By Father Enrique Alvarado
The Gospel of Matthew speaks of one of the most beautiful episodes of Jesus' childhood, a biblical account that carries a profound theological message and has, throughout history, captivated the hearts of many — both believers and non-believers, as well as artists, painters, sculptors, poets and theologians. This story has also become deeply entwined with folklore and tradition: the arrival of the Wise Men, the Epiphany. Unfortunately, over the centuries, this event has gradually lost its true biblical and theological meaning as presented in the Gospel.
The Feast of the Epiphany is the manifestation of the Lord to the world, and the homage paid by the Magi from the East to the newborn Jesus represents the kingdoms of the Earth honoring the Savior. Let us ask ourselves: What does Matthew want to convey? Is it a historical event, a legend or a theological reflection dramatizing the universal significance of the birth of the Savior? Perhaps a bit of all of these, which is why it is important to approach this event with an open mind, enter into the story and experience the mystery of the Epiphany of the Lord.
Biblical, Theological and Traditional Context of the Epiphany
Some kings from the East came to Jerusalem, asking about the newborn King of the Jews (Mt 2:1-2b). Why is it mentioned that there were three? The Bible does not specify that there were only three Magi, but tradition holds that there were three, and they were named:
Gaspar: wearing a green cloak and a golden crown, representing the King of Sheba, who brings incense.
Melchior: with white hair and beard, wearing a golden cloak, representing the King of Arabia, who brings gold.
Balthasar: with black hair and beard, wearing a purple cloak, representing the King of Tarsus and Egypt, who brings myrrh.
In the rudimentary frescoes of the catacombs of Rome from the 4th century, sometimes four Magi appear, and at other times as many as six. The Syrian and Armenian churches believed that it would make sense for there to have been twelve, as this number is significant in Scripture: it represents the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles. The Copts of Egypt were convinced that sixty Magi from the East must have come together to seek the King of the Jews. Given this arithmetical progression of the Magi, Origen had to intervene in the early third century to settle things, concluding that it was most sensible to stick with three, based on the three gifts mentioned.
Tradition speaks of three because of the three gifts that were offered: gold, incense and myrrh (Mt 2:11). They brought these three gifts, each with prophetic meanings for Jesus' life:
Gold: a recognition of his divinity — Jesus, the King of Kings.
Incense: a mixture of resins used in acts of worship, signifying that Jesus is worthy of our praise and adoration.
Myrrh: an ointment used for the dead in that time, representing the suffering Jesus would endure and the death he would face.
Why Did They Follow the Star?
They saw a very bright star and, being knowledgeable in astrology, recognized its significance. It announced the birth of a new King for Israel, so they decided to go and worship him.
If we look at Dn 9:24-27, we can discover that the Magi knew the prophecies of Daniel, who, in past times, had been the chief of the wise men in the court of Persia. The prophecy provided a date for the birth of the Messiah. Additionally, it is possible that the Magi were aware of the prophecy of Balaam (from the city of Pethor near the Euphrates River, close to Persia) in Num 24:17. Balaam’s prophecy specifically speaks of a "star of Jacob."
The wise men were led to seek the King of the Jews by a miraculous celestial event, the "Star of Bethlehem," which they called "his star" (Mt 2:2). "Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews?" they asked. "We saw his star rise and have come to worship him."
"They arrived in Jerusalem and inquired about the birth of Christ” (Mt 2:6).
The prophecies regarding the place and birth of the Messiah were fulfilled according to God's will: "But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.”
Where Did They Find Jesus? In a Manger or a House?
They entered the house, saw the child with his mother, Mary, and bowed down and worshiped him (Mt 2:11). In most paintings and nativity scenes, the Magi are depicted in the stable. However, Matthew tells us that the Magi visited and worshiped Jesus in a house, not a stable. Folklore and tradition present the stable scene in a more romantic way, representing the contrast between the two types of kings — the worldly kings or wise men in contrast with the true King and Lord.
They followed God’s guidance with joy (Mt 2:10).
When they arrived in Bethlehem, they gave Jesus valuable gifts and worshiped him. The Psalmist draws us closer to the fulfillment of this prophecy, giving the true sense of the Magi’s search: to recognize Jesus as the Savior and King of the world, superior to the very cosmos, to whom all men of the earth and even the cosmos should pay homage.
In a dream, God warned them not to return to Herod, so, disobeying the king, they departed for their own country by another route (Mt 2:12).
Through obedience to God’s commandments, we prepare for eternal life and exaltation. Sometimes, we do not understand the reason for a particular commandment; however, we demonstrate our faith and trust in God when we obey, even when we do not understand why.
Adam was disobedient in paradise when he was most secure and brought sin into the world.
Jesus was obedient unto death, even when he felt most alone, and brought salvation to the entire world.
Therefore, the Magi were men:
Wise and religious, they studied, were alert and recognized the signs.
They read and believed the Word of God, allowing themselves to be guided by the signs of the times. They recognized Jesus and worshiped him.
They left their comforts and embarked on a long journey to see, know and worship Jesus.
They gave valuable gifts, the best they had to offer.
The Theological Meaning: What Really Matters
The evangelical direction of this narrative leads us to understand that these mysterious figures from the East, who in the thought of their time represented the kingdoms of the earth and wise and religious men who feared God, overcame cultural differences and difficulties to agree on seeking Jesus.
Let us remember that man is a religious being in search of God. The Magi from the East represent the wise and religious person who discovers their Creator through creation. The cosmos itself, subject to God, speaks and announces the Creator to humanity.
Conclusion: It is likely that, after all, the three Magi were neither three nor kings, nor did they practice magic. However, they were right in discovering the most wonderful and real thing that any human being can come to know personally: Jesus Christ, the Son of the Most High. Our liturgy is designed in such a way that it helps us live and understand the mysteries of our faith, to know more about the Savior, extend his kingdom in all directions, and worship him as our King and Lord. This Epiphany, may you take the place of the Magi from the East, offer the Lord the most valuable part of yourself, worship him and not spare time or effort, as they did, to encounter God.
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