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We all know the story about the wise men and the gifts they brought for baby Jesus, right? Or do we? Let’s take another look at the Scriptural and historical references to the Magi and their importance to the Christmas story–and your story.
Stated differently, they may not have been three in number or kings or from the Orient, but these ancient astrologer scientists that followed an ancient prophecy and an astronomical anomaly to find and worship an infant monarch have much to teach (or at least remind us) about the mystery and majesty of Christmas.
Scripture: Matthew 2
Outline:
- A Magi’s Legacy
- A Mysterious Journey
- The Christmas Magic
Key Takeaways
- A historical look at the ancient class of scientists/astrologers/royal advisers known as the Magi.
- The fascinating (potential) link from Daniel to the Magi and what that means for disciplemaking and faithfulness.
- Thoughts on why this mysterious story shows up in Matthew 2 as a reprimand to the Jewish religious leaders and a reflection of the Good News for all people.
- Marco Polo’s interesting claim that he saw the tombs of three magi that visited Jesus.
- Why early Christians decorated tombs in the Roman catacombs with drawings of the Magi visiting Jesus.
Link to video version: The Mystery of the Magi