How many wise men does the Bible say came to visit Jesus?

When it comes to the visit of the wise men or "magi" in the story of Jesus' birth, the specifics can be a mystery. The Gospel of Matthew only tells us that these scholars and astrologers came from the East, following a star to find the newborn king. Isn't it interesting how it's been widely assumed that there were three of them? This likely comes from the three gifts they presented: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The gifts symbolize Jesus' royal status, His divinity, and His eventual suffering, respectively—a beautiful foreshadowing, don't you think?

Besides their gifts, the magi symbolize wise seekers of truth, and they're often viewed as precursors to the idea that the message of Jesus is universally accessible. They were outsiders who recognized the importance of this new king, showing that the recognition of spiritual truths transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.

Another fun tidbit is the location of Bethlehem and its significance. Bethlehem means "House of Bread," which adds layers to the metaphor when we consider Jesus as the "Bread of Life" later in the scriptures. And did you know that, historically speaking, the journey of the magi could have taken weeks? Just imagine their tiresome trek across deserts and mountains, sparked not just by curiosity, but by a longing for truth. Such narratives illustrate how far people are willing to travel—both physically and metaphorically—for enlightenment!