Significance of the visit of the wise men - JSS2 Christian Religious Studies Lesson Note

Matthew is the only gospel referencing the arrival of the wise men, specifying that they bring three gifts. The importance of their arrival and gifts offered bring great meaning to the story.

Matthew was Jewish and possibly a Pharisee, so his inclusion of the wise men was a reference to eastern gentile wisdom, which also included astrology, and was perhaps viewed in a negative light by the Jewish community.

Yet this point brings us to the conclusion that gentiles were included in the birth of the Messiah. Upon the Wise men’s arrival, their bowing down to the infant offered the respect shown divinity, as did the gift of gold. Also,

i. The wise men are a sharp reminder that Jesus welcomes all peoples from all places.

ii. The wise, then, “unveil” this mystery and disclose the nature of God’s kingdom announced in Jesus.

iii. They remind us that it cannot be limited to the Jews or any other singular people.

iv. The wise men symbolize the divine promise given to Abraham for “all peoples on earth” in the first book of the Bible (Genesis 12:3), and

 John’s vision of heaven with people from “every nation, tribe, people, and language” in the last book of the Bible (Revelation 7:9).