According to tradition, the Magi, popularly referred to as the Three Wise Men from the East were Balthazar, Melchior, and Caspar.
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“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11)
We do not know how many wise men came to worship the baby Jesus because the Bible does not mention it. According to tradition, the Magi, popularly referred to as the Three Wise Men from the East were Balthazar, Melchior, and Caspar. The three gifts led to a widespread assumption that there were three of them. In the Western Christian church, they are commonly known as: Melchior, a Babylonian scholar, Caspar, a Persian scholar and Balthazar, an Arab scholar. Tradition also referred to the Magi as Kings from the East.
Bible historian Chuck Missler mentions an Armenian tradition identifying the Magi as Balthasar of Arabia, Melchior of Persia and Gasper of India. Many people also think that all the three wise men were Indians. If we look east, China and India are the two great civilizations we can see. Ancient India covers a very large region. It was famous all over the world for its wealth. Gold, diamond and other precious stones as well as exotic perfumes, spices and fragrant oil were in abundance then.
The Magi or the wise men from the east came looking for the baby Jesus. When they finally found him they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their precious treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, incense and myrrh. Mary and Joseph came to the inn of Bethlehem. But since so many people had come for the census, there was no room for them. We are not told whether there was an innkeeper or not. But somebody must have turned them away and they have to settle down in a cave meant for sheltering cattle.
Who are the Wise men today? Wise men today are those who seek God with their whole being. They are those who worship God with reverence and in truth and spirit. They are those who give their best to God with love and with willing and grateful hearts. We are the innkeepers of our hearts. If you want to, you can make room for Jesus. Be one of the wise men and invite Jesus as the Lord and Master of your heart and your life.
Selie Visa