While all of our nativity scenes show three wise men kneeling before Jesus, and we hear carols such as “We Three Kings”, there is actually no place in the Bible where it says the number of wise men that came to see Jesus. Matthew 2:1 says, “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem.” Perhaps we have assumed that there were three based on the gifts they presented: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Regardless of how many men there were, the important fact in their story is that they came from afar to worship the King that had been born.

The wise men were educated men and had most likely been studying writings regarding the prophecy of Jesus’ birth. So when they saw the star shining so brightly that one special night, they knew the prophecy had been fulfilled. They traveled hundreds of miles, most likely on camel and by foot, until they came and found Jesus. They knew the significance of Jesus birth and acknowledged that the “perfect light” had come to save a dark world. Lyrics to songs aren’t Scripture, but we would do well to allow their lyrics to point us to the Scriptures they are based on. “We Three Kings” was composed in 1857 and was based on Matthew 2:1-12. Let us ponder on some of these lyrics:

O, star of wonder, start of light,

Star with royal beauty bright,

Westward leading, still proceeding,

Guide us to thy perfect light.²

There is a saying that reads, “Wise men still seek him.” Are we these wise men and women? Will we choose to make Jesus our priority? Will we seek Him above all else and worship Him with our words and deeds? Let us choose to bow before the King today in grateful worship.

Suggested prayer: Heavenly Father, I want to seek you whole-heartedly and worship you with all that I am. Give me wisdom to heed your Word and obey. May my life be glorifying to you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1. Matthew 2:11.

2. “We Three Kings” written by John H. Hopkins 1857.

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.