us free.