Read Matthew 2:3
Because three gifts were given, we have assumed there were three wise men. The Book of Tradition says there were three: Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. But, since the Bible does not confirm that, we can only conclude the number of the wise men did not matter.
It is also a common misconception the wise men visited Joseph and Mary and baby Jesus in the barn at Bethlehem, but not so. They followed the star they saw on the night of the Lord’s birth, and it eventually led them to Jerusalem. But with the speed of caravan travel in that day, it could have taken months, or even years, to travel from Persia to Jerusalem. In Matthew 2:11, he said, “and when they were come into the house, they saw the young child, with Mary, his mother, and fell down and worshipped Him.”
Most likely, the reason the wise men knew of this star was because of the teachings of the prophet Daniel. (Daniel 9:24-27) Even as a captive, God arranged for Daniel to serve as the chief of the court of “seers” in Persia. Daniel taught them about the prophetic timeline, including the expected time of the Messiah’s birth. Balaam prophesied that a “star would rise out of Jacob.”
Notice the wise men called that miraculous star, “His star” – they believed God’s Word, they sought to find the Messiah, they pursued Him persistently, never giving up until they had found Him. And, when they did, they worshipped Him by giving Him the most expensive gifts they could offer Him. Oh, that we would be wise men today.
But not only were these men wise in searching for Jesus, they were also wise to the plots of the antichrist. They heeded God’s warning against returning to tell Herod where they had found Jesus, and they went home by another route.
At one time, Persia, or modern-day Iran had the gospel. Even though Daniel was taken captive and treated as a captive, God arranged his duties as a servant so he could influence others with the truth of God’s Word. As God did with Joseph in Egypt, He also did with Daniel in Babylon, and with Paul in Rome, and with other men of God who have been and are being held captive.
Today, even though we will never hear this on the Western media, while Iran is listed as one of the 10 worst persecutors of Christians in the world, Iranians have become the most open people to the gospel. Christianity is growing faster in Iran than in any other country – there are more than a million Christian believers there.
Because of the oppressive government, Christians must assemble in “house churches” of no more than 10-15 believers. According to the reports, on a given day, they arrive, one by one, at a small apartment, and after the last one enters, the door is locked, and they greet each other warmly. They sing “quietly” as to no be heard outside of those four walls, and after a brief Bible study, they share communion, and then leave, one by one.
Let’s pause today and pray for our brothers and sisters in Iran. Their bold example of courage in the face of severe persecution should not only shame us, but encourage us as we face our own future.