Meet the most mysterious characters of the Christmas story – the Wise Men (also called Magi or Kings.) Their story is fascinating in itself, but discovering what they reveal about God’s provision, love, and bigger plan might leave you speechless. Justin Paul (WAY-FM) and Tim (The Bible Project) get real about why these characters are so significant.

On the go or want to go deeper? Listen to the uncut interview in the World’s Biggest Small Group podcast!

Tim: “Most modern Bible translations they’re called the Magi – connected to our word “magic.” Magi means an ancient astrologer… If you know anything about the Old Testaments, you know the Jews believe in one true Creator God. They don’t worship the stars and certainly don’t think they’re talking to you. So when [the Magi] come onto the scene, there’s a lot of red alerts going off. Pagan sorcerers had just arrived in their land! It’s not what we usually think of in the Christmas story…

They end up right at the house of baby Jesus. It’s just remarkable! Nowhere does it say there were only 3 of them! What they bring are 3 gifts. The way these would be received is like a mountain of cash – really, really expensive gifts. And you have to wonder, the next thing that’s going to happen is [Mary and Joseph] have to flee into a multi-year exile. Joseph’s a tradesman, so how do you think they covered their expenses over the next couple of years? This story is so crazy! It’s the stuff you don’t get in a little nativity scene.

God isn’t as bound to what we might think are his normal or acceptable ways of working in our lives. That might actually be kind of bothersome, but it also helps us gain a bigger sense – there’s a bigger story that’s bigger than my own story. God’s at work with all people in ways that I certainly don’t even comprehend. It’s ok that I don’t understand most of it. What matters is that I’m just faithful to the thing that’s in front of me!”

Don’t forget to read about the Magi’s story right from the Bible! Read the book of Matthew for more.

¹⁰When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!¹¹They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

¹²When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.

Matthew 2:10-12 (New Living Translation)