Matthew (Who is Yeshua?)

Biblical Literacy: 3 Kings For Baby Jesus?

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Kings or Magi?

The Bible does not actually say that three kings brought gifts to baby Jesus.

In Matthew 2:1–12, the Bible tells us that “wise men from the east” (Greek: magoi, meaning “magi” or scholars/astrologers) came to visit Jesus after His birth. It mentions that they brought three gifts — gold, frankincense, and myrrh — but it never specifies how many magi there were, nor that they were kings.

Here’s the key verse (Matthew 2:11, KJV):

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”

The Bible mentions magi (wise men), not kings.

It mentions three gifts, but not the number of visitors.

The idea of “three kings” likely came later from tradition and song (like “We Three Kings”), probably because there were three types of gifts.

Also, according to the Bible, the wise men (Magi) did not arrive at the same time as the shepherds. The shepherds came the night Jesus was born, but the Magi came later, possibly months — or even up to two years — afterward.

The Shepherds

Found in Luke 2:8–20.

The shepherds were in the fields nearby when the angel announced Jesus’ birth.

They immediately went to Bethlehem and found “the babe lying in a manger.”
This clearly happened the night of Jesus’ birth.

The Wise Men (Magi)

Found in Matthew 2:1–12.

They came “from the east” after seeing a special star that signified a new king.

When they arrived, they entered a house (not a stable) and saw “the young child with Mary his mother” (Matthew 2:11).

King Herod asked when the star appeared and later ordered the killing of boys two years old and under (Matthew 2:16), suggesting Jesus could have been as much as two years old by the time the Magi visited.

Summary

GroupWhen They ArrivedWhere They Found JesusBiblical Source
ShepherdsThe night of His birthIn a mangerLuke 2:8–20
Wise MenWeeks or months laterIn a houseMatthew 2:1–12

So, while Christmas pageants often combine the two groups for simplicity, the Bible clearly describes two separate visits — first by shepherds, then later by the Magi.

They Said It: Alva McClain On The Kingdom Of Heaven

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I’m finishing reading and studying The Greatness of the Kingdom by Alva McClain. Highly recommended as a master class on what Yeshua meant when he repeatedly said, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

It’s not possible to understand the ministry of Yeshua, the plan of God, the role of Israel, or the overall theme of God’s Word and plan for His creation if you don’t understand what the phrase “the kingdom of heaven” means.

Here are some quotes from McClain on the topic:

The Universal Kingdom

“In the universal and providential sense, the kingdom of God has already come and the will of God is being done on earth. This rule of God, in fact, has always existed and has never been abrogated or interrupted. … On the basis of blood-redemption it will put down at last all rebellion with all its evil results, thus finally bringing the kingdom and will of God on earth as it is in heaven. When this purpose has been accomplished, the mediatorial phase of the kingdom will finally disappear as a separate entity, being merged with the universal kingdom of God.” From LifeCoach4God

Biblical Continuity with Prophecy

“In announcing the approaching advent of ‘the kingdom of heaven,’ Jesus had in view the very kingdom which the prophets had foretold.”
From LifeCoach4God

Present and Spiritual Expression

“Thus, as Christian believers, we actually enter the kingdom prior to its establishment on earth, something so remarkable that it is spoken of as a translation (Col 1:13).”
From LifeCoach4God

Restoration to Israel

“Therefore, until Israel is where he ought to be, both religiously and politically, there can be no thorough and permanent solution of the international problems.”
From Goodreads

Watchdog Alert: Nuclear-Armed Pakistan And India On The Brink Of War

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Bible Rebel continues to keep a watchdog’s eye on events around the world.

But don’t be overly troubled, remember the words of our Lord in Matthew 24:6-8.

And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Here’s the latest:

Pakistan Claims It Downed Indian Drone

Pakistan’s army reported shooting down an Indian quadcopter in the Manawar sector of Bhimber, Kashmir, along the Line of Control (LoC). This follows escalating tensions after an April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians. India has accused Pakistan of supporting the attackers, leading to retaliatory measures such as suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and closing the Wagah-Attari border. Pakistan responded by shutting its airspace to Indian flights and halting trade. Both nations have increased military posturing, with Pakistan upgrading airbases and India testing anti-ship missiles.
From The Times of India

India and Pakistan on War Footing

A terror attack in Kashmir has pushed India and Pakistan closer to conflict. India claims the attack was cross-border terrorism supported by Pakistan and has vowed to retaliate. In response, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, depriving Pakistan of crucial water resources. Pakistan condemned this as an “act of war.” Both sides have put their forces on high alert, with low-level clashes occurring along the LoC. The historical dispute over Kashmir continues to fuel tensions, with India revoking Article 370 in 2019 to bring the region under its control, further straining relations.
From The Conversation

India-Pakistan Conflict Escalates

Following the Pahalgam attack, India and Pakistan have engaged in tit-for-tat measures, including diplomatic downgrades, trade restrictions, and border closures. India has accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism, while Pakistan denies involvement and calls for a neutral investigation. Military skirmishes have intensified along the LoC, with both sides exchanging gunfire. The situation remains volatile, with fears of further escalation as both nations bolster their military presence.
From Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Door Mat For Jesus? Nope

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Someone recently told me that they hope I “find peace” someday.

How presumptuous.

I found peace a long time ago when I accepted the Prince of Peace.

To walk in faith doesn’t mean you’re supposed to be a door mat for others to walk on. And it doesn’t mean that you walk in fear of speaking up for your principles or doing what’s right according to those principles, even if that stirs the pot and ruffles some slippery feathers.

And let’s never forget our Lord’s words in Matthew 10:34, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.”

Yes, our battles are spiritual, but they manifest in the real world of flesh and blood.

