The visit of the Wise Men, or Magi, to see Jesus is a well-known part of the Nativity story. However, the question of how old Jesus was when the Wise Men arrived is a topic of much discussion and analysis among biblical scholars and theologians.
Understanding the timeline of their visit requires a careful examination of the biblical text and historical context.
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Contents
Biblical Account of the Wise Men
The account of the Wise Men’s visit is found exclusively in the Gospel of Matthew:
Matthew 2:1-2 (KJV): “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”
The Wise Men, often referred to as Magi, saw a star that signaled the birth of the “King of the Jews” and followed it to find Jesus.
Contrary to popular depictions, the Bible does not specify the number of Wise Men, but tradition has settled on three because of the three gifts they presented: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
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How Old Was Jesus?
The exact age of Jesus when the Wise Men visited is not explicitly stated in the Bible. However, clues within the text and historical records help us make a well-educated estimate.
Timing of the Star:
The star that guided the Wise Men appeared when Jesus was born (Matthew 2:2). The journey from the east (possibly Persia or Babylon) to Bethlehem could have taken several months or even up to two years, given the distance and the travel methods of the time.
Herod’s Decree:
A significant clue comes from King Herod’s reaction. After being deceived by the Wise Men, Herod ordered the massacre of all male children in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under:
Matthew 2:16 (KJV): “Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.”
This decree suggests that Jesus could have been as old as two years when the Wise Men arrived. Herod likely based this age range on the information provided by the Wise Men concerning when the star first appeared.
Jesus’ Location:
When the Wise Men arrived, they did not find Jesus in a manger but in a house:
Matthew 2:11 (KJV): “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”
The use of the term “young child” rather than “baby” and the reference to a house rather than a stable further implies that some time had passed since Jesus’ birth.
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Estimating Jesus’ Age
Considering the above points, it is reasonable to conclude that Jesus was likely between one and two years old when the Wise Men visited.
This estimate aligns with Herod’s decree, the distance the Wise Men traveled, and the biblical description of Jesus as a “young child” rather than an infant.
While some traditions depict the Wise Men visiting shortly after Jesus’ birth, possibly due to the blending of the Nativity story in popular retellings, the evidence suggests a longer time frame between His birth and their arrival.
Significance of the Wise Men’s Visit
The visit of the Wise Men holds significant theological implications. Their journey symbolizes the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah by the Gentiles, highlighting that His coming was for all people, not just the Jews.
The gifts they brought—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—are often interpreted as symbols of Jesus’ kingship, divinity, and eventual suffering and death.
- Gold: Represents Jesus’ kingship.
- Frankincense: Symbolizes His divinity and priestly role.
- Myrrh: Foreshadows His suffering and death, as myrrh was used in embalming.
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FAQ Section
1. How old was Jesus when the Wise Men came?
Based on biblical and historical evidence, Jesus was likely between one and two years old when the Wise Men visited.
2. Why did Herod order the killing of boys two years old and under?
Herod ordered this massacre based on the information from the Wise Men about when the star appeared, indicating that Jesus could have been up to two years old at the time.
3. Did the Wise Men visit Jesus at the stable?
No, the Bible indicates that the Wise Men visited Jesus in a house, suggesting that some time had passed since His birth.
4. How many Wise Men were there?
The Bible does not specify the number of Wise Men. The tradition of three Wise Men arises from the three gifts presented to Jesus.
5. What do the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh represent?
The gifts are symbolic: gold represents kingship, frankincense represents divinity, and myrrh represents suffering and death.
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Conclusion
The exact age of Jesus when the Wise Men visited is not explicitly stated in the Bible, but evidence suggests that He was likely between one and two years old.
The Wise Men’s journey and their recognition of Jesus as the Messiah are significant events in the Christian narrative, symbolizing the broader reach of Jesus’ mission beyond the Jewish people.
Understanding the timing of their visit enriches the traditional Nativity story, offering deeper insights into the early life of Jesus.