Finding Jesus Through Different Perspectives: Lessons from the Wise Men

The story of the wise men visiting Jesus offers profound insights into how God works in unexpected ways. While many assume these visitors arrived at the manger on the night of Jesus’ birth, a closer look at Matthew’s account reveals a different timeline and deeper truths about seeking Christ.

Who Were the Wise Men Really?

Not What We Typically Picture

The wise men, or magi, were likely pagan astronomers from the east. Contrary to popular nativity scenes, the Gospels don’t specify there were three of them – we assume this because of the three gifts mentioned. These men were specialists in astronomy, studying the stars and celestial movements.

What’s remarkable is that God used these pagan astronomers to reveal where Jesus was. In Old Testament times, reading the stars was often condemned as a pagan practice. Yet here, God chose to work through these very people to draw others closer to Christ.

They Arrived Later Than We Think

When the wise men found Jesus, Matthew 2:11 tells us “when they entered the house, they saw the child.” Notice it says “house,” not stable, and “child,” not infant. The wise men likely arrived about two years after Jesus’ birth. By this time, Mary and Joseph had found proper housing in Bethlehem, and Jesus was a toddler, not a newborn.

What Can We Learn About How God Works?

God Uses Unlikely People

Just as God used lowly shepherds to spread the news of Jesus’ birth, He used pagan astronomers to seek out the Christ child. This reveals something profound about God’s character – nobody is beyond the point where God can use them for His purposes.

The wise men were probably familiar with Balaam’s prophecy from Numbers 24: “A star will come from Jacob. A scepter will rise from Israel.” When they saw the star, they recognized its significance and followed it.

The Significance of Their Gifts

The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh weren’t random choices. Each carried deep meaning:

• Gold – fit for a king, representing Jesus’ royal nature
• Frankincense – used by priests, symbolizing His divine role
• Myrrh – a burial spice, foreshadowing His sacrificial death

These gifts also had practical value, likely funding Mary and Joseph’s upcoming journey to Egypt when they fled from Herod.

Why Did Herod Fear a Two-Year-Old?

An Illegitimate King’s Paranoia

King Herod’s reaction reveals his insecurity. As an Edomite (descendant of Esau), he wasn’t the rightful king of the Jews. When he heard about a child born to be “king of the Jews,” his paranoia kicked in, even though logically, his own life would likely end before this toddler could pose any political threat.

Herod’s deceptive request to the wise men – “report to me so that I may go and worship him too” – shows his true murderous intentions.

Three Different Responses to Jesus

The story reveals three distinct responses to news of the Messiah:

• The wise men were seeking – They actively pursued Jesus, following the star with determination
• Herod was opposing – He saw Jesus as a threat to be eliminated
• The priests were ignoring – Despite knowing Scripture, they showed no interest in actually meeting the Messiah

What About Religious Knowledge Without Heart Change?

The Priests’ Tragic Indifference

Perhaps most troubling is the response of the Jewish priests. They knew the Scriptures well enough to quote Micah 5:2 about Bethlehem being the birthplace of the Messiah. They could tell Herod exactly where to look. Yet they themselves made no effort to seek out this promised Savior who was born just five miles away.

This reveals a sobering truth: knowledge of Scripture doesn’t guarantee that your heart is right with God. The priests had head knowledge but lacked heart transformation.

Distance Doesn’t Disqualify

Ironically, those who lived farthest from the traditional means of grace – the pagan astronomers from distant lands – showed the most diligence in seeking Christ. Meanwhile, those closest to religious knowledge and tradition remained indifferent.

This reminds us that feeling distant from God doesn’t mean God feels distant from us. He can work through anyone, anywhere, at any time.

Life Application

This week, consider how God might be working through unexpected people and circumstances in your life. Just as He used pagan astronomers and lowly shepherds, He can use anyone – including you – to point others toward Christ.

The wise men’s journey teaches us that seeking Jesus requires intentional effort. They didn’t stumble upon Him accidentally; they followed the star with purpose and determination. Unlike the priests who had knowledge but no action, true wisdom involves both knowing about Jesus and actively pursuing a relationship with Him.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Am I more like the seeking wise men, the opposing Herod, or the indifferent priests in my response to Jesus?
• How might God be using unexpected people or circumstances to draw me closer to Him?
• Do I have head knowledge about faith without the heart transformation that leads to action?
• What “star” is God using in my life right now to guide me toward Him?

Sermon video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cT6TjLOP3uM

[Blog post created by Sermon Shots from original sermon content preached by Rev. Kent F. Jackson on December 21, 2025.]