We are not only light, but also salt. And salt can sting when put on a wound, and this world is wounded.

So, my peace is in Him – not in bending the knee for the sake of comfort, acceptance, and convenience to the wicked god of this age.

Current News Of Wars And Rumors Of Wars

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Here is Jesus, in Matthew 24:6-7, teaching his disciples about the end times. But also encouraging them to ‘see that ye be not troubled’.

“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” (KJV)

Much of what our Lord was prophesying here had to do with the coming destruction of Jerusalem and the Jewish Temple, which would happen within 40 years or so of this prophesy and his imminent death and resurrection.

However there is no reason not to consider that he was also making a double prophecy, which is fairly common in the Bible, extending the meaning here to also warn of the time immediately preceding the Final Judgement, which is still future as of this blog post.

Let’s remember though, that people and nations in all times and places have experienced wars, famine, earthquakes, and pestilence. This prophecy is referring to a specific people in a specific place and time(s)- the people are those disciples living in the place, Jerusalem and Judea, at the time preceding the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD and also in some future time right before The End.

Even so, as watchdogs living in this time and place we should always keep our ears tuned ‘rumors of wars’ and be aware of the seasons of God’s plans and purposes.

So here is a brief recap of some of the international war news happening right now.

Ukraine-Russia War

Russian drones targeted Kharkiv, but Ukrainian air defenses intercepted a Shahed drone during the attack. Additionally, Ukrainian forces claimed to have killed 21 North Korean soldiers supporting Russian troops in a standoff in Russia’s Kursk region: Sky News

Gaza Conflict

Tens of thousands of Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza for the first time since the early weeks of the war with Hamas. The ceasefire remains fragile as both sides trade blame over deal violations: AP News

Democratic Republic of Congo

Rebels have moved into the key city of Goma, leading to thousands fleeing the fighting as the situation continues to escalate: AP News

Sudan’s Darfur Region

About 70 people were killed in an attack on a hospital in Sudan’s Darfur region, according to the WHO chief. The ongoing conflict in Darfur continues to cause significant humanitarian crises: Associated Press

Wars, Rumors Of Wars, And Earthquakes

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‘Israel at war day 457: What happened in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon?’

Some of the latest troubling news from the Jerusalem Post, including the possibility of a return to full-scale war with Hezbollah in the North and and the ongoing conflict with Hamas in the South.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/2025-01-05/live-updates-836097

Major Earthquake in Tibet

6.8 magnitude earthquake near holy city in Tibet leaves at least 128 dead and many injured.
https://abcnews.go.com/International/68-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-holy-city-tibet/story?id=117405149

Reading current news and events, especially lately, makes me think of passages like these from Matthew:

Matthew 24:6-8 – You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. (NIV)

Is the current unrest and violence in and around the land of Israel an example of biblical prophecy being fulfilled? Well, yes and no.

Yes, in the sense that we have been living in the ‘end times’ since the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ over 2000 years ago.

But no, not specifically – because there have been wars and earthquakes and famine and pestilence all over the world, including in the Holy Land, on a regular basis for all of those 2000 years.

I hope to make the topic of biblical prophecy and its relevance, or non relevance, to current events a priority topic for discussion, commentary, and study on the biblerebel.com blog going forward. So stay tuned.

Matthew: A Baby And A Jealous King

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Our regular Thursday feature at Bible Rebel is called ‘What’s The Big Idea’, where we’ll introduce and explore larger biblical themes and go deeper into biblical teaching through commentary, research, and even creative writing from guest writers.

We start today with a look at the book of Matthew and it’s major theme of the King and the Kingdom.

A Tale of Two Kings

In Matthew 2:1-3 we get a snapshot of the impact the birth of our Lord had on wicked King Herod and on the capitol city of occupied Judea, Jerusalem.

Matthew 2:1-3 (NIV):
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’ When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.”

Do you see the contrast between the two kings there? The Magi asked about the one who had been ‘born King of Jews’ and they asked it of ‘King Herod’, the false king of Jews .

Craig Keener’s Socio-Historical Commentary puts it this way: ‘The “king of the Jews” title given by the Magi contrasts with Herod’s illegitimacy as a ruler, appointed by Rome rather than descended from Davidic lineage.‘

And from Matthew Henry’s Commentary: ‘Herod’s reaction reveals his fear and jealousy. Rather than rejoicing at the fulfillment of prophecy, Herod sees Jesus as a threat to his power.’

No wondered he was ‘disturbed’. He must have thought, “Who do these so-called Magi think they are coming up in here and asking me, the reigning King, about some other baby king? We’ll see about that! No one is taking my throne.”

Political Trouble

Matthew 2:3 – “When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.“

We know why Herod was disturbed by the news of a baby king, but why was all Jerusalem also troubled?

From the Expositor’s Bible Commentary: ‘Jerusalem’s disturbance highlights the tension of living under Herod’s volatile leadership.’

‘Volatile leadership’ indeed.

The citizens of Jerusalem certainly had reason to be worried, because their ruler was known to be vicious and cruel – and those concerns were confirmed by his later actions when Herod ordered the execution of all male children who were two years old and under in the vicinity of Bethlehem, where the true King was born – a demonic level of evil that is almost unimaginable.

Questions and a Final Answer

The question of why a loving God would allow such evil to occur, doing nothing to stop the slaughter of innocents, is a subject to be explored in-depth in future ‘What’s The Big Idea’ posts.

I’ll conclude here by pointing out that Matthew 2:1-3 affirms that God does watch over His own and will bring His purposes to full fruition, even in the midst of a dark and dangerous world filled with evil kings and political turmoil.

And the one true King will return in due time to set the world right.