“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘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 2:1−2).

Especially at this time of the year, we often wonder: Just exactly who and what were the “wise men” from the East? 

Being born in the deep south of the United States, I have to admit that Eastern Europe, the Middle East and the Far East were very distant lands to me. I knew little about the countries or the people. But in my generation, most of the major wars have originated in the East — the Near East, Far East or Middle East.  

What I have learned since then has given me a deep appreciation for the world and its people who live “east of Jerusalem.” 

The original Magi or wise men that we read about in the New Testament were most likely from what we now know as Iran and Iraq. They were from a class of people who studied ancient writings, religion and astrology. I have spent most of my missionary career with people in the Far East. From my experience, I know their characteristics of literacy, scientific knowledge and deep religious beliefs still rank among the world’s strongest.

“Wise” men and women from the East are still drawn to Jesus, but more than 90% of the people east of Jerusalem have yet to place their trust in Jesus as their Savior and Lord. More than 2 billion people remain “unreached” in that region — more than 2,000 years after Jesus’ birth. 

The first wise men had to rely solely on scholarship, science and obscure spiritual insight to lead them to Christ. The simple shepherds needed to hear the announcement from angelic beings to know how to find Jesus.  

What did it take for you to find Jesus?

The Good News probably came to you through Jesus’ plan to use friends and family, or even strangers, to share His story with you. That’s how both the wise and simple come to faith. The Good News comes through the testimony of another person who speaks your language and knows your culture. The Good News comes through someone sharing a story or passage from the Bible with you and praying for you. This is the brilliant plan that Jesus left us!

Thank you for sharing your Jesus story with people you know and people you meet! Thank you also for helping Reach A Village encourage and equip believers around the world to keep telling the story of Jesus until the whole world can sing:

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let Earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing!

May you and your loved ones have a joyous Christmas season!

Blessings in Christ,

    Robert Craft
    Founder and President

Give Now