Wise men from the wast

The wise men from the East were philosophers who belonged to an influential and wealthy class within their nation (DA 59.2). While many in their social circle were known for deceiving the public, these specific individuals were upright men of integrity who sought to understand God by studying the indications of Providence found in the natural world (HLv 34.2). Their devotion to the study of nature and the movements of the stars led them to a genuine love for the Creator (SJ 23.1).

These magi demonstrated a deeper appreciation for the Savior’s character than even His own disciples initially possessed (DA 564.3). While the Jewish nation was preoccupied with ambitious worldly plans and remained unaware of the Advent, these seekers from a heathen land traveled to Bethlehem to offer precious gifts and worship the infant Christ in His humble surroundings (DA 621.3). Their arrival at the beginning of Christ's life served as a prophetic parallel to the Greeks who came from the West at the close of His ministry (HLv 416.3).

The experience of these wise men highlights a broader principle regarding true wisdom and the search for God. While some individuals professing to be wise actually become fools by wasting their intellectual and spiritual strength on selfish desires (COL 199.3), those who are truly judicious will be endowed by God with the wisdom necessary to reach even the wealthy and seemingly hopeless classes of society (MM 245.1). Ultimately, human wisdom is considered foolishness unless it is derived from the pure fountain of Christ’s example (13MR 66.1).


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