The three wise men, or magi, are mentioned in Matthew 2:1-12, though the Bible never specifies there were exactly three of them. These Eastern scholars followed a star to Bethlehem to worship the newborn Jesus Christ.

The magi brought three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Each gift held symbolic meaning - gold representing Christ's kingship, frankincense symbolizing His divine nature, and myrrh foreshadowing His death and embalming.

These wise men were likely educated astronomers and astrologers from Persia or Babylon. They understood ancient prophecies about the Messiah's birth and recognized celestial signs pointing to this event. Upon finding Jesus, they worshipped Him and presented their valuable gifts.

Contrary to popular depictions, the magi didn't visit Jesus in the manger. Matthew's account suggests they arrived when Jesus was a young child living in a house, potentially up to two years after His birth. This timing aligns with Herod's order to kill all male children under two years old.

Their visit fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, particularly from Isaiah 60:6 and Psalm 72:10-11, which foretold that kings would bring gifts to the Messiah. After worshipping Jesus, the magi were divinely warned in a dream to avoid returning to Herod, so they departed to their country by another route.

The magi's journey demonstrates how God reveals Himself to those earnestly seeking truth, regardless of their cultural or religious background. Their story illustrates that Jesus came not just for the Jews, but for all nations and peoples.

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