What Was the Star of Bethlehem?
A group of wise men, known as Magi, followed a star from Peria to Bethlehem in search of the king that was prophesied to be born. (The story of the Magi’s journey is read in Matthew 2:1-12). The Magi were devoted to a wide range of studies including magic, philosophy, dream interpretation, sacred writings and astrology. They were followers of Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest religions, from the area of ancient Persia and Babylon. It’s from the word Magi that we get the words “magic” and “magician”. Their study of sacred writings and astrology that led them on their journey to find the Messiah.
When they arrived in Jerusalem, they started asking people, “Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2)
Since the ancient writings they read about this king were Hebrew, they figured any Jew would just know where to find the Christ Child. But, Israel was so far from God, King Herod had to consult his own wise men to know what the Magi were talking about.
After leaving the shifty Herod, they followed the star until it came to rest over a house in Bethlehem.
Behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy! (Matthew 2:9-10)
And when they went inside, they found the child just as the Scriptures prophesied. The Magi worshipped Him and presented gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, The three gifts the Magi presented to Jesus is where we get the traditional idea that there were only three wise men, but they would have been many.
Much speculation has been made about this star the Magi followed. The Magi’s trip stretched over 800 miles and would have taken about 40 days. Jesus was about two-years-old at the time.
Theologians and scientists, skeptics and conspiracy theorists have combed history, looking for some mention of a major astrological phenomenon that could explain the Star of Bethlehem. Comets, supernovas and constellations have all been proposed. Perhaps the most popular theory is a conjunction between Jupiter and Venus in August of 3 B.C., and again in June a year later. However, that would have occurred after Herod’s death.
It also doesn’t fit the narrative.
When you read the story, the star was always in the East, and it moved – stopping over the house where Jesus was.
There is no natural explanation. The Magi were being led by something SUPERNATURAL!
…when we understand the text.
(This video is by WWUTT. Discovered by Christian Podcast Central and our community — copyright is owned by the publisher, not Christian Podcast Central.)