The answer is: 2 years and under

Matt 2:16 - Jesus could well have been nearly two years old by the time the wise men visited him.

In the tumultuous backdrop of Jesus' early life, we see King Herod resorting to desperate measures in a bid to protect his throne from this potential rival. As recorded in Matthew 2:16, the decree to kill all boys two years old and under reflects the paranoia that often accompanies power. The historical Herod was infamous for his brutality—health checks for lambs wouldn't dissuade him from harsh decisions.

Interestingly, this incident amplifies prophecy’s significance in Jesus' life. When the Magi (wise men) arrived in Jerusalem, they were tripped up by Herod’s deceitful questions and King David's prophesies. Their presence echoes the Psalms, weaving the old and new narratives together to reveal that even the greatest of rulers can find themselves outmatched by divine purpose.

What’s more, this incident parallels another poignant biblical moment found in Exodus, where Pharaoh decreed the death of Hebrew infants to thwart Israel’s liberation—a clear reminder that oppressed peoples have long seen their fortunes change, sometimes through miraculous births that promise hope—themes we later find echoed in Jesus’ generous teachings.

And here’s a fun tidbit for trivia buffs: this episode foreshadows a reoccurring motif throughout the Bible of innocent lives being sacrificed—but ultimately, it's a part of a larger story that leads to freedom and salvation. Isn’t it fascinating how history interlaces among itself?