How Old Was Jesus When the Wise Men Came?

How old was Jesus when the wise men came?

A particular spot in the Christmas story’s tapestry is occupied by the visit of the wise men, or magi. “How old was Jesus when the wise men came?” is a common question that comes up when I answer questions about the specifics of this event as a pastor. This blog post will take us on a biblical narrative journey, delving into the age of Jesus at the time of the magi’s visit and examining the meaning of this timeless event.

 

Understanding the Wise Men’s Visit:

 

1. 1. Matthew 2:1-2 (NIV): “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.'”

       

      • • This passage from the Gospel of Matthew sets the stage for the arrival of the wise men. The magi, guided by a celestial phenomenon, sought to worship the newborn king.

The Timing of the Wise Men’s Visit:

 

1. 1. Herod’s Involvement: To understand the age of Jesus, we must first consider the involvement of King Herod.

       

      • • Matthew 2:3 (NIV): “When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.”
      • • Herod’s disturbance at the news of a newborn king prompts his inquiry about the exact time of the star’s appearance (Matthew 2:7).

1. 1. Herod’s Brutal Decree: In an attempt to eliminate any potential threat to his reign, King Herod issues a brutal decree.

       

      • • Matthew 2:16 (NIV): “When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.”
      • • Herod’s decree, targeting children two years old and under, reveals an important timeframe.

The Age of Jesus:

 

1. 1. Jesus’ Escape to Egypt: Following the wise men’s visit, Joseph is warned in a dream to take Mary and the child Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod’s wrath.

       

      • • Matthew 2:13 (NIV): “When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.'”

1. 1. Return from Egypt: After Herod’s death, Joseph is again guided by a dream to return to Israel.

       

      • • Matthew 2:19–21 (NIV): “After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.'”
      • • Joseph, Mary, and Jesus return and settle in Nazareth.

Drawing Inferences:

 

1. 1. The Wise Men’s Arrival: The wise men likely arrived shortly after Jesus’ birth, perhaps within the first two years.

1. 1. Jesus’ Age During the Visit: Considering Herod’s decree and the subsequent escape to Egypt, it is plausible that Jesus was still an infant or a young child when the magi arrived.

Significance of the Wise Men’s Visit:

 

1. 1. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The visit of the wise men aligns with Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah.

       

      • • Micah 5:2 (NIV): “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old, from ancient times.”

1. 1. Acknowledgment of Jesus’ Kingship: The magi’s journey and worship affirm Jesus’ royal identity as the King of the Jews.

       

      • • Matthew 2:11 (NIV): “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him.”

Note

We find ourselves navigating the minute intricacies of a pivotal point in the Christmas story as we delve into the age of Jesus during the wise men’s visit. Following a celestial indication, the magi went in search of the newborn king, presenting gifts and honouring the Messiah. Although not mentioned directly, the age of Jesus on this occasion can be deduced from the narrative hints found in Matthew’s Gospel.

Layers of meaning are revealed in the mystery of this heavenly encounter: the fulfilment of predictions, the recognition of Jesus’ kingship, and the divine protection that brought the Holy Family to Egypt and back to Israel. The wise men’s visit, which attracted people from far and wide to adore the Saviour, is evidence of the importance of Jesus’ birth.

May this timeless tale strengthen our understanding of the momentous circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth and reinforce our belief in Him as the King of Kings and Lord as we consider it. Like the magi, may we approach Jesus with wonder and reverence, understanding that it is through His birth that we are able to experience eternal kingship, hope, and salvation that completely change our lives. Read other related posts. You can also watch our sermons on YouTube.

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