Matthew tells us that after Jesus was born:
“Wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.’” (Matthew 2:1–2)
These men were not Jewish but Gentile scholars, likely from Persia or Babylon, regions long known for their study of the stars and for their connection with Daniel’s prophecies. It is very possible that they were familiar with the promises God had made through Daniel while he lived in Babylon, pointing to a coming King. Seeing a star that God had set in the heavens, they followed it as a divine sign leading them to the Messiah.
When the star brought them to the Child, Matthew records:
“They saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11)
Their gifts were full of meaning: gold fit for a king, frankincense used in worship, and myrrh often used in burial. These Gentile worshipers recognized in the infant Jesus what many in Israel did not: that He was both King and Savior.
Mark does not include the visit of the wise men, yet his Gospel consistently shows that outsiders, even Gentiles and demons/”>demons, recognized Jesus’ authority when many in Israel rejected Him (Mark 1:27; 5:7). Luke goes on to highlight the shepherds, showing that both the lowly and the honored were called to see the Savior. John then explains the greater meaning of these events:
“That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.” (John 1:9)
By recording the worship of the wise men, Matthew demonstrates that God’s salvation was never meant for Israel alone. The nations came to bow before Him, just as the prophets had foretold, and their worship pointed to the day when every nation will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
