Wise Men Visit Jesus
Paintings, stained glass windows, books, sermons, and articles would have us believe that the shepherds, magi or wise men were all together at the birth of Jesus Christ. But the Bible gives us a different truth. For Matthew 2:1-11 and Luke 2:1-20 give us different accounts of who was present at the birth of Jesus.
Account of Luke 2:1-20
Luke 2:1-7 tells us that Jesus was born in the city of Bethlehem, Israel. Later that evening v. 8-20 says that shepherds visited Jesus when He was still in a manger. Verse 16 says,
So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. Luke 2:16 (NASB)
We are told that Jesus was a baby. Most likely the manger was in a cave or in the lower level of the inn. After the shepherds saw Jesus they left glorifying and praising God the Father.
Account of Matthew 2:1-11
The gospel of Matthew gives us a different account than that given in Luke 2:1-20. It is about some wise men or magi who visited Jesus. Verse 2 states the magi knew Jesus Christ had been born.
Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him. Matthew 2:2 (NASB)
This reveals that Christ had already been born when the magi arrived in Jerusalem. Then verses 8-10 stated that after they learned the Christ would be born in Bethlehem, they traveled to see Him guided by a star.
When they arrived in Bethlehem, they found Jesus in a house. Matthew 2:11 says,
After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11 (NASB)
The Greek word for “house” in this verse is oikia. It means house or home. We are also told that Jesus was now a child. The Greek word for “child” is paidion. That means Jesus was not a baby because there is another Greek word for an unborn child or a baby. That Greek word is brephos. So, since Jesus was described as a paidion and not a brephos, we can be confident that He was no longer a baby. So, Jesus was no longer a baby and was no longer living in a cave or the lower floor of an inn, but in a house.
Conclusion
So, the magi arrived when Jesus was no longer a baby but an older child, paidion. It is important to note that another Greek word was used for a child older than brephos. It was nepios. Therefore, the next word for a child older than a brephos and a nepios is paidion. It refers to an older child. Consequently, Jesus had to be at least two years of age when the magi visited Him.
Suggested Links:
How old was Jesus when the wise men found Him?Jesus Is Born In Bethlehem
Arrival of the Magi