Question
Gramps,
The Magi visited Jesus when he was two years old. How did this come about?
Geoffrey
Answer
Geoffrey,
The primary source of information regarding the visit of the wise men is found in the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 2:1-12 describes how wise men from the East came to Jerusalem seeking the newly born King of the Jews, guided by a star. Their journey led them to Bethlehem, where they found Jesus and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
One crucial detail in this narrative is the time frame surrounding Jesus’ birth and the subsequent events. According to Matthew, following the visit from the wise men, King Herod ordered the massacre of all male children in Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the time he had learned from the wise men regarding the star’s appearance (Matthew 2:16). This decree suggests that the wise men visited Jesus when He was no older than two years, supporting the notion that He was likely a toddler at the time of their arrival.
To comprehend the timeline of Jesus’ early life, it is essential to consider the historical context of Herod’s reign. King Herod, known for his ruthlessness, ruled Judea and was intent on eliminating any threats to his throne. The arrival of the wise men, announcing the birth of a new King, posed a significant threat to Herod’s power. His drastic measure to eliminate male infants under two years old was a calculated move to ensure his reign remained unchallenged.
This action implies that the wise men’s visit occurred after Jesus’s birth but before Herod’s decree was enacted. Scholars suggest that the visit likely took place within the first two years of Jesus’ life. Raymond E. Brown, in his book “The Birth of the Messiah,” emphasizes that the timeline indicates a visit during the toddler years, further reinforcing the idea that Jesus was no longer an infant at the time the wise men arrived.
The visit of the wise men is not merely a historical event; it holds profound theological significance. Their journey represents the acknowledgment of Jesus as the Messiah not just by the Jews, but also by Gentiles from distant lands. This act symbolizes the universality of Christ’s mission, foreshadowing the global impact of His teachings.
The gifts presented by the wise men also carry rich symbolic meaning. Gold signifies Jesus’ kingship, frankincense represents His divinity, and myrrh foreshadows His suffering and death. Understanding these gifts in the context of Jesus’ age provides deeper insight into how even at a young age, His life was intertwined with significant prophecies and divine purpose.
In conclusion, the age of Jesus when visited by the wise men is an intriguing aspect of the nativity story. Based on scriptural references and historical context, it is reasonable to conclude that Jesus was likely a toddler, between a few days and two years old, during this significant visit. This event not only highlights the humble beginnings of the Savior but also underscores the recognition of His divine nature and mission from the very start. As we reflect on the nativity story, may we recognize the profound implications of Jesus’ early life and the roles played by those who sought Him.
Gramps
