How Do We Pray?

How Old Was Jesus When the Wise Men Came?

How Old Was Jesus When the Wise Men Came?The exact age of Jesus when the wise men (or Magi) visited Him is not definitively stated in the Bible, but it is commonly believed that Jesus was a young child, likely between 1 and 2 years old. This is based on the account in Matthew 2:1-16, where the wise men visit Jesus after His birth, following a star that led them to the place where He was living. However, there are some clues in the text that suggest that the visit could have occurred after Jesus' birth, sometime during His early childhood.The Visit of the Wise MenIn Matthew 2:1-2, it is stated that the wise men came to Jerusalem "saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." After consulting with King Herod, they followed the star to Bethlehem. In Matthew 2:11, they are described as entering the house where Jesus was and offering Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The fact that they visited a "house" rather than a stable suggests that the visit occurred after the birth, possibly when Jesus was no longer an infant.Clues in the TimelineSeveral factors suggest that Jesus was likely around 1 to 2 years old when the Magi visited. First, King Herod, upon learning from the wise men that a new king had been born, ordered the massacre of all male children in Bethlehem under the age of 2, to ensure that Jesus would be killed (Matthew 2:16). Herod’s decree indicates that Jesus was no longer an infant but likely a toddler. Additionally, the Bible does not specify how long after Jesus’ birth the wise men arrived, but their journey would have taken some time. This reinforces the idea that Jesus was no longer an infant when they arrived.The Importance of the VisitThe visit of the wise men to Jesus is significant because it symbolizes the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah by Gentiles. The Magi, likely scholars or astrologers from the East, were among the first to acknowledge Jesus as King and to honor Him with gifts fit for royalty. Their visit fulfills the prophecy in Isaiah 60:3, "And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising," indicating that Jesus' birth was not only for the Jews but for all nations.ConclusionAlthough the Bible does not specify the exact age of Jesus when the wise men visited, it is widely believed that He was between 1 and 2 years old, based on the evidence in Matthew 2. The visit of the Magi marks an important moment in the early life of Jesus, as they acknowledged Him as the King and Savior of all people, fulfilling prophecies about the Messiah (Matthew 2:11-16, Isaiah 60:3).

Why Do Churches Have Crosses?

Why Do Churches Have Crosses? The cross is one of the most recognizable symbols in Christianity, and it holds significant meaning for the Church. For Christians, the cross represents the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, through which He atoned for the sins of humanity. The Church displays crosses as a symbol of Christ’s love, sacrifice, and victory over death. It is a reminder of God's ultimate sacrifice for the redemption of mankind. The Biblical Significance of the Cross The cross is central to the Christian faith and is referenced extensively in the New Testament. In 1 Corinthians 1:18, Paul writes, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." The cross symbolizes both suffering and triumph—it is where Jesus endured pain and death, but it is also the place where He defeated sin and death, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him. The Cross as a Symbol of Sacrifice When churches display a cross, they are acknowledging the incredible sacrifice Jesus made. As stated in John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." Christians are reminded that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of love and the foundation of their faith. The cross serves as an invitation to follow Christ's example of selfless love and obedience to God’s will. The Cross as a Reminder of Redemption The cross also serves as a symbol of the redemption available to all believers through Christ. In Colossians 1:20, it says, "and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross." The Church displays the cross to remind Christians of the forgiveness and reconciliation with God that was made possible through Jesus’ death. Conclusion Churches have crosses because they are a powerful symbol of the Christian faith. They represent Christ’s sacrificial death, the redemption of humanity, and the victory over sin and death. The cross is a constant reminder of God’s love, the central truth of the Gospel, and the call for believers to live in obedience to Christ.

How Many People Did Jesus Raise from the Dead?

How Many People Did Jesus Raise from the Dead?Throughout His ministry, Jesus performed numerous miracles, including raising people from the dead. The Bible records three distinct individuals whom Jesus raised from the dead, demonstrating His power over death and foreshadowing His own resurrection. These miracles served as signs of His divine authority and His compassion for those suffering from the pain of loss. The three individuals were: The Daughter of JairusIn the Gospel of Mark (5:21-43) and Luke (8:40-56), Jesus raised the daughter of Jairus, a synagogue leader, who had died. Upon hearing the news of her death, Jesus went to her home, took her by the hand, and told her to arise. She immediately returned to life, astounding everyone present and confirming Jesus' power over death.The Widow's Son at NainIn the Gospel of Luke (7:11-17), Jesus raised the only son of a widow in the town of Nain. When Jesus saw the funeral procession, He was moved with compassion for the grieving mother. He touched the coffin and commanded the young man to rise. The son sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. This miracle showed Jesus' compassion and ability to restore life (Luke 7:15).Lazarus of BethanyThe most well-known resurrection is that of Lazarus, recorded in John 11:1-44. Lazarus had been dead for four days when Jesus arrived at his tomb. Despite the doubts of those around Him, Jesus called Lazarus to come forth, and Lazarus was resurrected, coming out of the tomb still wrapped in burial cloths. This miracle was a powerful demonstration of Jesus’ authority and foreshadowed His own resurrection (John 11:43-44).ConclusionJesus raised three people from the dead during His ministry—Jairus' daughter, the widow's son, and Lazarus. Each of these resurrections served as a powerful sign of His divine authority and compassion, illustrating His victory over death and His promise of eternal life for those who believe in Him (John 11:25-26).

What Is the Tallest Man in the Bible?

What Is the Tallest Man in the Bible? The tallest man mentioned in the Bible is Og, the King of Bashan. Og is described as a giant and is the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants mentioned in the Old Testament. His height is specifically recorded in the book of Deuteronomy. Og's Physical Stature In Deuteronomy 3:11, the Bible states: "For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the giants; behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? Nine cubits was the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man." This translates to about 13.5 feet (4.1 meters) in length, highlighting the immense size of Og's bed, which reflects his extraordinary height. Who Were the Rephaim? The Rephaim were a group of ancient people mentioned several times in the Bible, known for their large stature. Og was the last of them, and his defeat by the Israelites is recorded in Deuteronomy 3:3, where Moses recounts the victory: "So the Lord our God delivered into our hands Og also, the king of Bashan, and all his people: and we smote him until none was left to him remaining." The Significance of Og’s Height While Og’s height is noted as remarkable, his story also serves to demonstrate God’s power over even the mightiest enemies. Despite Og's enormous size, God gave the Israelites victory over him, showing that no matter how formidable an adversary may seem, God is more powerful. Giant’s Fall Og’s defeat and the destruction of the Rephaim point to God's authority over all powers, physical or spiritual. As 1 Samuel 17:47 reminds us, “For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands.”