Why The Wise Men?

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Angels announced Jesus' birth up around the teensy community of
Bethlehem, but they didn't go to Jerusalem; which seems to me would've
been a far more sensible venue. Important news deserves an important
audience, i.e. Jerusalem was Israel's religious center whereas Bethlehem
was no-account. (Micah 5:2)

I mean: imagine NASA limiting its release of information about the success
of Apollo 11 to the tiny community of Lakeview Texas, population 107.
(2010 data)

There's some interesting points about the two events.

1» Celestial beings made the announcement up at Bethlehem whereas
human beings made the announcement at Jerusalem.

2» The angel's announced a savior, whereas the wise men announced a
sovereign. In other words: the angels and the wise men were talking about
the same person, but definitely not the same status.

3» The wise men were foreigners rather than home-grown prophets.
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You ask, "Why the Wise Men/Magi" in Scripture. The Magi are so important in God's plan of salvation. The Orthodox Church recognizes the Magi on the 'Feast of the Epiphany'. So, what is an epiphany? It is a sudden revelation from God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And what is the epiphany that God delivers with the Magi?

In the previous teachings of the Old Testament, God's salvation was meant for His chosen people, the Jewish people. The epiphany of the Magi now reveals that God is opening His salvation to all peoples, the Gentiles. He invites us all to Himself.

Note clearly what is happening with the Magi. The Old Testament is being fulfilled with a New Testament. The Magi/Gentiles are coming to seek Jesus, the new born Savior to worship Him. At the very same time, Herod the King of the Jews seeks to kill the newborn Son of God. The Magi/Gentiles are now seeking Jesus to adore Him, Herod sends his soldiers to try and kill Him.

God's New Covenant is beginning to replace the Old Covenant with the Jews. Gentiles come to worship Jesus and the power of the Jewish kingdom comes to kill/destroy Him.

The epiphany is that, with the coming of Jesus, all are welcome into the kingdom of God.

You say, "
Angels announced Jesus' birth up around the teensy community of
Bethlehem, but they didn't go to Jerusalem"

Do you realize that the literal name of 'Bethlehem translates to 'House of Bread'. And didn't Jesus promise that He was the
True Bread from Heaven', no coincidence here. God knew what He was doing. Bethlehem was the town were Jesus was born, according to God's will, and Bethlehem was the town to which the angels/shepherds/Magi were called.

Jerusalem and it's leaders, especially the king of the Jews Herod, were looking to kill Jesus.

With the birth of Jesus, you see a transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament. God's chosen people of the Old Testament look to kill Jesus while the Gentiles of the New Testament come to worship Jesus as Lord, God, and Savior. The New Testament is replacing the Old Testament.

Ask around the globe about that podunk town called Bethlechem. It is known because our Bread from Heaven was born there.

It was foretold that Bethlechem was to be the birthplace of Jesus Yeshua.

I did stop reading your post after the remark about hwo He should have been born in Jerusalem for a greaterR iaaudience, however if you knew the cities of those days you would know tha Bethlehem was about the same size as Jerusalem. Hebron had been the capital of King David for seven years, then he moved it to Jerusalem. Etc.

Why "Wise Men?"

Well, they tried men who weren't all that "wise," but they kept getting lost

Jerusalem means Yah provides peace
And the manna was given before the people entered the promise

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• Matt 2:1-2 . . Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the
days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to
Jerusalem, saying: Where is he that is born King of the Jews?

(That star often gets more publicity than Jesus.)

I had never given so much as the slightest inkling of thought about Jesus as
a sovereign until someone came along to tell me about the scope of his
jurisdiction.

Back in 1968, when I was 24, an acquaintance asked me if I was prepared
for Christ's return. Well; that was curious because up till then I didn't know
he was coming back. So I asked my friend why Jesus would even want to
come back, and for the very first time in my life discovered that Jesus was
on track to rule entire planet. (Ps 2:1-12)

That news shook me to the core because I instinctively knew that were
Christ and I to meet for a face-to-face, it would not go well for me because I
have a lot to answer for; and that was before I knew anything at all about
the sheep and goats event depicted at Matt 25:31-46, the judgment seat of
Christ depicted at 1Cor 3:13-15, and the great white throne event depicted
at Rev 20:11-15.

But the news isn't all doom and gloom. For example:

It will be difficult to wage war during his reign. (Mic 4:4)

It will be safe to go for a walk in the woods without fear of being attacked
and/or bitten by critters. (Isa 11:6-9)

Justice will be fair across the board for everyone; whether rich or poor. (Isa
11:4, Ps 98:7-9)

Private property will be common. (Mic 4:4)

The Earth's fertility will be vastly improved. (Isa 35:1-2)

Longevity will be increased. (Isa 65:20)

Grief will be reduced. (Isa 65:19)
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The Lord tells us of the wise men coming to Jesus to let us know that Jesus did not come just for the Jews, but for all men. They were not Jews and they did not think like Jews because they studied the stars for answers to life and the Jews at that time did not. We are not told what nation they came from, only "from the east". They knew Christ was a king.

Tradition says there were three, but scripture does not tell us how many came.

I believe the stars and planets are written to be for telling of seasons making of the calendar by the moon's cycles, and for signs.

This is by no means the sectarian astroogy of Zodiacs and constellations, no, God gave us true asstrology in th eOT. This is how the wise men knew when they were giventhe sign. Do not ask ME how, for I have not a clue, but I believe what God has given men to write down for His Book.

It was the Jews who first came to worship Christ as Lord, few gentiles came at first. It was Paul who brought the gentiles to Christ.

yeah

God sure messed that one up

must be something in the air

NASA? In a Bible Discussion?

National
Academy
Space
Actors

Do you know who established NASA?